Fridge Hibernation: A collective

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Posted by andy on October 28, 2001 at 00:16:14:

Here's the plan: if you are using a fridge to hibernate your tortoise this winter, please describe your setup. Include species, age, length of hibernation, temperatures, substrate, insulation, whether this has worked for you before... everything you can.

The idea is that if everyone shares their information in one thread, we can all benefit and decide on what works best for us. Now for my setup.

I have an estimated 5 year old WC Russian tortoise (his name is Fritz) that I have had for 18 months. Last winter I overwintered him; now I will hibernate him for 6 weeks at the end of December. I just got him checked at the vet; Fritz is very healthy, active, and eats well. He is slowing down gradually as the days get shorter. I am confident that he posseses the strength necessary for hibernation.

I am currently monitoring the temperatures in my vegetable compartment in the fridge. As I speak, it is about 38 degrees F, but I still need to get a digital thermometer for more accurate readings.

Once the temperatures are stabilized, I will line the vegetable compartment with styrafoam for insulation. I will fill the "chamber" with some nice earthy bedding, such as alfalfa hay and newspaper. This way Fritz can dig to his comfort zone. Air will be provided via opening the fridge and drawer for daily inspections and food.

I am only hibernating Fritz for 6 weeks because this is my first year hibernating my animal. Next year I will do 8 weeks, then 10, then 12.

And of course the fasting period. I'm guessing I'll need about 2-3 weeks of fasting. Fritz isn't full grown yet so a month isn't necessary.

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: Here's the plan: if you are using a fridge to hibernate your tortoise this winter, please describe your setup. Include species, age, length of hibernation, temperatures, substrate, insulation, whether this has worked for you before... everything you can. : The idea is that if everyone shares their information in one thread, we can all benefit and decide on what works best for us. Now for my setup. : I have an estimated 5 year old WC Russian tortoise (his name is Fritz) that I have had for 18 months. Last winter I overwintered him; now I will hibernate him for 6 weeks at the end of December. I just got him checked at the vet; Fritz is very healthy, active, and eats well. He is slowing down gradually as the days get shorter. I am confident that he posseses the strength necessary for hibernation. : I am currently monitoring the temperatures in my vegetable compartment in the fridge. As I speak, it is about 38 degrees F, but I still need to get a digital thermometer for more accurate readings. : Once the temperatures are stabilized, I will line the vegetable compartment with styrafoam for insulation. I will fill the "chamber" with some nice earthy bedding, such as alfalfa hay and newspaper. This way Fritz can dig to his comfort zone. Air will be provided via opening the fridge and drawer for daily inspections and food. : I am only hibernating Fritz for 6 weeks because this is my first year hibernating my animal. Next year I will do 8 weeks, then 10, then 12. : And of course the fasting period. I'm guessing I'll need about 2-3 weeks of fasting. Fritz isn't full grown yet so a month isn't necessary.

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