Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Yesterday I checked on the 2 Hermanns & 1 Russian hibernating in my refrigerator since Dec. 7th. This is the 1st year the young Hermanns has hibernated & at first I thought she was a gonner, but she was just sleeping VERY soundly. The Russian had torn a hole in his box I guess by turning around, so I put him in a bigger, sturdier box.

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Why do you soak them? Seems unnecessary, if not dangerous, to wake them up/disturb them half-way...I had a russian wake up while weighing, despite low temps, and it didn't continue hibernating - just sat there, very awake. Be very careful.

In my experience the number one killer of tortoises is dehydration. If you can set up the proper humidity in hibernation this is not a problem but it is very difficult to come up with the right temperature and humidity that will not kill your tortoise or turtle. Too dry and they dehydrate. Too wet and they develope pneumonia. Once you've hit the right formula it becomes easier.

Soaking them through is not a bad idea. It's erring on the safe side.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

The soaking photos were taken before they were put in the refrigerator.

It's a good idea to soak tortoises well before you put them in hibernation so they can drink one last time, and it appears that is what the guy did. I have no trouble at all with the humidity in my fridge while mine hibernate. The best thing to do is bury them in moist earth that just covers the top of the shell. Keep the earth moist, but not sopping wet. A spray bottle is best for thios. They will absorb moisture through their skin from the moist dirt for the duration of the hibernation. Works like a charm.