‘Allowing’ hibernation in up-to-weight rescue

[Willowtree]

I have two rescues, one is now a good weight at 778 gms. However, the window of mild weather has pretty much closed here, and feel unhappy about releasing her when it’s 5 by day and around 0 at night.

How do I go about managing a hibernating hog? She’s caged in the garage, has been on a heat mat since her arrival 3 weeks ago. If I remove the heat mat gradually over the next few days will she go into hibernation? Do I need to do anything after that point beyond checking she has available food/water?

Thanks in advance

[stef]

Sorry no one has answered you
I would stop the heat pad straight away. It no longer needs it
In captivity hogs will often not hibernate and it’s not necessary for them to do so, so you will need to keep putting out food and water
How big is your other hog? If they get on I would put them together. I find hogs often do well in captivity with other hogs once all risk of cross infections is over.
With 2 together it is also very unlikely that they would hibernate which is probably for the best
Do not release until spring as your hog won’t have had time to adjust to the area or to make dry beds/hiberniculum
If I’ve not answered anything you want to know then do come back to me

[Author]

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