Observe the behavior of the turtle: Before winter sets in, observe if the turtle's behavior begins to become calm, refrain from eating, and possibly seek out hidden places.
Temperature control: Brazilian tortoises need to gradually lower the temperature before entering hibernation. Generally, when the ambient temperature drops to around 10-15 degrees Celsius, the Brazilian tortoise begins to prepare to go into hibernation.
Hibernation containers: Prepare a container of suitable size, enough for the turtle to sleep in it. It is best to choose a container with a moderate depth and enough space.
Fillers: Fill the container with enough filling, such as clean grass, wood chips, or dried leaves, to provide adequate shelter and heat retention.
Moisturizing medium: Cover the top of the filling with a layer of damp earth or a moist paper towel to ensure air humidity.
Cool down gradually: Gradually lower the temperature in the turtle's habitat to allow the turtle to gradually adapt to the low temperature environment. This can be achieved by gradually reducing the use of heat lamps.
Resting turtles go into hibernation: When the ambient temperature reaches a suitable low temperature, the turtle will gradually become still, stop eating and find a safe place to prepare for hibernation.
Temperature control: Keep the temperature inside the hibernation vessel stable and avoid drastic temperature changes. Temperatures that are too low may adversely affect turtle health.
Observe regularly: Although the turtle hibernates, it still needs to be observed regularly to ensure its safety and health. Check it once in a while to make sure there are no abnormalities during the tortoise's hibernation.
The end of hibernation: When spring comes, the turtle will gradually wake up. Provide a warm environment before the turtle begins its dynamic activity to facilitate its recovery from its hibernation state.
Hibernation is a natural behavior of Brazilian tortoises during the winter months, and in order to help them survive the hibernation period, they need to be prepared in advance and provide the right environment and temperature. Regular observation and attention to maintaining stable environmental conditions are very important to protect the health of turtles.