Emergency rescue of my desert torts after flooding last week./ trouble hibornating indoors .

Hi everyone! Last Thursday we had severe rains and 4 of our desert torts had to be dig up from there natural outdoor burrows, the ground was so saturated, that they were all covered in mud, so continuing hibernation outdoors is not an option at this point. I'm having a hard time keeping them cold enough indoors, they get restless at times, and 2 of them have urinated since I brought them inside a week ago. How do I go about soaking a hibornating tort, and what temp is best to soak them in. And also, what's the highest air temp they can hibernate in. We are desperate, and are not set up to keep them awake indoors for the winter. All suggestions ate greatly appreciated! Time is not on our side. Thank you for any input on this matter!!

Sorry I have no words of wisdom for you, but I hope all works out well.

Team BiGi said:

Hi everyone! Last Thursday we had severe rains and 4 of our desert torts had to be dig up from there natural outdoor burrows, the ground was so saturated, that they were all covered in mud, so continuing hibernation outdoors is not an option at this point. I'm having a hard time keeping them cold enough indoors, they get restless at times, and 2 of them have urinated since I brought them inside a week ago. How do I go about soaking a hibornating tort, and what temp is best to soak them in. And also, what's the highest air temp they can hibernate in. We are desperate, and are not set up to keep them awake indoors for the winter. All suggestions ate greatly appreciated! Time is not on our side. Thank you for any input on this matter!!

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Its probably best that you set them up in a reliable refrigerator with the temperature set to between 45 and 50 degrees. Place each of them in their own breathable box or tub in a covering bed of dry leaves or shredded newsprint. Check the temperature regularly and allow a new supply of fresh air in. When they begin to stir in early Spring, and when reliable temperatures rise into the 80s, begin raising the refrigerator temperatures into the low 60s before letting them outside and beginning to feed. When you first take them out of brumation, make sure that they are well hydrated. Soak the juviniles or younger in warm water up to their gulars. Make sure that they are all eating well on their own and enjoy. I'm curious, what is your male to female ratio? We have 3 female CDTs and one male. We are located in the high desert of Aguanga.

I agree with Orv. I have one DT that's about 12 years old. I have only had him a year, but last winter and this one I have used a fridge. Lots of people seem afraid of this method, but it avoids the situation you've found yourself in. It also provides that steady cold temp you are seeking.