Do Russian Tortoises Hibernate?

Do Russian Tortoises Hibernate?

Russian tortoises are a hibernating species. On average, Russian tortoises will hibernate for about 8 weeks to 5 months throughout the year, if the conditions are right. Depending on the location, it’s not uncommon for tortoises to hibernate for 8 months!

Hibernating in cold-blooded animals, like tortoises, is, in a way, the animal’s body preserving itself when food and water is scarce. The body slows down and remains dormant until the weather warms and new plant growth appears.

It is thought the hibernating affects the breeding cycles of hibernating species like Russian tortoises. After hibernating, the body regulates itself back and stimulates the urge to breed and mate as the temperatures warm.

In the wild, Russian tortoises will dig a burrow in the ground before the cold weather truly gets cold and will settle in for the winter. However, in captivity, Russian tortoises do not need to hibernate.

Do I Have to Hibernate My Russian Tortoise?

In captivity, you do not have to force your Russian tortoise into hibernation. In an indoor enclosure, you can maintain stable temperatures year round. You may notice a little slowing, especially if your tortoise is used to being outside, but maintain warm temperatures in the enclosure with a basking area between 95-100°F, and your tortoise will not hibernate.

If you keep a Russian tortoise outside during the winter months, you will may notice the tortoise slow down naturally.

You do not have to force your Russian tortoise to hibernate. There are many factors that you need to consider if you are thinking about hibernating your Russian tortoise. Hibernation can lead to health problems and even death. The tortoise will not miss anything by not hibernating. If you choose to hibernate a Russian tortoise, make sure to follow safe hibernating techniques.

When Do Russian Tortoises Hibernate?

Russian tortoises will stop eating about two or three weeks before the really cold weather sets in. Depending on where you live, this will vary. For instance, in California, this could be around October or November, whereas in Georgia, this could be around December or January. On average, Russian tortoises will begin hibernation around October.

The tortoise will either stay in his hiding place, house or dig a burrow into the ground. You likely won’t see the tortoise again until the end of February or beginning of March when the weather starts to warm up.


Whitney

I have over 20 years of experience working with, raising and breeding reptiles and amphibians ranging from lizards, geckos, frogs and tortoises. I have over 15 years working specifically with tortoises, including Russian tortoises, sulcatas and red footed tortoises.