I have a 12 year old female hermanns  tortoise who I have not hibernated this year. I rehomed her in spring last year she payed eggs in February and she is very well and in good health, she Has never been hibernated before which I thought might explain the heaviness of her.  On the Jacksons ratio she is 22.7 so possibly gravid I do have a male. I did not wind her down with my others and she is living indoors on a table with heat and light alone under the advise of others on Billy's tortoises Facebook page. However despite daily baths she is barely eating and is very slow and sleeping all the time. 

I have taken her to the vets who have given me three options 

1. Keep her awake all winter(which is not working) 

2. Do a short hibernation of 6 weeks. As he said that's what they would do in the wild and then wake to lay the eggs. 

3. Have her sadated for X-ray to see if she is gravid. 

I should also add she has had access to a 'nesting' sight for around 8 weeks. Clear worm count, eyes and nose. 

I am stressing all the time about it and I would like to hibernate if only for a short time. But I want her to be safe. 

Is it safe to hibernate? 

It is essential to first have her X-rayed, I don't see the need for sedation.

Let me know the result please & I can advise further. If gravid, ask the vet to estimate how long they are to full term.

Re. 2.

The vet's comment about hibe' in the wild is utter nonsense.

Regards,

Tom