We highly recommend that you never Hibernate or Brumate any animal as it can be very dangerous.

What is Hibernation?

Hibernation happens to reptiles including most Tortoise species. Hibernation is a state of a complete physiological shutdown (deep sleep) where the animal drastically reduces their metabolic rate, slowing their heart rate, breathing, and body temperature to conserve energy during this period, this is a way in which the animal can try to survive in harsh weather conditions.

How does Hibernation work?

Some Tortoise will naturally hibernate due to the environment like dropping temperature and shorter days. If the Tortoise is in an enclosure indoors with the heat bulb and uv light then the tortoise is less likely to hibernate as they are getting the constant heat resource. However, if a tortoise is left outside then they are more likely to hibernate. The ambient temperature must stay at 6c throughout the 2-3 months, this is usually late November to early December and ends at the beginning of February. They will stop eating, drink less, empty their guts, and sun themselves more often. When they start they will hide (dig under soil) or if you force them using shredded newspaper and hay in a box, with air holes, safe from wild animals.

How does hibernation affect Tortoises?

Although, many years ago most people had a tortoise that they let out in their garden all year around. As the years have gone by our climate has changed and the weather conditions during the winter have gotten colder. Hibernating Tortoises is very very dangerous, they cannot cope as well as they used to outside.

If hibernated incorrectly, it will cause health conditions to the tortoise, for example, respiratory infection, runny nose syndrome, or can cause death. You should never hibernate a tortoise that is ill or has been as it will not work, and only cause more harm to the animal.

What is Brumation?

Brumation is the definition for Terrapins/ Turtles that go into a state of a complete physiological shutdown (deep sleep) where the animal drastically reduces their metabolic rate, slowing their heart rate, breathing, and body temperature to conserve energy. This happens at the bottom of the unheated tank or pond.

How does Brumation work?

Some Terrapins/ Turtles will naturally brumate due to the environment like dropping temperature and shorter days. If the animal is in a tank indoors with the heat bulb and uv light then the animal is less likely to brumate as they are getting the constant heat resource. However, if a turtle is left outside then they are more likely to brumate. The ambient temperature must stay at 3-5°C throughout the 2-3 months, this is usually late November to early December and ends at the beginning of February. They will stop eating, empty their guts, and sun themselves more often. When they start they will hide in the water under rocks/stones, safe from wild animals.

How does Brumation affect Terrapins/Turtles?