Patent ID: 6009838
Filing Date: 2000-01-04
Classification: A01K

Abstract:
A hibernation enclosure for reptiles, comprising:a) a cabinet having an interior for housing at least one reptile;b) a door swingably mounted to the cabinet and a one-way viewing window mounted to said door for enabling a user to determine the status of the reptile without the necessity of opening said door;c) cooling means to effect selective cooling of the interior of said cabinet;d) ventilation holes and an air filter fitted over the ventilation holes to circulate a controlled amount of fresh air into the cabinet;e) a motion sensor for detecting movements by the reptile, and an alarm electrically connected to said motion sensor such that the alarm is activated in response to the detection of movements indicative of the reptile withdrawing from hibernation;f) a humidifier to maintain an optimal humidity level for the reptile;g) a control unit operatively connected to said cooling means having a thermostat for selectively switching said cooling means on and off according to preselected temperature values and the current temperature within said cabinet; andh) wherein said preselected temperature values are selected to gradually change the temperature within the cabinet from a normal temperature to a lowest preselected temperature value to encourage said reptile to enter into hibernation, to maintain said lowest preselected temperature during a substantial part of the hibernation period, and to gradually raise the temperature within the container to the normal temperature, as the end of the hibernation period approaches.