If everything goes well health wise this summer with my Russians and my Box turtle, I want to attempt to hibernate them.
My plan is to hibernate indoors, at about 40*F, in small plastic shoe boxes lined with paper or some other material. Should I hibernate them totally dry, or use a substrate that can be moistened very slightly? I know cold/damp usually equals death, and I am most confused on that point, because the soil wouldn't be TOTALLY dry if they were burrowed....
I am thinking to do this first attempt for a month. I will purchase a dorm sized refrigerator to keep them in.
Now, as to bringing on the actual hibernation - I am thinking to do a 2-4 week fasting period this fall, and let them remain outdoors while temperatures begin to naturally fall towards the 40* mark. Is this the way I should go about it?
I'll be honest, I am scared spitless, but I think in the long run it will be the best for them. Once I am not so scared I can try longer periods. I know it is way early to be worried about hibernation, but I want to know as much as I can and prepare beforehand.
My plan is to hibernate indoors, at about 40*F, in small plastic shoe boxes lined with paper or some other material. Should I hibernate them totally dry, or use a substrate that can be moistened very slightly? I know cold/damp usually equals death, and I am most confused on that point, because the soil wouldn't be TOTALLY dry if they were burrowed....
I am thinking to do this first attempt for a month. I will purchase a dorm sized refrigerator to keep them in.
Now, as to bringing on the actual hibernation - I am thinking to do a 2-4 week fasting period this fall, and let them remain outdoors while temperatures begin to naturally fall towards the 40* mark. Is this the way I should go about it?
I'll be honest, I am scared spitless, but I think in the long run it will be the best for them. Once I am not so scared I can try longer periods. I know it is way early to be worried about hibernation, but I want to know as much as I can and prepare beforehand.