Hi all new to the hibernation side of things but not to animals!! I have a horsefield tortoise had him over 3 years hes approx 5.5 yrs old. He has been going off his food last few days and after looking about l see this is what happens when there ready to start the hibernation process! I AM TERRFIED OF HIM HIBERNATING . He is in good condtion and lives in the house and also outside in a tortoises dream pen in summer Hes lively and huffy lol likes to hiss when we go near him and a right grump. I know hibernation is natural but lm scared he will die... hes been awake all the other winters cos hes kept indoors with a heat lamp in winter so hes never went to sleep before but l know he needs to to stay in good health. I know hes needs to stop eating for 4/6 weeks before been allowed to hibernate. If hes hibernating indoors do l really need to set up boxes etc? Or is his indoor pen enough and his shelter? Im so confused lots of conflicting info on the net. Dont want to hurt him l want to do this right but the more l look the more confusion there is. Thanks for your time anyone who can help me :0 x

I'm pretty new to this as well but have been reading up a lot lately as well. It is a really worrying time isn't it as there are risks involved. This site looks good for advice Tortoise Trust Web - Safer Hibernation and Your Tortoise It tells you of the risks and how to check if your tortoise is ready to hibernate this year.

Good luck and let me know how you get on

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mt tortoise is now 4 years old and in an indoor enclosure all year round and still shows no sign of even wanting hibernation yet so dont panic too much read up all the info u need first.. if he dosent hibernate its no big deal..... just keep him warm