TORTOISE HIBERNATION

When most people think of hibernation, they picture mammals like bears or groundhogs. But did you know that many reptiles, including tortoises, go through a similar process called brumation? During this period, their metabolism drops, digestion stops, and they become largely inactive to survive the cold winter months.

In captivity, brumation can be healthy and natural for certain species, but it carries risks if done incorrectly. Proper preparation, monitoring, and guidance from a reptile veterinarian are essential for keeping your tortoise safe during this vulnerable time.

Hibernation and brumation are often confused, but they are not the same. Although people often call it “tortoise hibernation,” the process is technically brumation. Hibernation refers to a deep, prolonged sleep in warm-blooded animals such as mammals. Brumation, in contrast, occurs in reptiles like turtles and tortoises: they remain dormant but may occasionally wake to drink water or shift position.

Using the right term helps you understand your tortoise’s biology, but in everyday pet care “hibernation” and “brumation” are often used interchangeably.

• Hermann’s Tortoise
• Spur- thighed (Greek) Tortoise
• Russian Tortoise
• Desert Tortoise

• Mimics natural seasonal cycles
• Can extend lifespan if done properly
• Helps regulate healthy growth rates (preventing tortoises from growing too quickly, which can cause medical issues)

Brumation usually begins in late autumn. Preparation takes about 4 weeks for adults and 2–3 weeks for juveniles, so plan ahead.

Steps Before Hibernation (Brumation)

1. Veterinary check-up – Ensure your tortoise is healthy and parasite-free. Tortoises showing signs of illness should not undergo brumation (Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation).

2. Stop feeding – About 4 weeks before brumation for adults, 1–2 weeks for juveniles.

3. Empty the digestive tract – Keep your tortoise warm for the first week after stopping food so it can fully digest.

4. Gradual cooling – Lower temperatures by about 5°C (9°F) each week over 3 weeks. Reduce lighting hours as well.

During Hibernation: What to Expect

During brumation, it’s important to monitor your tortoise closely.

Normal Signs

• Very little to no activityNo urination or defecation

• Mild weight loss

Monitoring Steps

• Keep temperatures steady at the recommended range for your species.

• Some veterinarians recommend weighing your tortoise every 1–2 weeks during brumation (hibernation). A small amount of weight loss is normal. Try to keep disturbances to a minimum and handle your tortoise gently. Once you’re comfortable with the process and if your tortoise’s condition is stable, you can reduce weight checks to about once a month.

• Soak your tortoise every 2–4 weeks (species-dependent) to prevent dehydration.

  • For some species, maintaining a slightly moist substrate may provide enough humidity to prevent dehydration without additional soaking.

• Tip: A tortoise should enter brumation with a full bladder, since the bladder serves as a water reserve.

Warning Signs to Watch for During Hibernation

• Excessive movement or restlessness

• Urination during brumation

• Drastic weight loss (more than 8–10% of body weight)

If you notice any of these signs, consult your veterinarian immediately.

After Hibernation: Waking Up Your Tortoise

The weeks after brumation (hibernation) are just as critical as preparation.

1. Warm-up – Gradually raise the temperature over 24 hours with heat lamps and lighting.

2. Rehydrate – Give warm baths (30 minutes, once to twice daily at first). This helps flush out toxins and prevents dehydration.

3. Nutrition – Most healthy tortoises begin eating within a week. If your tortoise does not, seek veterinary care. Learn more about the best diet for your pet tortoise here.

4. Veterinary check – A post-brumation exam ensures your tortoise is healthy and stable.

Refrigerator Method

A small, dedicated refrigerator is one of the most controlled ways to brumate (hibernate) a tortoise. This technique is often preferred due to the ease in monitoring and the consistency of temperature and humidity.

• Temperature: 3–7°C (37–45°F), depending on species
• Pros: Stable, easy to monitor
• Cons: Requires a separate fridge, risk of dryness (add a water dish)

Box Method

This technique involves a wooden box or a double box with small air holes in the sides. This box must be well insulated, well-ventilated, rodent proof and must be kept in a temperature stable room. Never keep the box in the attic, where temperatures can fluctuate.

Wine Cooler / Chiller

A wine cooler, chiller, or mini bar cabinet can also work well if they maintain the correctly needed temperature range.

• Pros: Precise control, low vibration
• Cons: Units can fail or dry the air—monitor closely with a separate thermometer.

Outdoor Hibernation

We do not recommend outdoor brumation (hibernation) unless you live in your tortoise’s natural habitat. For most pet owners, outdoor brumation leaves temperatures uncontrolled and exposes your tortoise to predators or accidental injuries (such as from gardening).

Research has also shown that outdoor brumation is one of the leading risk factors for pet tortoise deaths during hibernation (Baldrey et al. 2022).

Do all tortoises need to hibernate?
No, not all tortoises hibernate (brumate). Species like leopard and sulcata tortoises remain active year-round. Always research your species before attempting hibernation.

Should I let my pet tortoise hibernate? What happens if I don’t?
If your tortoise is a species that naturally experiences cold winters in the wild, it will likely brumate (hibernate) as part of its natural life cycle. For these species, there are real health benefits to brumation. Skipping brumation (hibernation) year after year can cause faster growth and long-term health issues. However, tortoises that come from warm climates year-round, such as many tropical and North African species, do not brumate (hibernate).

No matter the species, your tortoise must be in excellent health before attempting brumation (hibernation), and the process should only be done by owners who are properly trained and prepared, as mistakes can be fatal.

How long does tortoise hibernation last? 
The length of hibernation depends on species, age, and climate. On average, pet tortoises brumate for 10–14 weeks during late fall and winter. Younger or smaller tortoises require shorter brumation periods, while larger or older tortoises may hibernate longer.

Do water turtles hibernate like tortoises?
Yes, some aquatic turtles such as red-eared sliders, softshell turtles, and snapping turtles also brumate in winter. They typically bury themselves at the bottom of ponds or lakes, where their slowed metabolism reduces oxygen needs. Some species can even absorb oxygen through their skin or cloaca, allowing them to survive underwater for months without surfacing.

Can baby tortoises hibernate?
Juvenile tortoises can brumate, but for shorter periods than adults. Preparation usually takes 2–3 weeks, and the brumation period itself should be shorter as well. Always consult a reptile veterinarian before hibernating a young tortoise.

Can I wake my tortoise up early from hibernation?
If your tortoise shows signs of illness, loses too much weight, or if temperatures become unstable, it is safer to wake them early than risk their health.

How do I know if my tortoise is dead or just hibernating?
Brumating tortoises are very still, but they’re not lifeless. Check for subtle movements, breathing, or a response to gentle stimulation. If unsure, consult a reptile vet immediately.

What temperature should a tortoise hibernate at?
Most tortoises brumate (hibernate) safely between 3–7°C (37–45°F) but check the recommendations for your specific species. Keeping temperatures too high can cause the tortoise to burn energy and starve, while too low can be fatal. Always use a reliable thermometer to monitor conditions.

Is refrigerator hibernation safe for tortoises?
Yes, many keepers use a dedicated refrigerator for tortoise brumation because it provides stable temperatures. It must not be the same fridge used for food, and owners should monitor temperature and humidity regularly with a separate thermometer.

• Navarrette, A. (2019, December 19). Brumation in turtles and tortoises. TVMF. Retrieved from https://www.tvmf.org/articles/brumation-in-turtles-and-tortoises/
• Baldrey, V., Guezennec, L., & Hedley, J. (2022). Risk factors influencing brumation success in captive tortoises in the United Kingdom. Veterinary Record, 190(8), e1377, https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.1377