Jerry's up and about.
 

Well, Jerry is out of hibernation and has had a good soak, drink and even a bite to eat.
He was in the fridge for 8 weeks this year with no drama and a far less nervous keeper.
He did lose a couple of grams in the first month (poo) but settled down in February and only lost 0.1 of a gram, thereafter.
He also looked far better hydrated this year, I left an eggcup of water in the fridge again and it surprised me how much of it evaporated in such low temperatures. This must've helped with humidity.
Temperatures remained stable between 4.5 and 5.5, throughout and once again with these optimum temperatures he didn't feel the need to dig down into the soil in his box.
Considering that he poo'd a couple of week into hibernation, I will perhaps try a slightly longer wind-down next year.
It'll be nice to get his fridge back in the garage for another year...roll on spring.:D

Good news to here he's up safe and sound. Sounds like he's done really well.
As for spring , I could agree more , roll on and hopefull we can get out in our gardens soon and do some tortoise gardening.

Great to hear Jerry's awake and doing well, Keith.

Sounds like a really successful hibernation.

My two were up today. Bertie very active for a couple of hours and Beatrice off to bed after her bath, a potter round and back to bed. This is there longest hibernation and I was a bit worried, but they seem fine.

As this has been so successful will you fridge hibernate again next year - or should I say later this year.

Good news, Jan. It's nice to have them back again. I reckon I will continue with the fridge next time. The method does have a lot going for it and I like the element of control.
However, my long term goal is the nearer to nature approach. The problem I have is that my garden is very heavy clay so it would be difficult for Jerry to dig down in. I would need to dig out an entire area and refill with soil and then place a greenhouse above it. There would be issues thermally and with drainage.
I've considered a compromise like a large box of soil in the garage with thermostated heating but this comes with it's own issues.
I seem to remember you use a "hibernation chamber", perhaps you can give me some info on your method, Jan.

My hibernation chamber worked really well. I will take some photos and try and describe what I did. I haven't read anything quite like it, so will be interested to hear what the experts have to say. I tried to follow the principles.

Will try and do something this weekend. Definitely needs photos to demonstrate though.

look forward to this thread ! and Jerry's awake ! yaaah . You know I will be looking for ideas on this years enclosure ! CB