Before the first cold night
Sulcatas do not hibernate. A thoughtful winter plan starts well before the temperature drops.
Plan for active winter care
Sulcata tortoises do not hibernate. Their winter housing needs to keep them appropriately warm throughout the season. Ask a reptile veterinarian to help you plan for your tortoise’s age, health, and enclosure.
Check the details now
Inspect the shelter and make sure heating and monitoring equipment work. Decide what you would do during a power outage. Keep a record of changes in eating and activity, and contact your veterinarian about a marked change instead of assuming your tortoise is settling down for winter. A warm afternoon does not remove the need for suitable overnight housing.
Keep learning
The sources behind this article:
LafeberVet · Care of the Sulcata or African Spurred TortoiseUniversity of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine · The tortoise and its careGeneral education, not a diagnosis or individual care plan. A veterinarian who treats reptiles can advise on your tortoise’s needs.