Hibernation is a natural process and can be safely done but it is filled with pit falls for the uninformed...so study up! See articles by A. Highfield, checkout Russiantortoise.org and other worthy websites for articles on hibernating tortoises. If your tortoise is healthy,hydrated, empty of undigested food, and you can provide a cool (low 40-50f.) stable environment, it should be able to hibernate for 3- 4 months or so without a problem. You must avoid temperature fluctuations, as if they warm up, they will use up precious reserves etc. Some keepers use refrigerators or wine chillers effectively. I hibernate my herd each year, using big ice chests filled with clean straw or newspaper and stored in an insulated out building. I have never had a problem related to it. Read and inform yourself, and you can probably accomplish it and have a worry free vacation. Good luck,Vic

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