hibernation?

[tortoiphile]

i basically signed on this forum because i was concerned with the hibernation and the risk of it dying. i asked a tortoise owner if i can just leave it outside when it hibernates and she said it's ok but watch out for rain, and then i asked if i can roof over his spot (he burrows in a huge pile of leaves) and she said that should work. this was after i read about hibernating them in a fridge which it sounds intimidating as i'm a first time owner but if i can roof his spot that would be very convenient for me and i would imagine so for the tort. Thanks.

p.s. i live in southern California if that helps any.

 

[tortoiphile]

it's a Russian, btw

 

[ascott]

What part of Southern California (desert/beach/valley/city)? This will play into the safety of supporting a tort brumating outdoors...

 

[tortoiphile]

i'm in the city, i live in a suburb. i leave him in my backyard and i seal off the gates and any holes he can possibly crawl through.

 

[ascott]

i'm in the city, i live in a suburb. i leave him in my backyard and i seal off the gates and any holes he can possibly crawl through.

If you are able to utilize a dark cool quiet closet or safe garage? I would first get yourself educated with brumation and I would be sure you are well versed and have asked a LOT LOT LOT of questions...also, it would be a good idea to test run the location you want to offer support of brumation at...this way you can get temps through out the winter and you will know if your spot is a good one...then the next year you can decide what you want to do....

Living or dying; there is no absolute way to know if your tort will cruise through without a problem...nor is there any reason to believe your tort will die....regardless of in the wild or in captivity...both happen, most will live and thrive and then you will have the tort that just does not make it....again, happens in the wild as well as in captivity....

Then again, torts forced to remain awake all year long in captivity die as well...so no guarantee...but you can improve the odds of a captive tortoise thriving by assuring you have met all of the torts basic needs and a couple additional steps for fun and pleasure for the tort...