If you keep a tortoise from a temperate climate zone, such as a Russian (Testudo horsfieldii), Hermann’s (T. hermanni), or desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), you’ll need to provide your pet with a chance to brumate (the reptile version of hibernating). […]
Some tortoises live in tropical climates and are therefore capable of remaining active all year long. This includes rainforest-dwelling red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) and desert-dwelling sulcatas (Centrochelys sulcata), among others. But other tortoises live in areas with cold winter weather,
There are a variety of tortoise husbandry tasks that you can schedule whenever you like. For example, you should replace your tortoise’s full spectrum lights every six months or so, but it doesn’t matter what month of the year you
To properly care for a tortoise, you must provide a habitat and care regimen that mimics several of the environmental parameters your pet would experience in the wild. For example, you’ll need to provide your tortoise with appropriate temperatures, a
Although hibernation is commonly referred to as a ‘deep sleep’ it’s actually a state of dormancy. Unlike sleep, which is primarily a mental change, hibernation is defined as a state of greatly reduced metabolic activity, heart rate, breathing and lowered
Are you thinking about getting a pet tortoise but are a little daunted by the prospect of hibernation and the process of caring for it during this time? Or maybe you’re simply curious about tortoise hibernation. Either way, this article
