Hi all,

Just seen a warning of temperatures dropping to -30 deg C in some parts of the UK tonight (2/12/10), so keep an eye on torts hibernating in sheds/garages/greenhouses etc.

I agree, its already been -10 deg c where I live now. I have brought hibernating torts into coldest  part of house. Even there the ground air temp has fluctuated between 2 and 7 deg c. However my torts are in boxes of soil and temp range has kept between 4 and 6 degrees. The soil really stabilises temp changes more than shredded paper, I have used in previous years. Its worth while buying several thermometers, my latest is an alarmed digital max/min from ebay at around £7.00. It agrees absolutely with my mercury max/min. It beeps if too hot or cold according to your settings( but not very loudly unfortunately). Do not rely on one cheap thermometer, I now put a max/min inside box at same depth as torts, to be sure. I am very much looking forward to spring already! This can be a worrying time...check torts regularly, it is so easy to forget them if in sheds or garages. One night of extreme cold could be a disaster! Good luck everyone! David in York