tortoise behaviors

Question
I am a recent new owner of a Russian tortoise.  She has been healthy and
active throughout the summer months and except for an occasional visit
outside, she stays indoors.   However, as colder weather approaches, I would
like to know if I can expect any  change in her habits, such as more sleeping
and less activity, or appetite changes.   I would also like to know, in your
experience, if not hibernating her will have a negative effect on her health.  I
am a novice and would be worried about putting her into hibernation.

Answer
In general, tortoises moved from out to in change their behaviors in several ways, from major to subtle. Eating, sleeping, basking, etc.

Russians can drive you crazy, but most experienced keepers think that naturalistic hibernation is the best option. This depends on a lot of things, however- tortoise size/age, frost line in your area, winter length, etc.

I cannot advise whether you should hibernate it or not, but i can point you to three good resources to help with that decision.

http://www.turtleforum.com is a discussion area that can link you to several experienced keepers

http://www.russiantortoise.org and http://www.tortoisetrust.org are a pair of great care sites.

Sadly, you will not find a simple 'if this, then that' sort of list to make the decision easier, but the forum can help share their thoughts.