Is my russian tortoise trying to hibernate?

Question

I have a female russian tortoise who has stopped eating and is no longer active. I keep checking on her and she looks fine. I am just wondering if she is trying to go into hibernation and if she is do I need to do anything.

Answer 1

she probably is trying to hibernate. in case you didn't notice...its winter.

Answer 2

In the wild, Russians hibernate most of the year, actually. However, they do not HAVE to hibernate. (Well, actually, the technical term is 'brumate'- reptiles don't technically hibernate.)

You can 'trick' it into not hibernating by just offering it summer-like temps of 80-90F and lighting for about 12-14 hours a day, ideally at least part of the light being UVB.


Should you choose to hibernate it, understand that it is a little tricky to do- you need to balance low temps (40-45ish) with some light humidity and the tortoise needs to be healthy to start with.

http://www.russiantortoise.org and http://www.tortoisetrust.org has a lot fo helpful info.

Answer 3

Tortoises hibernate in the winter, when temperatures drop. My two 3 year old Russian Tortoises sometimes sleep for days at a time during this summer. I think it is because we use our cooler a lot. Sense reptiles are cold-blooded their blood changes with the tempertures around them. If it is cold, they will be sluggish, lazy and sleep most of the time. If it is hot and humid, they will be active and curious. There you go.:)

Answer 4

I think it is hibernating. If it doesn't move i think it will. Good luck with your tortoise. If that doesn't work bring him to a vet.

Answer 5

I agree with your.mom,It is Winter,plus she i s a reptile, all reptiles have to hibernate at some point

Answer 6

Any "Russian" female is not hibernating...On contrary...
Go to the vet immediately!

Answer 7

is a pet???? OMG