Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What temps should I hibernate my 1.1 at? Should I wait until next year to hibernate them? I am asking that due to the fact that they are > a year captive maintained!

40-43 degrees is perfect. Be sure to take 3-4 weeks to bring them down before hibernating and make sure they are totally free of any parasites or worms. There are good articles on what to do (if you aren't sure how and what to do) on the tortoisetrust.org web-site.

Good luck.

I always suggest that it be kept as natural as possible. When temps start dropping below 60 or so, russians normally start slowing down. At about 40 or so they are pretty much hibernating.
There is a great suggestion down the list from this girl in Phoenix. She set up this neat hibernaculum. The important points is to make sure the temperature stays stable and the chamber is dry and well drained. I think the more control you give to the animals, the greater are your chances of not killing the guys.
Ed

They should be ready to hibernate right away if they are healthy and have been well-fed enough to have some fat reserves. Like the previous poster said, you should make sure they are free of parasites, and you should also make sure they have no respiratory problems or other health problems before you allow them to hibernate.

Shoot for 40 degrees, and try to maintain this as much as you can. If it gets a little colder or a little warmer once in a while, that is fine. Just make sure it doesn't ever get down to 32 or over 45 or so. They may begin to stir as it heads towards 50 degrees, and freezing will damage them badly.

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