russian tortoise hibernation

[jesdunne]

Does anyone know how deep a russian tortoise burrows when he/she hibernates? I know there is controversy about hibernation but mine has been hibernating every year, seemingly with no ill effects. (I just got him in April; he had been living at large in the backyards behind my house.)

i hope to hear back!<br><br>Post edited by: jesdunne, at: 2008/09/02 04:01

[stillz67]

Jacquturtle is the expert on torts. I'm sure she'll have an answer for you.

[zaroba]

hibernating....for years?

if that's not a typo, i'd make sure its still alive if i were you.

[jesdunne]

Oh yes, not a typo, just questionable English. he hibernates every year.

[jacqturtle]

Are you going to hibernate him outside again or maybe inside or using the frig?

[jesdunne]

Outside, since that is what he is used to. I have consulted with a local tortoise shelter where they keep 10 Russians. They say that outside is OK in our climate. I want to set his house up properly--with enough soil for him to get a good and consistent temperature. I understand that he runs a risk of getting too warm while he hibernates which is another topic.

Anyway, he is acclimated so I think I need to let him hibernate in the climate he knows. Good information is hard to find!

Thanks--

[jacqturtle]

Hard to find because most don't hibernate.

Okay lets get a couple of questions out of the way....

Are you creating him an outside pen with a bottom on it? Or just leaving him loose in the entire yard? Or are you planning on him hibernating within his house?