You do not want to force hibernation on a species that doesn’t naturally hibernate. Sulcata tortoises do not hibernate in winter because they are adapted to living in hot, arid climates with extreme temperature variations. If you’re already using an indoor enclosure, continue doing so in order to ensure safe indoor temperatures. Unlike some other tortoise species, such as Russian tortoises, sulcata tortoises do not naturally enter a state of hibernation during the winter. This will force the tortoise to keep warm in the heated house. If your tortoise has a burrow, you’ll want to lock it out of the burrow during the winter. You will need to put the heat source on a thermostat, so that the house doesn’t over heat your tortoise. Otherwise, you can build an insulated house with a heat lamp or oil-less heater. When housing large sulcatas in the winter, you can bring them into a heated shed, garage or basement if one is available. Temperature If the temperature drops below 44.6 ☏ (7 ☌), the tortoise will start to slow down and eventually enter a state of hibernation. If you live in an area where you experience cold winters, you’ll want to consider what to do with your pet tortoise. Some species, such as the Russian tortoise, are known to hibernate for several months, while others, such as the Sulcata tortoise, may not. Not all tortoises hibernate, but for those that do we sometimes find that for various reasons we decide to keep our tortoises awake during their natural. If the temperature is below 60-degrees Fahrenheit, you want to bring your baby tortoise inside. I suggest you take the tortoise to a vet for a thorough checkup. Many Tortoise keepers also often chose to hibernate their Tortoise in sheds or outhouses which often led to Tortoises freezing when the overnight temperatures dropped below freezing. Moreover, add nutritious items to the meals to build immunity. Small tortoises should be hibernated for around 8-10 weeks, and large Tortoises should be hibernated for no more than 16 weeks. So, provide the pet with warm soaks and a shallow water source. ![]() Ideally, sulcatas are not left outside below 60-degree Fahrenheit for extended periods of time.īaby sulcata tortoises can not tolerate cold weather as well as adult and larger sulcatas. A tortoise out of hibernation is definitely dehydrated and low in immunity. If temperatures fall too low, anything under 17C (63F), their bodies will start to shut down, and they can quickly die. It is for this reason that they need to be kept sufficiently warm, especially during the colder months. However, tortoises are cold blooded, which means they need a source of heat. Sulcata tortoises do not hibernate, even if conditions become too cold, such as during the winter. Basically, a night or two isn’t going to freeze your adult tortoise. How Cold is Too Cold for a Sulcata?Īdult sulcata tortoises can handle cold weather in the 40s, however they shouldn’t be left outside if the temperature remains in the 40’s or colder. Because they do not hibernate, the body will slowly shut down. ![]() If left at too low temperature for too long, your sulcata can freeze. Do Sulcatas Get Cold?Īlthough sulcatas are temperature tolerant, they can get cold if the temperature remains low. They will not eat as much and their activity levels will slow. If the temperatures remain cooler, sulcatas will slow down. The best thing you can do is try to find a shed or basement that you can use to house your sulcata. ![]() You may live in an area that doesn’t get too cold, or you may live in an area that sees several inches or feet of snow. ![]() With the amount of time you have had Rosie, I would plan to keep the tortoise awake this winter (which will be interesting at best, but at least she is not full grown)-it is a stressful situation to move a tortoise to a new location, the tortoise is very territorial and while the tort may "appear" normal, there are small signs that there may be some stress, this is generally a species that has a great appetite, so lack of one would be a key indicator to "me" that the animal is working through stress.If it were me.I would set up an indoor enclosure for this animal so you can overwinter the tort this winter.then when spring comes around ,or during the winter when there are good day temps, you can let the tort out into the natural sun to get some fresh air.and once the spring season comes on full force then your goal can be to start preparation for the next years brumation, by food offerings, outside sun and fresh air time, exercise and hydration-all of the things essential for increasing the odds of a successful and healthy brumation.Just my take.It’s important that you plan on how you will house your sulcata in the winter.
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