Brumation Without an Outdoor Burrow
During brumation, tortoises enter a state of dormancy where they significantly reduce activity. Proper temperature and humidity are crucial for their health, ensuring they remain comfortable and safe throughout the period.
Heat Source Setup
Indoor Space Required for Tortoises
The tortoise will regulate its temperature if given options. To help, set up a heat source, even in summer. Use a clamp-on light socket to shine a 75-watt reflector bulb 10″ to 12″ above the floor so the tortoise can warm its body for eating and digesting food.
The light can be clamped to a free edge of a cardboard box cut to the proper height. Clamp the socket so it shines outside the box. Put heavy articles in the box so it does not tip over because of the weight of the light fixture or if nudged by the tortoise. If more than one tortoise is using your setup, you may have to use more than one light. Do this on the side of the tortoise enclosure away from the burrow. Turn the light on and off as the sun rises and sets or use a timer clock and set it to be on from 6 am to 8 pm. Do NOT use a heat lamp or a UV bulb that produces heat. Once the tortoise is eating Tortoise Food regularly there will be need for the cool UV bulb and fixture sold for reptiles.
Winter Care Guidelines
Indoor Wintering and Brumation for Tortoises
This guide explains how to provide proper indoor wintering and brumation for tortoises, including setting up suitable environments, care for adults and hatchlings, and understanding hibernation behaviors.
Brumation Without an Outdoor Burrow
Wintering Place Options : If the outdoor burrow is unavailable or flooded, provide an unheated room or garage with a temperature range of 35° to 50°F.
Setting Up for Adult Tortoises
Cardboard Box Setup : Place each adult or sub-adult tortoise in a large cardboard box with newspaper sections. Avoid towels, cloth, or straw to prevent entanglement.
Hatchling Tortoise Setup
Mock Burrow Arrangement : For hatchlings, create a mock burrow with a cardboard box that fits over them and allows for movement. Ensure there’s space for them to exit if needed.
Wintering Small Tortoises Together
Group Housing in Boxes : Use a double-box setup for small tortoises, with soil in the inner box to conserve moisture. This mimics the natural desert conditions for hibernation.
Brumation Insights
Expected Behavior : Refer to the Tortoise Group Booklet for details on hibernation and brumation behavior. Learn about the temperatures and conditions required for wintering your tortoise safely.
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