Hi your tortoise is not too young to hibernate, if hes over 1 years old.
as long as hes 95% healthy, he'll do fine during hibernation.
Tortoises that do hibernate dont need a full winter hibernation, as little as 8 weeks a year is good enough! and your tort benefits.

Leopards, sulcatas, chaco and redfoots and similar species do not hibernate.
Horsefields, hermanns, greeks, iberas and similar species DO hibernate.

If his tail is Long then its a boy, if the tail is short and stubby then its a girl.

tortoises do not get lonely, they can live happily single for the rest of their lives.
in saying that its still nice to get another one, just incase they are wanting someone to bask with or eat with.

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Currently Owning - 1 dog, 2 cats, 2 tortoises, 1 ferret, 1 hamster & coldwater fish