At What Age Should Baby Desert Tortoises Be Hibernated?

There is some debate on whether a hatchling (baby) desert tortoise should be hibernated. Some experts once recommended that they not be hibernated until their third winter. However, with more knowledge about pet desert tortoises, that advice is changing. The decision to hibernate your hatchling desert tortoise should take into account your ability to provide a good hibernation spot and the health of your hatchling.

  1. Hibernation in the Wild

    • In the wild desert tortoises will hibernate in a burrow their first winter. Hibernation protects them from freezing temperatures and flooding.

    Age Recommendations

    • The Arizona Game and Fish Department recommends that desert tortoises be allowed to hibernate their first winter, as they would in the wild.

    Health

    • Before hibernation tortoises should be checked by a reptile veterinarian. Hibernating a tortoise, especially a young one, that is not healthy puts them at greater risk of dying during hibernation.

    Before Hibernating

    • Tortoises will need lots of food before hibernating. You will be able to see them build a fat reserve in their legs for hibernation.

    Accommodations

    • Tortoises can be placed in a box that is large enough to fit them. The box can then be stored in the garage or a closet if temperatures are kept below 50 degrees F.