Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got 1 male and 1 female russian in July. They are in a large outdoor pen with edible plants and soft soil areas in which they dig in at night.

I researched hibernation and most sites said not to hibernate them in the first year.
Is this right and if I don't hibernate them what do I do?
I live in Southern California and the temperature rarely sinks below 5o F.

Any suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks!

I'd say that if it rarely gets below 50, and the torts get a chance to warm up at least into the 60s most every day, then they may only slow down and not hibernate.

Also, if the torts are in good health with clean fecal exams and no other obvious problems, a little slow down won't hurt.

If on the other hand the torts have worms, or show signs of respiratory infections or other problems, then it would be better to bring them in during the winter and keep them consistently warm.

Make sure they can get to a dry area in the pen if it rains. Dry and 45F is OK, but wet and 45F can cause problems.

thanks, this helps..
It's almost always sunny and warm during the day- they have plenty of areas to bask in.
They are healthy and sleep in a covered area that's dry and filled with peat moss and soil for digging.