Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Since I live in Florida my winter temps dont go as low as required 50's. I have thoughts of a wine cooler and make some modifacations to circulate air into and out of it. Its the only way I can get temps down into the upper 50's for them to hibernate well. Kind of a reverse incubator(hibernator)?lol
Any other ideas from warm southern area keepers?
Thanks,
Robert

The only concern I would have is that typically, with refrigerated types of cooling mechanisms/units, they are prone to drying out the air which is a lethal combination for a gila. The key will be to provide a hibernating container that goes inside the wine cooler that allows for higher ambient humidity levels w/out getting damp; if you can accomplish that, you'll be fine.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
Lake Forest, IL

>>Since I live in Florida my winter temps dont go as low as required 50's. I have thoughts of a wine cooler and make some modifacations to circulate air into and out of it. Its the only way I can get temps down into the upper 50's for them to hibernate well. Kind of a reverse incubator(hibernator)?lol
>>Any other ideas from warm southern area keepers?
>>Thanks,
>>Robert
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

Hi Robert,
You do not need to cool them that low I cool mine in the low to mid. 60's .That works just fine.If you have a garage you might be able to winter them on the cement floor.
I agree with Robert be carful with the wine coolers they can dehidrate your animals.(Hi Robert C. Nice meeting you at IHS).
Good Luck ,Chris

Gila Ranch

It was great meeting you in person as well. I still want to talk to you about your beadeds. Rob

>>Hi Robert,
>> You do not need to cool them that low I cool mine in the low to mid. 60's .That works just fine.If you have a garage you might be able to winter them on the cement floor.
>>I agree with Robert be carful with the wine coolers they can dehidrate your animals.(Hi Robert C. Nice meeting you at IHS).
>> Good Luck ,Chris
>>
>>
>>Gila Ranch
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

Thanks for you inputs,Both of you. I can do that temp but likely for just Jan and Feb only, maybe 12-14 weeks max. Is that sufficient enough time? I guess I can put some heat in this wine cooler and make it an incubator now? lol
Thanks and put me on your hatchling list Chris for the offspring of that girl you posted, nice!
Robert

Robert,

Would it be possible to construct a small room in say your garage or something that could be cooled with a small window unit? You could just add humidity to the enclosures as needed and monitor the humidity with a gauge. Just a thought as that might allow you to hibernate them a bit longer. Also with the size room that you would need a very small unit should do the trick even in FL.

Jeremy

Only problem my garage is the hottest of all, but good thought on using a small room..
Thanks

I am guessing that a basement is not an option in FL either then. What if you just built the room and insualted it well. It should still keep a good consistant temp. That is what I was thinking if I could legally have gilas and beades.

Good luck with them. They look great.

There are no basements in Florida. I have seen only one very old house with a basement here. Just a northern thing to keep your pipes from freezing..
Thanks

Robert,

Would it be possible to construct a small room in say your garage or something that could be cooled with a small window unit? You could just add humidity to the enclosures as needed and monitor the humidity with a gauge. Just a thought as that might allow you to hibernate them a bit longer. Also with that size room, you would need a very small unit should do the trick even in FL.

Jeremy