Key point... hibernation is not natural. It is a response to unfavorable conditions in order for the tortoise to survive. In the wild... those chelonians that don't need to hibernate... do not.

If you've had it for 8 or 9 years now... why hibernate it? If the temperatures get too cold at night you can provided a heated hide just for the night.

If you insist on hibernating you probably have to look at a cooler or fridge. If you hibernate it outside you need to provide an insulated box so the tortoise only experiences the night time lows.

>>Hello! I live outside of Phoenix, AZ and have a cute little Greek tortoise that we have had for 8 or 9 years. He was pretty young when we purchased him (captive bred). I have always been too nervous to hibernate him, but I know it is natural and best for him so was determined to do it this year. He has a spacious outdoor enclosure, and we made a burrow for him with half a small metal trash can layered with dirt and hay on top. I was hoping he would dig under the trash can, but it seems like he just walked in there. After he stopped coming out for a few days I lightly covered the opening with hay. The temperatures are in the high 30's right now at night. During the day it has been in the low 70's for a couple of days! Yesterday afternoon Spartacus was sitting out in the sun in his enclosure. What do I do now? Should I bring him inside and start feeding him? What about in the future? Should I hibernate him in the refrigerator instead of outside because of our rather warm winters in AZ? Please advise.
>>
>>Thanks!
>>Kate
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Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

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