It is common for pet tortoises to fast for a period of time especially during winter when they may go for months without eating. However how long can a tortoise live without food?
It is generally accepted that tortoises can live for up to a year without food. However there are individual reports of tortoises living for much longer periods of time without eating. For example one report tells the story of a tortoise that was found alive after being buried in a landslide for two years.
There are a number of factors that will affect how long a tortoise can live without food. These include the tortoise’s age health and species. For example younger tortoises are generally more resilient and can go for longer periods of time without food than older tortoises. Similarly tortoises that are in good health are more likely to survive for longer periods of time without food than those that are not in good health.
One of the main factors that will affect how long a tortoise can live without food is the temperature. Tortoises are ectothermic animals meaning that they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. In cooler temperatures tortoises will enter a state of hibernation in which their metabolism slows down and they can live off of their stored body fat. In warm temperatures tortoises will be more active and will need to eat more frequently.
If you are concerned about your tortoise not eating it is always best to consult with a veterinarian.
