How to Stop Young Tortoises From Going Into Hibernation

Young tortoises, like other cold-blooded reptiles, are active during the months that are warm enough to support their temperature requirements. When the temperature drops during the winter or rainy, fall months, tortoises enter a hibernation phase. However, young tortoises don't always survive this process. Therefore, it may be beneficial to stop the hibernation in young, captive tortoises, by providing forms of artificial heat.

Things You'll Need

  • Thermometer
  • Heat lamp
  • Space heater
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Instructions

    • 1

      Attach a thermometer to the inside of the tortoise's enclosure, so you can monitor the constant temperature. It's important to be aware of your tortoise's specific needs, as they are not the same for all species.

    • 2

      Place a heat lamp on the end of the tortoise's enclosure, if extra heat is needed to match their accustomed summer temperatures. A space heater may be used for larger species, to raise the ambient room temperature. It's usually easiest to maintain and monitor their enclosure's temperature if they're kept in a controlled, indoor environment.

    • 3

      Bathe the tortoise in warm water, if it begins to seek shelter or show other signs of hibernation. It can be dangerous for tortoises to hibernate without being adequately prepared for it -- a stomach full of food could rot inside the tortoise and kill the animal.