Care Basics
Tortoise Seasonal Care
Updated August 1, 2026
☀️ Summer care
Summer is usually the easiest season for tortoises, but watch for heat issues:
Do
- • Provide shade at all times
- • Fresh water always available
- • Soak 2-3x weekly in warm water
- • Feed fresh weeds and greens
- • Outdoor time in the morning/evening
Don't
- • Leave in direct sun with no shade
- • Let water bowl run dry
- • Keep in a hot car
- • Allow access to hot pavement
❄️ Winter care (non-hibernating)
For indoor tortoises or species that don't hibernate:
- Maintain temperatures: warm side 80-85°F, cool side 70-75°F
- UVB: critical in winter when outdoor time is limited
- Soaking: continue 1-2x weekly
- Diet: may eat less due to lower temps — don't overfeed
- Humidity: can drop in heated homes — monitor and mist if needed
🌸 Spring / coming out of hibernation
Spring requires careful transition:
- Gradually increase outdoor time over 1-2 weeks
- Watch for post-hibernation appetite changes
- Ensure proper hydration
- Resume normal feeding schedule slowly
- Check for any health issues after hibernation
🌡️ Temperature tolerance by species
| Species | Can hibernate? | Outdoor temp range |
|---|---|---|
| Sulcata | No | 70-100°F |
| Leopard | No | 70-95°F |
| Russian | Yes | 60-90°F |
| Hermann's | Yes | 65-90°F |
| Red-foot | No | 75-90°F |
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