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Produce => Wildlife forum => Topic started by: legless on February 09, 2004, 21:46:08

Title: when do hibernating things wake up?
Post by: legless on February 09, 2004, 21:46:08
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  ;D 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!
Title: Re: when do hibernating things wake up?
Post by: eileen on February 09, 2004, 23:16:11
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.
Title: Re: when do hibernating things wake up?
Post by: legless on February 09, 2004, 23:35:00
yes it is eileen, i am in newcastle so probably similarish to you, thanks!
Title: Re: when do hibernating things wake up?
Post by: busy_lizzie on February 10, 2004, 00:59:27
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
Title: Re: when do hibernating things wake up?
Post by: Beer_Belly on February 10, 2004, 09:09:45
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-
Title: Re: when do hibernating things wake up?
Post by: Doris_Pinks on February 10, 2004, 09:43:24
My froggies are croaking already in Sussex! Bit early tho, especilly as my pond is frozen this morn  :'(
Title: Re: when do hibernating things wake up?
Post by: Ceri on February 11, 2004, 19:35:23
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
Title: Re: when do hibernating things wake up?
Post by: MagpieDi on February 11, 2004, 23:30:50
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!!  ::)
Title: Re: when do hibernating things wake up?
Post by: aquilegia on February 12, 2004, 11:14:58
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  :P 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!  ;D
Title: Re: when do hibernating things wake up?
Post by: rdak on February 12, 2004, 13:57:45
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  ::) )
Title: Re: when do hibernating things wake up?
Post by: Doris_Pinks on February 12, 2004, 14:16:48
Apparently delicious baked whole in clay Ross!!  :P
Title: Re: when do hibernating things wake up?
Post by: MagpieDi on February 12, 2004, 16:54:35
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 ?   ;) ;D )
Title: Re: when do hibernating things wake up?
Post by: eileen on February 12, 2004, 18:04:49
MagpieDi you are a real card!  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: when do hibernating things wake up?
Post by: gavin on February 12, 2004, 20:02:17
Slugs in March?  Carrot fly in May?

Yukkk!

All best - Gavin
Title: Re: when do hibernating things wake up?
Post by: busy_lizzie on February 13, 2004, 19:55:52
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!   :D busy_lizzie
Title: Re: when do hibernating things wake up?
Post by: Doris_Pinks on February 13, 2004, 20:52:12
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!!
Title: Re: when do hibernating things wake up?
Post by: MagpieDi on February 14, 2004, 15:31:24
QuoteMagpieDi you are a real card!  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Oh, thanks a bunch Eileen!!

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

Spot on !! HaHaHa!!   ;)   ;D
Title: Re: when do hibernating things wake up?
Post by: legless on February 22, 2004, 13:53:32
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!
Title: Re: when do hibernating things wake up?
Post by: busy_lizzie on February 22, 2004, 16:06:43
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