I have a horsefield tortoise called Victor. He is about 14 or 15 years old.

This will be the third time he has hibernated with me. (not sure about his previous owners hibernation regime). Year 1 he hibernated as he is doing now. Last year he hibernated himself somewhere in our garden. This year we are hibernating him again in the fridge.

You may be surprised to hear this but the point is the temperature can be controlled to approximately 4 to 6 degrees. Had he been outside these last few days when the temperature was extremely warm I’m sure he would have come out of hibernation.

So, the prepare him we had to ensure he had no food prior to hibernation, just water. We weighted him and bathed him prior to going in the fridge. (I use an old camping fridge - not one that is uded for food).  We placed im in a plastic box with the hay pellet substrate so he could if he wished bury himself slightly. As yet, he has not wanted to do this. Each day the door of the fridge is opened to let in fresh air. It is a little alarming to see that he has occasionally moved around a little. I believe this is quite normal. 

Timescale: we placed Victor in the fridge mid - December. Ideally, I would like to keep him there until the end of February.