Hello,
I've had my Russian for two years. Around 2 months ago, he decided to hibernate. He did the normal fasting for a few weeks (I noticed he wasn't eating his lettuce) and then burrowed deep into his hide. The problem is that he's in an indoor enclosure in my upstairs office. It never gets much below 60 in the house and is typically in the high 60s during the day. He hasn't moved much since starting his hibernation, but I am worried that he will use up his food stores too quickly at this temperature. He seemed to give up at one point, venturing out of the hide (and I gave him some lettuce but he only took a few bites) but he is back in his hide now for a few weeks. I initially hoped he'd "get over it" when he realized food was plentiful and temps were stable but he is definitely committed to hibernating.
So...
Should I get a minifridge for him? I've found guides that recommend shoeboxes with tissue paper and using a dedicated mini-fridge that you occasionally open to let in fresh air.
OR
Should I leave him be? Let him hibernate in warm indoor temperatures and trust that he will wake himself up before he starves?
Thanks!
Jefe
I've had my Russian for two years. Around 2 months ago, he decided to hibernate. He did the normal fasting for a few weeks (I noticed he wasn't eating his lettuce) and then burrowed deep into his hide. The problem is that he's in an indoor enclosure in my upstairs office. It never gets much below 60 in the house and is typically in the high 60s during the day. He hasn't moved much since starting his hibernation, but I am worried that he will use up his food stores too quickly at this temperature. He seemed to give up at one point, venturing out of the hide (and I gave him some lettuce but he only took a few bites) but he is back in his hide now for a few weeks. I initially hoped he'd "get over it" when he realized food was plentiful and temps were stable but he is definitely committed to hibernating.
So...
Should I get a minifridge for him? I've found guides that recommend shoeboxes with tissue paper and using a dedicated mini-fridge that you occasionally open to let in fresh air.
OR
Should I leave him be? Let him hibernate in warm indoor temperatures and trust that he will wake himself up before he starves?
Thanks!
Jefe