Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My Russian Tortise seems to have gone into hibernation already. He went down on Halloween. A couple of cold days with no sun and it was adios. Last winter, the first we had him, he went down for about 70 to 75 days. My problem is that we are planning to go to Disney Land and then visit relatives in California for Christmas, and won't return for about 65 days. What's the normal hibernation for Russians? What happens if he comes out of hibernation early, while were gone? Is there anyway I can make sure he stays in hibernation while we're gone?

Hibernation is a natural process and can be safely done but it is filled with pit falls for the uninformed...so study up! See articles by A. Highfield, checkout Russiantortoise.org and other worthy websites for articles on hibernating tortoises. If your tortoise is healthy,hydrated, empty of undigested food, and you can provide a cool (low 40-50f.) stable environment, it should be able to hibernate for 3- 4 months or so without a problem. You must avoid temperature fluctuations, as if they warm up, they will use up precious reserves etc. Some keepers use refrigerators or wine chillers effectively. I hibernate my herd each year, using big ice chests filled with clean straw or newspaper and stored in an insulated out building. I have never had a problem related to it. Read and inform yourself, and you can probably accomplish it and have a worry free vacation. Good luck,Vic

You could always put him in a box of mulch & put it on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. Make sure the temp's set to 40 degrees F.
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