Russian tortoise not hibernating

[the.tortoise.paradise]

Hey there! I have a russian tortoise that is not even trying to hibernate. This was the 3rd winter when other tortoises go to sleep with no problem. But this russian tortoise just keeps eating and taking sunbaths. Eats with no problem but doesn't want to drink any water. I've offered different places to drink but just hates water.
Are these behaviors common in russian tortoises?

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

I am tagging @Tom to weigh in on here. But yes, not drinking or hating water seems to be common in russians.

 

[Tom]

Hey there! I have a russian tortoise that is not even trying to hibernate. This was the 3rd winter when other tortoises go to sleep with no problem. But this russian tortoise just keeps eating and taking sunbaths. Eats with no problem but doesn't want to drink any water. I've offered different places to drink but just hates water.
Are these behaviors common in russian tortoises?

Some do that. Some don't. Its up to you to give them the option to do these things, or not.

Most Russians don't drink very often. That is why you need to soak them at least once or twice a week.

 

[the.tortoise.paradise]

Thanks. I already soak him once a week. I'll do twice to make sure it has the best.
Thanks eeryone.

 

[Sarah2020]

Hi, I have a russian and he has been in and now out of brumation. Brumation needs planning and prep around October i.e no food (needs an empty stomach) and then no heat and light and moved to a suitable place for a few months. If they are in the enc with food, water, heat and light they will not brumate.
I soak 3 times a week since Speedy was a hatchling in a high sided container for min 30 mins to 1 hour. I weight on a Sunday to check weight gain / loss. Brumation is now coming to an end so basically keep going with the current routine ensuring correct set up temp, light, diet, calcium and substrate etc ..