when do hibernating things wake up?

[legless]

i have a big pile of stuff with frogs in that i need to move before i can dig over about 1/5 of my plot but i don't want to move it until they start to wake up   any ideas when would be safe? i can wait until may but i'd rather do it sooner than that if they will move out sooner!

[eileen]

I think it depends on quite a few things Legless. The weather, where you are in the country, the wetness of the soil or whatever it is they're in.

Some folks (on another site) have frogs mating and laying down spawn already!

Here in Scotland, not a twitch of a little amphibious toe so far - it's usually about March  before we see any real activity.

Don't know if this is any help to you whatsoever!   Cheers Eileen.

[legless]

yes it is eileen, i am in newcastle so probably similarish to you, thanks!

[busy_lizzie]

Jo, We have a couple of ponds in our garden and we have frog spawn in them every year and usually at the middle to end of February the activity starts.  We can hear the deep croaky noise they make.  It is fantastic as it reveberates all over the garden.  

I think it all depends on the weather and the temperature though.  If it is too cold they stay put and because I think we are experiencing quite icy weather at the moment they are still probably in hybernation mode. Ours seem to spend the winter in our compost heap.  If it is at all possible I would wait a little while longer before moving anything.    busy_lizzie

[Beer_Belly]

The toad migration usually starts mid feb to mid march but here in NL it started last week due to the mild weather. It's stopped now as there's a cold snap but I expect it to start again at the weekend.

-B_B-

[Doris_Pinks]

My froggies are croaking already in Sussex! Bit early tho, especilly as my pond is frozen this morn  

[Ceri]

I found three ladybirds up and foraging today as well - self-seeded limanthes poached egg plant flying up - nearly at point of flowering - in February!  Nice as it i, one nasty frost mind and I'll be losing quite a bit I think

[MagpieDi]

I started clearing the pond out over Easter hols ( mid April ) one year, and as I reached the mud, 5 pairs of beady eyes popped up !!......not at all pleased that I'd disturbed their slumber!!
Winter can drag on somewhat up here int' Pennines!!  

[aquilegia]

I'm very worried about turning my compost heap as I put my frogs in there after I found them sleeping under some annuals I pulled up last November. I'm not sure if they are still there, but when it's a bit warmer I'll turn it by hand   just in case.

I'm also worried about digging the veg patch as I found another one hibernating in there when I planted some spring bulbs in it. Still - another excuse not to dig!  

[rdak]

I nearly dug a hedgehog out of the compost heap a couple of weeks ago. Am hoping he will move on soon so I can use it! (compost, not the hedgehog   )

[Doris_Pinks]

Apparently delicious baked whole in clay Ross!!  

[MagpieDi]

DP.....There's no way you're getting your grubby paws on my darling froggies' legs !! ............. ( sweet, juicy, mouth-watering ..........any chance of a recipe ?   )

[eileen]

MagpieDi you are a real card!  

[gavin]

Slugs in March?  Carrot fly in May?

Yukkk!

All best - Gavin

[busy_lizzie]

Went out to inspect the garden ponds today and guess what?  - Two frogs splishing and splashing around. Spring is just around the corner, - any minute now our garden will be vibrating with sound, just in time for Valentines Day   Ah!   busy_lizzie

[Doris_Pinks]

Mine too BL, though he wasn't doing a lot of sweet talking! Expecting spawn V soon!!! (which I have to hoick outta my pond and put in the water barrel so the fish don't eat it!) I shall be a very proud Momma!!

[MagpieDi]

MagpieDi you are a real card!  

Oh, thanks a bunch Eileen!!

Card = thicker than paper, and derived from a plank of wood!!!!

Spot on !! HaHaHa!!    

[legless]

my frogs aren't awake yet which is good cos its snowing again! i'm just shuffling my plans around to make sure i don't have to use that bit until may or june!

[busy_lizzie]

Was a bit of a flash in the pan, no croaking froggy sounds happened and no frog spawn yet, and they have disappeared, back to their comfy cosy hiding places.   Perhaps they did know something we didn't, as today we have icy, snowy showers.  busy_lizzie