Henry, our Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise, has called it a year! He has tucked himself in and settled down to a long slumber that should last until the daffodils are up. It is a state

I sometimes feel envious of, especially as I struggle out of bed during the dark and cold English winter. Brumation (hibernation in reptiles) is an adaptive mechanism designed to survive periods of limited resources. Unlike mammals, reptiles don’t live off fat stores during these periods of sleepfulness – they slow their metabolism so that they hardly use any energy.

Brumation is triggered by the dropping temperature, reduced sunlight and daylight hours. The process comprises several weeks of gradual winding down, reducing food intake, evacuating gut contents and eventually settling into a cosy spot to see out the winter months. It is important reptiles fully empty their digestive system, as food left sitting in the stomach would putrefy, rot and be a cause of toxicity to the tortoise.

Tortoises should always be in good health prior to hibernation. A tortoise that has been unwell during the year may be better to see out winter in the comfort of a vivarium (indoor temperature controlled area). The location of the hibernation doesn’t need to be an expensive set-up but some thought should go into it. It needs to be a monitored, well protected enclosure kept at a reasonably controlled temperature. Typically two containers are used – a smaller one inside a larger container, both filled with bedding, straw, newspaper or soil. The tortoise is placed into the inner container so that it is never too near the edge of the outer container, which may get too cold.

Some people keep their tortoises in a fridge

Air must be able to pass through to allow ventilation and a thermometer should be used to monitor the temperature – ideally 3-7°C. Some people use a fridge to keep their tortoises in, which is a perfectly reasonable location as long as you remember to let fresh air in regularly and don’t scare your dinner guests with threats of reptilian cuisine. Tortoises can be quite vulnerable when they are hibernating so if you are using an outdoor shed or building, a rodent-free location is vital.

Tortoises should be weighed regularly during hibernation. 1% weight loss per month is considered a maximum amount that should be allowed before waking and feeding should commence. Otherwise, tortoises will sleep for 3-4 months and wake as the weather starts to warm. They should be encouraged to drink daily as soon as they are roused and up to temperature and should be eating within a week of being awake.

If you are worried about hibernating your tortoise because they are too young, too small or have been unwell, chat to a vet who deals with exotic pets – not all vets will have the knowledge to deal with reptiles. Likewise, if your tortoise is slow to recover and eat after hibernation, get them checked to make sure they don’t have any health issues – respiratory disease, mouth rot and dehydration are common.

Meanwhile, Henry will miss out on Christmas, New Year’s Eve and ‘The Ashes’ cricket series. If Australia don’t beat England, I will be wishing I had joined him in the shed this winter.