Hibernation for cold-blooded animals is called the term "brumation". Many species of tortoises and tortoises in warm climates hibernate in winter. Meanwhile, these animals born in captivity do not need it to gradually live. However, an annual hibernation period can increase the chances of breeding success. Do some research on your specific pet's needs, and follow the instructions below to safely prepare and care for him while he is hibernating. Do not force sick animals to hibernate, and be aware of the dangers of drowning, freezing, and starvation.
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Part 1 of 5: Defining Hibernation
Step 1. Determine if your pet turtle species needs to hibernate
Generally, all tortoises and tortoises from tropical climates close to the equator do not hibernate; the further away from this line they live, the greater their need to hibernate. Do some research on what he needs before starting hibernation. Species that often hibernate are:
- box turtle
- Russian tortoise or Horsfield
- Big thigh turtle
- Striped tortoise
- Hermann's tortoise
- Desert tortoise
- Gofer tortoise
- Texas tortoise
- wood turtle
- Spotted turtle
- Red eared turtle
- Sharp nose turtle
Step 2. Have your vet check your pet's health
Only healthy animals can hibernate. During this time, the body's immune system will slow down significantly, and sick turtles may die soon after or during hibernation. Examine your tortoise carefully for signs of disease. Even if you don't see anything, take him to the vet for a check-up. Signs of disease include:
- Swollen eyes
- Discharge from the nostrils
- Ears swell
- Light body weight
- Difficulty breathing, indicated by frequent opening of the mouth
- Turtles that often avoid water at night
- Abscess or other signs of parasitic infestation
- Wounds or rot in the shell
- Strong odor and inflammation or discharge under the tail
- One of these signs in the mouth: small blood spots; dark red-purple tinge; cheese yellow liquid
Step 3. Learn how pets hibernate
Most experts recommend keeping tortoises and turtles indoors and keeping them active in winter. For tortoise species that live outdoors, during winter, keep animals indoors if their natural habitat is not safe. Water turtles can hibernate outdoors as long as the environment is safe and the water doesn't freeze. Turtles and semi-aquatic and land turtles can hibernate both indoors and outdoors. If he stays outdoors, he will respond to changes in temperature and length of sunlight, and then know instinctively when and how to start preparing. If he lives indoors, you'll need to simulate these things.
- Learn from a local animal club or ask your vet if you're not sure how to care for a turtle.
- Most turtles and box turtles hibernate between October or November, to late February or early April in the US.
- Most turtles and tortoises hibernate for 2-4 months. Some species in certain areas may do so for up to 6 months, although this duration is not necessarily necessary. Check with your veterinarian for recommendations specific to your tortoise.
Part 2 of 5: Preparing for Hibernation
Step 1. Weigh your pet
Keep track of its weight throughout its hibernation period to see if it's losing weight healthily or dangerously from starvation. Weigh the current tortoise or tortoise to measure its weight, and continue weighing every 2-3 weeks.
- Use the same scale for every weighing in hibernation to completion.
- Use a digital scale for animals under 2.5 kg to ensure accuracy.
Step 2. Give vitamin A in the summer
Before feeding a tortoise or tortoise, provide more vitamin A, as hibernation will erode its stock. In early summer (12-16 weeks before hibernation), start adding vitamin A-rich foods to his diet. You can use some of the foods below in place of the usual ones. Examples include:
- For the tortoise: carrots and pumpkins
- For turtles (non-meat): green leafy vegetables such as kale, broccoli, mustard and green cauliflower, and dandelions; orange vegetables, such as alfalfa, pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes; as well as orange fruits, such as cantaloupe melons and peaches
- For turtles (meat): fish and baby mice
- If your pet is getting a lot of vitamin A, continue to feed it normally.
Step 3. Increase fiber intake
As the end of summer approaches (late July, or 6-8 weeks before hibernation), swap some of his normal diet for fiber-rich options.
- Good sources of fiber for tortoises and turtles include alfalfa and timoti hay, both of which are high fiber grasses and shrubs.
- If your pet usually eats a fiber-rich diet, continue to feed it.
Step 4. Fast the animal within 2-6 weeks before hibernation
Many turtles and turtles die because the owners hibernate them with food that is still left in their digestive organs. Do not hibernate an animal that has eaten in the past month. If your pet is like this, delay hibernation. Check with your veterinarian to find out the specific fasting times for your tortoise species.
- Undigested food can kill a hibernating animal in two events. Food can rot and cause a fatal bacterial infection in the animal's body; or rot and produce so much gas that it would compress his lungs until he suffocated. If you are unsure, contact your veterinarian.
- The digestive system of animals is greatly affected by air temperature.
- Turtles may need 3-6 weeks. Small ones (<1kg) need 3 weeks; medium-sized ones (1-1.5 kg) need 3-4 weeks; while the big ones (2-3 kg) need 4-6 weeks.
- Turtles need approx 2-3 weeks. Small turtles, such as box turtles, may only need 10-14 days.
Step 5. Make sure your pet stays hydrated
While fasting, soak the turtle or tortoise every two days, for 20-30 minutes in chin-deep water. Make sure he has access to constant drinking water, from now until the end of his hibernation. This way, he can remove waste from his digestive system and stay hydrated.
