You didn't start this 'argument'... in this thread you might have. This debate has been going as long as people have been keeping tortoises and will continue for...

I don't think there are any benifits to hibernation except for maybe serving as a queue for breeding.

The risks far outweigh the benifits for the general tortoise keeper.

>>Ed,
>>As the person that initiated this thread, I would like to say that I appreciate your knowledge and opinion. I did not intend to start a big argument about the benefits of hibernation. I do not have an extensive knowledge base about tortoises other than the research I have done on the internet and a couple of books I purchased when we acquired Spartacus. My common sense intuition tells me that it is not likely going to be a successful attempt at hibernation here in Phoenix when the temps are in the mid-70's during the day. I think I will go with that and do the best we can to keep him warm, fed, watered, and happy. If I am worried about the low temps, I will just bring him back inside for a few weeks. That is why we originally selected a small tortoise, because even at his full size, we can bring him in if needed for awhile.
>>
>>Thanks again! I am sorry that the thread went sour.
>>
>>Kate
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Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care