outside hibernation in the NW

[lynnedit]

Does anyone hibernate their Russians in their enclosures (secure, presumably dry burrow) in the Pacific NW?
I know several do in California, etc.

Temps are OK here (occasionally below freezing) if they can burrow deep enough, but I am concerned about it being wet. There is no insulating blanket of snow.

 

[ascott]

I hope someone in your zone can offer some input...I am here in southern cali high desert...and the three prior years of freezing and constant rain caused me to brumate indoors this recent winter....

 

[Yvonne G]

When I first got Russians, I let them hibernate in the ground here in Central California. After I lost more than half the colony I found out that being wet during hibernation kills them. Its too wet here for outside hibernation.

 

[lynnedit]

Thanks, that's what I was thinking. Cold- yes, it gets colder in their native environment. Wet- no.

Inside it is.