Step 6. Reduce the temperature before hibernation
Temperature determines a pet's metabolism, this is why hibernation occurs during cold weather. Make sure all the food is out of the animal's body before you move on to the next step. Do not reduce the temperature to below 10°C.
- Turtle: start 1 week before hibernation. Leave the temperature at 18°C for 2-3 days, then gradually reduce to 15°C for 2-3 days. After that, reduce it again to 10°C or just a little below.
- Turtles: start 4 weeks before hibernation. Gradually reduce the temperature to 15°C over a week, then maintain the temperature between 13-15°C for 3 weeks so he can fully digest his last meal.
- 10°C is the maximum (warmest) temperature for hibernation to occur. If a tortoise or tortoise is exposed to this temperature, it will begin to hibernate.
Step 7. Decide where the animal will hibernate
Most pet owners use refrigerators to hibernate indoors, but this trick should be used with extreme care. Make sure the tortoise or tortoise is completely safe from predators such as rats, which like to chew.
- If the habitat is outdoor water, make sure it won't freeze and is at least 45.7 cm deep.
- If he stays indoors, find a cool location for him. Many people use the refrigerator. Others choose a garage, basement, or other room at room temperature.
- Choose a location with a normal temperature above 10°C. If the power goes out, your pet runs away, or another incident occurs, make sure the tortoises and tortoises stay alive regardless of changes in temperature in the surrounding environment.
Step 8. Prepare the refrigerator if needed
If you choose to keep your animal in the refrigerator for hibernation, watch the refrigerator and the tortoise carefully to avoid death.
- Adjust ventilation properly. The refrigerator is an airtight object, so you must provide air for your pet. Open the door at least 3 times a week, for 1-2 minutes.
- Refrigerator temperature test. Place the thermometer in the refrigerator and monitor its fluctuations and accuracy. If the refrigerator temperature varies greatly, fill it with something else, such as a water bottle, that maintains the temperature more steadily than air.
- Choose a refrigerator that you won't use often throughout the day. Opening and closing the door frequently can mess up the temperature, as well as turning the lights on and off.
Step 9. Check your pet regularly
The tortoise or tortoise may become less active, but he should still appear alert and reactive. If he's sick, doesn't move, or looks abnormal, get him checked out by a vet. Do not proceed to the next step: hibernation can kill a sick turtle or turtle.
Part 3 of 5: Creating the Hibernaculum
Step 1. Select the boxes
Hibernaculum is a small container as a hibernation place for turtles or turtles, which protects them from various dangers. Prepare two boxes: one that is two or three times the size of the animal, and one that is only a few centimeters larger than its body. The smaller box should fit into the larger box, 2.5 to 5 cm apart on each side.
- The outer box must be made of a sturdy material that can withstand rat chewing. Use plywood, plastic, or plain wood. Avoid cardboard.
- The tortoise or tortoise should be able to turn in the smaller box, but not change positions drastically.
Step 2. Choose insulation
This is an important step. You need material to fill the gaps between the big and small squares. This way, the animal's body temperature will be maintained and it will avoid the risk of dying or waking up too early.
The best insulation is polystyrene or foam wrap. Other alternatives include homemade insulation materials. If needed, you can also use tightly packed strips of paper
Step 3. Add a thermometer
A thermometer is a basic necessity for checking the temperature in an animal's environment. You'll need to check it often, so buy one you can understand and use well.
- Many pet owners like to use a maximum-minimum reading thermometer, which can be purchased from any gardening or gardening supply store.
- Other owners prefer an alarmed thermometer, which will sound when the temperature is above or below a certain threshold.
Step 4. Arrange your squares
Place the bottom layer of insulation in a large box. Place a small square in the center, just above the insulation. Add the remaining insulation across the sides of the smaller box. Install the insulation over the lid of the box. Make small ventilation holes in this lid. Cover the bottom of the smallest box with a certain substrate. Some examples include:
- coir (crushed coconut husk)
- straw
- newspaper snippets
- peat
- moss
- commercial substrates for reptiles, such as Carefresh or Bed-A-Beast
- Do not use fertilized substrates, plant foods, or other chemical additives
- Check the substrate moisture level for your animal species. For example, box turtles need a substrate that is so moist that it is almost wet.
- Turtles and tortoises consume very little oxygen in hibernation, but still need it. Make small ventilation holes (less than 1.25 cm in diameter).
Part 4 of 5: Hibernation
Step 1. Start hibernation
Make sure the turtle or tortoise is not sick or injured, does not store food in its digestive system, has constant access to water, and is at temperatures around or above 10°C. If any of these conditions are not present, do not force it to hibernate. Conversely, if all conditions are complete, put the animal into the hibernaculum. Place this hibernaculum in a cool location during hibernation, except when you're checking it.
- If your animal is hibernating outdoors, in the wild and not in hibernaculum, make sure it doesn't sink or freeze at its hibernation point. He should still have constant access to drinking water.
