At What Age Should Baby Desert Tortoises Be Hibernated?

Hibernation in the Wild

• In the wild desert tortoises will hibernate in a burrow their first winter. Hibernation protects them from freezing temperatures and flooding.
  
  

Age Recommendations

• The Arizona Game and Fish Department recommends that desert tortoises be allowed to hibernate their first winter, as they would in the wild.
  
  

Health

• Before hibernation tortoises should be checked by a reptile veterinarian. Hibernating a tortoise, especially a young one, that is not healthy puts them at greater risk of dying during hibernation.
  
  

Before Hibernating

• Tortoises will need lots of food before hibernating. You will be able to see them build a fat reserve in their legs for hibernation.
  
  

Accommodations

• Tortoises can be placed in a box that is large enough to fit them. The box can then be stored in the garage or a closet if temperatures are kept below 50 degrees F.