How to hibernate a tortoise safely

How to hibernate a tortoise safely in the UK: vet check, winding down, the fridge method at 5 °C, weekly weighing (1% a month rule) and waking up in spring.

Never hibernate a tortoise that's ill, underweight or hasn't eaten well all summer. Hibernation uses up reserves. A vet check in late summer is the single best thing you can do.

1. Late summer: health check

Book a reptile vet check in August or September. Weigh the tortoise and write it down. Look for runny nose, eye problems, mouth infections or weight loss.

2. Autumn: winding down

Keep them warm and feeding well until the wind-down starts.
Then stop feeding: about 2 weeks for small tortoises and up to 3–4 weeks for large ones, so the gut is empty. Food left in the gut can rot during hibernation.
Keep the lamps on for the first part of the fast so they can digest, and give warm shallow baths every day or two so they drink.
Reduce heat and light gradually over the last week or so.

3. The fridge method

Fridge hibernation is the most controllable method. Keep the tortoise in a ventilated box with shredded paper or soil, in a fridge set to about 5 °C. The safe range is roughly 3–7 °C. Below 3 °C risks freezing damage, above 7–8 °C they burn energy too fast.

Use two thermometers, checked daily.
Open the door for a minute once or twice a day for fresh air (or as your fridge set-up allows).
Keep the fridge somewhere that doesn't get too cold or too hot itself.

4. Weigh every week

A healthy tortoise loses about 1% of its starting weight a month. A 750 g tortoise should lose about 7–8 g a month. More than that, or any sign of urine in the box, and it's time to wake them. Our hibernation weight check does the sum each week.

5. Waking up

Take the box out and let it warm to room temperature over a few hours.
Give a warm, shallow bath. Most tortoises drink straight away.
Lamps on, full day length.
Offer food. They should be eating within about a week. If not, call your vet.

A spur-thighed tortoise among wild flowers — Back to the flowers. The first meals of spring are a good sign hibernation went well.

Not hibernating?

Some tortoises shouldn't hibernate: very young, ill, or recently imported. They need full lighting and heat all winter so their body keeps working normally. Don't leave them half-way, cool but not cold: that's the worst of both.

Quick answers

How long should a tortoise hibernate?

It depends on age, size and health. Many keepers aim for around 10–12 weeks for healthy adults and less for young tortoises. Ask your reptile vet.

Can I hibernate a tortoise in a normal fridge?

A fridge used for food gets opened too often and swings in temperature. A small dedicated fridge with two thermometers is much safer.

What if my tortoise wees in hibernation?

Wake it up. Passing urine in hibernation can lead to dehydration. Warm it gradually, bathe it, and call your vet.

Checked November 2026. General information, not veterinary advice.

PreviousOutdoor enclosure NextFeeding