Hibernation is a critical biological process for temperate tortoise species kept as pets, and poor hibernation management is one of the leading causes of tortoise illness and death.
Tortoise hibernation is simultaneously a welfare necessity and a welfare risk. For species that naturally hibernate, forcing them to remain active through winter causes physiological stress and shortens their lives. Yet poorly managed hibernation - at incorrect temperatures, with underweight animals, or for excessive duration - causes slow starvation, dehydration, or cold injury. The welfare-optimal approach combines pre-hibernation health assessment and weight checks, appropriate cooling-down protocol, temperature-controlled hibernation in a refrigerator or cool outbuilding, regular weight monitoring, and careful rewarming in spring. Tortoises that maintain weight during hibernation and rehydrate promptly in spring are typically in good welfare. Owners who follow evidence-based hibernation guidance protect their tortoises from one of the most preventable causes of companion tortoise death.