What happens if a small turtle does not hibernate?

A small turtle need not hibernate, but the owner must provide a suitable environment and enough food; if it has entered hibernation, do not disturb it, or repeated waking wastes energy and may cause death. In addition, hibernation builds tolerance; after it, turtles are stronger with better disease resistance and faster growth.

So if you do not plan to let it hibernate, care for them more carefully to avoid disease from insufficient immunity.