When should you begin hibernating?

[connerspringer]

Hey guys! Marion and I are back

We were wondering when we should start hibernating... Originally when I got my best friend I wasn't planning on starting hibernation until around three years old. I wanted to know the errors in my ways, so to speak! Am I correct in waiting?

Thanks!
Conner & Marion

P.S. What is the best way to upload photos to the site? I tried imgur but the didn't show up...

 

[Yvonne G]

I don't use any outside photo programs. I just click at the bottom of the screen "upload file"

Some people say it's natural for a hatchling to hibernate right out of the egg. I like to wait until they're at least 3 years old.

 

[Tom]

I hibernate my temperate species their first year and every year. For the first year or two, I just do a short 6-8 week hibernation. After that I go to 12-14 weeks, depending on the weather. I get them down by late November or early December, and usually get them up in March sometime.

This is assuming that all the correct steps are taken, and they are hibernated at the right temps for the species, in the right way, in a safe place.