Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been watching the temps in my basement to make sure it's cool enough for my 3-toeds.. but I think it's too warm...
I have 3 thermometers down there, 2 outside type thermometers and one of them round herp thermometers that will stick to the side of the enclosure.. the herp one says it's about 45*F, the 2 outside ones say it's closer to 50*F.. would it still be okay to hibernate them a those temps?
Thanks

I checked a couple of references, which both indicate that 45-50 degrees would be ok for hibernating temps, but not above 50 degrees, and not below 35.
Others on the forum have suggested 40-50 range in previous threads on the subject, 45 apparently the ideal temp to strive for.
I think that if you took a few minutes to look through the archives for info on refrigerator hibernation you'd probably confirm the temp ranges, even though you're not using a fridge:
the temps would still apply.
You might find the answers you need without waiting for a reply.
Hope that helps.
Happy Holidays
Stephanie

Steph is right, 40-45 is best, so you're almost there. The refridgeration technique works well for most turtle keepers even though I haven't tryed it. Best wishes to you.

You want to try to keep it around 40 degrees or even slightly colder than that. This will put turtles and tortoises in a deep hibernation. Once you get around 45, the animal will become more restless and use up body fat because it wants to adjust the depth it THINKS it is burried at. If the animal has a whole lot of fat reserves, it will probably be okay at 45 degrees the whole duration of the hibernation, but 40 is much safer.

If you can be sure the place you have him now will stay around 40 or so, it should be okay. Otherwise, use a refrigerator.

Find the coldest spot in your basement, say under a window or next to the walls, and place your thermometers there. You may be able to find a colder spot. Your temps is almost perfect-40 degrees is a good temp to strive for. Even though box turtles hibernate outside in temps below 40, they actually do not freeze but dig deeper into the ground so they can stay below the freeze line. Let us know if you find such a cool space. If you don't, try the attic or crawl space.
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Tess
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