Do Sulcata Tortoises Hibernate?

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No! Unlike some other tortoises such as Hermann tortoises, Spur-thighed, and Horsefield tortoises, Sulcata tortoises do not hibernate.

If they become too cold, they will not go into a safe sleep – they become sick.

Signs of sickness are:

Sluggish behaviour

Loss of appetite

Respiratory infections

Digestive issues

Ideal Temperature Range:

Area Temperatures

Basking Spot: 95-100f (35-38c)

Ambient Temperature: 75-85f (24-29c)

Night time Temperatures: No lower than 60f (15c)

What To Do: If your Sulcata gets cold, warm it up slowly ( to much heat too soon can cause shock on your tortoises system! Consider giving your tortoise a warm bath for 20-30 minutes.

Next, move your Sulcata to an indoor enclosure or a section of it’s outdoor home which is heated to around 80f (27c)

Day-time Temperature: 80-85f (27-29c)

Basking spot around 90-95f (32-35c)

Night-time Temperature: Do not get below 70f (21c)

Monitor Temperatures regularly!

By Kim Ellam

Your friendly pet sitter and reptile boarder – located in Burwell, Cambridgeshire.

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