Natrix Natrix hibernation process

[Murziukas]

Dear snake lovers,

Passed one year and winter is coming. I have two lovely common European grass snakes Natrix Natrix and those need hibernation. Temperatures in Lithuania get pretty low during the winter. Average is ~ -5°C during the winter. How should I do this? I really care about those two little bastards and I really would like to do all I can to keep them alive and healthy (even through they hate me and hiss every time when I get too close ).

 

[Crotalus]

If you have a place in the house where it gets around 12-15c you camn place them there after you stopped feeding them for a month (to clean out any food and feces), drop the temp in their cage week by week. Place them in plastic boxes with a shelter and a water bowl.

/Lelle

 

[Murziukas]

That is the problem - I live in a flat (I rent it) and have no conditions to reduce temperature gradually. There are two ways: fridge (But I'm affraid this one is agressive, maybe 4°C) and basement, but this one won't be warmer than 10°C too.

 

[Crotalus]

10c should be ok for them since they are hardy animals
Put them in plastic boxes with shavings and a shelter + water dish
- I can recommend this type:
http://www.hammarplast.com/?subfold...er=1934&productid=7332462002814&FolderSearch=

Get colored ones and transparent lids so you can check the animals without disturbing them too much

 

[Gigas]

Though outside temperature get as low as -4 they will seeek out piles of decaying plant matter to hibernate which are warmer than external temperatures so 10c is a good choice

 

[Murziukas]

Thanks guys, I'll do all my best