Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,

Ok, I started warming Baby T up as temps are warming here. Supposed to be 67 tomorrow(finally). I will warm him to 60 degrees for 3 days, then room temp 68-70 for 3 days and then go up to normal lighting and temps. Does this sound good? When should I start soaking him? After a day at room temp? Should I use warm or cool water the first time I soak him and for how long?

I again appreciate everyones ongoing help. He has made it 10 weeks without any weight loss. I just hope he comes out of hibernation without illness.

Thanks

Linda

Came home from work today and she is dug out. Very bright eyed, no signs of any illness so far. She was so awake that I went ahead and soaked her for about 10 minutes in cooler but not cold water. Head was wet when I returned so I am pretty sure she drank and she had gained 2 grams.(45 grams). I did place her back in the 60 degree temp for another day and then will come up to 65 degrees for a few days.

I was so relieved to see how good she looked.
Linda

That is great!! It is hard to fight nature.....they have been hibernating longer than we have been around, I think! More seriously, I was nervous the first time my adults hibernated, and same with my first year with my babies. Keep the substrate moist (I like peat moss) as babies dry out, and always leave a shallow dish of clean water with him/her. Try some soft, natural , living foods like small slugs and small worms. You can lift up bricks, rocks, logs to find these...pillbugs too.
My "babies" (now almost 3) inside are just starting to become active too.

Thanks. I too was very worried as I have never had to hibernate a turtle before and quickly had to learn. She seems really active tonight. I soaked her again and she is at 65 degrees now for a few days. I also moved her into her larger rubbermaid container. Humidity is steady at 75-80 percent.

I hope she will begin to eat once she is up to normal temp

Linda