Wine Coolers as Hibernation Chambers

[nic]

Thanks once again Ed. How did you ever get so knowledgeable about caudates? Not to downplay anyone else's knowledge on the subject, it is very helpful.
Nic

 

[edward]

Hi Nic,
There are some people on this site that know way more than I do.
The best thing I can recommend is to start looking at all of the available literature (buying books is a good way to go too) and exchange info here with other people.

Ed

 

[jason]

Ok, another question. (Now I wish I hadn't put 'hibernation' in the string title

In much of salamander care-taking docs, it mentions "hibernating" your animals so they can live a longer and more natural life, by refrigerating them. Is this something that should even be done, given the previous info? Or should we just let them veg out the entire winter? I've also read, that prior to inducing this state, their digestive tract needs to be clear, so food does not rot in their intestines. Any comments on this?

 

[david]

I think it depends on the animals. Alot of people swear by hibernation. This last season, I was able to breed Triturus marmortus, cristatus and montandoni with just cooling them down to the low 50's to about 60 F for a couple of months. I also know Jen has had the same results with T. karelinii. We get good production and healthy offspring without formal hibernation.