Hibernation

[froggyraine]

My 4-1/2 year old Marg has never been hibernated, I got told told he never needed to be because he was going to be kept indoors and I was never going to breed. I got him when he was 12 weeks old, is this the case unless they live outside ?

 

[johnsonnboswell]

It's more complicated than that, but you don't have hibernate your tortoise, especially in a suitable environment that mimics summer.

 

[froggyraine]

Oh good thank you for the reply I appreciate it

 

[Speedy-1]

I think hibernation occurs naturally to survive unsuitable weather conditions. So , no bad weather no hibernation .

 

[Gillian M]

Since I have had mybeloved tort, 4.5 years or so, he has not hibernated. I live in a flat and during the very cold Winter days the central heating system as well as the electric heater are both on almost all the time. Therefore, hibernation depends on the weather.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

There is a lot of debate about whether hibernating should be carried out or not.
Some people do it, some don't, some say it's bad to overwinter every year, others say it does no harm if you get the conditions right.
It's your decision.
However never hibernate a sick or underweight tortoise.