Tortoise not hibernating

[scrib._.blz]

Hi! I am new to this forum. My (I think Russian Tortoise) Tortoise hasn't started hibernating yet. I wanted to know if tortoises have to hibernate every year, and if it is a big problem. (Also how old does he look like, because I have no clue?)


Thanks!

 

[JoesMum]

I am not great with Tortoise ID, but that isn’t a Russian. I’d go with Greek but may be corrected.

All the Testudo group tortoises can hibernate, but they don’t have to.

In order to hibernate they need winding down with a steady temperature reduction and no food (but daily soaks) for a fortnight then kept at a steady 5C/40F.

If it’s warmer than that the tortoise may be inactive but won’t hibernate.

We recommend tortoises are not hibernated in their first year with you and I prefer not to hibernate those weighing less than 500g

Please give this thread a read about how to care for your tortoise.
It doesn’t look too bad for a Russian. They don’t grow perfectly smooth.

However, your photo suggests you have been given outdated advice concerning his care. That substrate is not suitable.

Please read this thread and compare it with your setup. You have changes to make

The Best Way To Raise Any Temperate Species Of Tortoise

I chose the title of this care sheet very carefully. Are there other ways to raise babies and care for adults? Yes. Yes there are, but those ways are not as good. What follows is the BEST way, according to 30 years of research and experimentation with hundreds of babies of many species. What is...

www.tortoiseforum.org

 

[method89]

Definitely not a Russian. I agree with @JoesMum that is a Greek tortoise of some type. Read all the info provided above.