Hermann's Tortoise Brumation: How to Prepare, Brumate & Wake Safely

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Hermann's Tortoise Brumation

Hermann's Tortoises naturally brumate during winter. Healthy captive adults may be brumated under controlled conditions, particularly when following a natural seasonal cycle. This guide covers how to prepare your tortoise, what conditions to maintain during brumation, and how to wake it safely.

Should You Brumate Your Hermann's Tortoise?

Do not brumate:

  • Very young or undersized tortoises
  • Animals that are underweight, ill, recovering from illness, or otherwise not in good body condition
  • Animals that have not been examined and cleared by a reptile vet if there is any health concern

If you are unsure whether your tortoise is healthy enough to brumate, a pre-brumation veterinary checkup is a sound investment.

Before Brumation

Wind-down period (3–4 weeks before)

  • Stop offering food 3–4 weeks before the intended start of brumation to allow the gut to fully clear — undigested food in the gut during cold temperatures can cause serious problems
  • Continue providing water and opportunities to soak throughout the wind-down period
  • Gradually reduce lighting and heating to begin mimicking natural seasonal cues if the enclosure allows

Pre-brumation weight check

Weigh your tortoise before brumation begins and record the weight. This gives you a baseline to compare against when the animal wakes. Weight loss approaching or exceeding 10% of pre-brumation body weight is a reason to contact a reptile veterinarian.

During Brumation

  • Target temperature: approximately 35–50°F (2–10°C), with around 40–45°F (4–7°C) commonly used for controlled brumation; stable temperature is the priority
  • Duration: typically 8–12 weeks, influenced by the animal's age, size, and natural climate cues
  • Must not freeze — temperatures at or below freezing are fatal
  • Must not be too warm — if temperatures rise above 50°F consistently, the tortoise may become active and burn fat reserves without being able to feed

Controlled refrigerator or brumation setups can provide stable temperatures, but they require careful monitoring and appropriate ventilation. A cool basement or other stable location may also work where temperatures remain consistently within the safe range.

Check on the tortoise periodically — weekly or every two weeks — to ensure it is still settled and temperatures are stable. Do not disturb the animal unnecessarily.

Waking Up

  1. Return the tortoise gradually to normal enclosure temperatures, providing its normal basking area and UVB once it is awake
  2. Offer water and shallow soaks before resuming feeding — rehydration comes first
  3. Resume feeding once the tortoise is reliably active, alert, and basking normally
  4. Weigh the tortoise and compare against the pre-brumation weight

It is normal for a tortoise to be slow and disoriented for the first few days after waking. If the tortoise remains lethargic, refuses to bask, or shows any signs of illness after a week, consult a reptile veterinarian.

Signs Something Is Wrong

  • Weight loss approaching or exceeding 10% of pre-brumation body weight
  • Nasal or ocular discharge
  • Unusual odor
  • Failure to become alert and active within a week of waking at normal temperatures
  • Soft or discolored shell

Any of these warrants veterinary evaluation before the tortoise is assumed to be healthy post-brumation.

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