- If an animal hibernates outdoors, it will bury itself naturally, either in or around a pond. The pond should have a dugable soil or mud cushion, and be at least 45.7 cm deep to maintain temperature. If needed, you can prevent the pool from freezing by using a float heater in the winter.
- If the outdoor turtle doesn't hibernate despite the cooler weather, or you see it swimming or sunbathing a lot when its friends are gone, bring it indoors. Some species of turtle/tortoise don't know how to hibernate and won't survive winter if they stay outdoors.
Step 2. Examine the turtle physically for 1-2 weeks
Holding a turtle or turtle hibernating will not kill it. What's really dangerous is when you ignore it. Check the turtle, regardless of where or how it hibernates, both indoors and outdoors. Look for signs of infection, illness, or poor hibernation; look at the hibernaculum and look for signs of urine, feces, or the presence of predators (such as rat rats).
- If: 1) the tortoise or turtle pees/defecates while hibernating, 2) the skin is dry, or 3) the hibernaculum is much wetter than usual, soak the animal in room temperature water for 2 hours. The water level should be just below the bridge. Dry the animal thoroughly and return it to the hibernaculum in a slightly cooler location: this means it is being kept in a location that is too warm and dehydrates it.
- Signs of infection include discharge, difficulty breathing, and changes in the skin or shell. If you notice anything worrisome, call your vet.
- If the animal's skin is cold or the hibernaculum is wetter than usual, soak it in room temperature water for two hours.
Step 3. Maintain a temperature level of 4.5°C
The ideal temperature for hibernation is at this level, although the actual animal can still perform the hibernation function at a temperature of 1.5-7°C. Lower temperatures make animals more likely to suffer permanent damage or death; while higher will make him burn too much fat, so he will start to wake up and leave the hibernation period.
- Check the thermometer at least once a day. Check in very cold or hot times.
- If the temperature is consistently warm or cold for several hours, move the hibernaculum to a place where the temperature is more optimal.
Step 4. Weigh the animal
Weigh the tortoise or tortoise with the scale used before hibernation. Do it every few days. Record the weight. Healthy turtles and tortoises will lose 0-1% of their body weight every month. Some examples of healthy weight loss are:
- A 1 kg tortoise that loses 10 g per month
- 1.5 kg tortoise losing 15 g per month
- A 2 kg tortoise that loses 20 g per month
- If your tortoise or tortoise is losing weight faster, make sure it is re-hydrated by soaking it in room temperature water for 2 hours. This water level should be just below the bridge section. If your animal is losing weight more quickly for more than a week, contact your veterinarian.
- For example, a tortoise or tortoise weighing 600 grams should only lose 6 grams each month.
- Save this note for the next time you want it to hibernate.
Part 5 of 5: Waking Up After Hibernation
Step 1. Remove the animal from the cold
Before doing anything, double-check the hibernation duration of the turtle or tortoise; most need 2-4 months. Remove the hibernaculum and warm it up to 15°C. Soak the turtle or tortoise as you would every day.
Step 2. Increase the temperature
Store animals at 15°C for 2 days. Increase and maintain at 18-20°C for 2-3 days. Afterwards, return the animal to the non-hibernating temperature setting (21°C-27°C).
- Waking up is the opposite of hibernation. This “wake up” activity is indicated by more movement and activity. Drinking water is important throughout this process. However, the animal may not want to eat.
- Maintain a warm temperature. Temperature is important for an animal's metabolism, and cold temperatures can make them susceptible to illness. Use a heating lamp or focal light to warm him up if he is not active or eating properly.
Step 3. Wet your pet
Soak it in water for 20-30 minutes every day, as you have been doing all this time. Make sure you keep access to drinking water ready. He must drink to cleanse the toxins that have accumulated in his kidneys during hibernation. If he doesn't drink and is re-hydrated, call your vet immediately.
- Use a sink, tub, large deep food tray, or other "shower" container that fits your pet's size.
- Turtles "drink" through their anus, so immersion in water has the same effect as drinking normally.
Step 4. Give food
Begin offering food within 2 days of returning the turtle to room temperature. Give him the same food as before and let him take the time to come back to eat again.
- Some turtles take weeks to return to eating. Male turtles may only want to eat after he mates. However, if you notice signs of vomiting, stomach pain, or other illnesses and infections, call your doctor immediately.
- All turtles should eat within 1 week of hibernation. If not, it means he is or will be sick. See a vet immediately if this happens.
Tips
- Call your nearest pet/reptile club and vet when in doubt.
- Research the species in depth before you start caring for and maintaining them.
- Make sure everyone in the house understands how to care for the animal to avoid mistakes or incidents.
- Be careful when handling your pet so you don't get scratched or bitten.
- Make sure the required temperature is correct.
Warning
- Make sure your pet's hydration is always under control.
- See a veterinarian to discuss any health concerns. There are many aspects of hibernation that put a tortoise or tortoise at risk. Without proper treatment, it can die.
- Be very careful to avoid the danger of drowning or freezing.
- Use water that is safe for your pet. Not all tap water is safe for him, even if humans could drink it. Check the minerals and chemicals in the water before you use it, or use filtered water.
