Questions on Hibernation
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Hi All, I am planning to hibernate a pair of notherns this winter. Both are 4 years old and little over 5 inches and 6 inches. I read all posts about hibernation but still have some questions. 1. How do I maintain the temperature? I know it should be under 55F. How low is it OK? Is it OK as long as water is not iced? 2. Should I run filter during the hibernation? 3. How should I set it up? Should I separate them, or can they be in the same tank? What would be the good water depth? Do they need land? (Do they hibernate in the water or land? I think I have good ideas but just want to confirm few things. Thanks very much in advance. Danny
Danny, Hibernation is best done outdoors where the terps can benefit from not only seasonal temperature changes but photoperiods as well. What are your outdoor conditions like in the winter time? If you’re trying to hibernate them indoors, then an unheated garage or shed might work. Otherwise, you will have to rely on a chiller or keep them in a refrigerator. To answer your questions: 1) I would try to keep the minimum temperature in the mid to high 40s. 2) I filter my pond during hibernation. 3) They can hibernate together in water no less than 1ft. deep. Burrowing substrate such as mud or sand is good but not necessary. They do not need land. -Stephen C — In diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com, “dasom97”
— In diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com, “Stephen Chew”
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