turtle wants to hibernate

Question
Hi,
We've had our three-toed box turtle since this past summer. His shell is approx. 5-6 inches long, so I am guessing he is several years old. I admit that I don't have enough knowledge about this little guy, so any insight you can give would be appreciated.
We live in upper IA. Our turtle appeared to want to hibernate around Sept. or Oct. I called our vet who knows turtles, and he instructed me to keep him around 80 degrees to prevent hibernation, or let him hibernate and keep him in the mid 40's. Since I couldn't regulate the temp to stay at proper hibernation levels, I tried to warm him up. He did become more active, but will not eat. I called the vet again, and he stated that it might be too late to get him out of hibernation (though he was still slightly active--just not eating). So I have let him cool off, but need to know a few things. Do turtles move much while hibernating (from one end of cage to the other)? Is there any way to wake him up if he is in a dangerous state of hibernation? Is there any way to make him eat?
I don't want the little guy to die.
Thanks for your help.


Answer
Turtles should fast for 2 weeks prior to hibernation.  If he has food in his system, keep him awake and under the UVA/UVB light to digest the food.

Let them soak 30 mins each day up to hibernation to make sure they are hydrated and to encourage defication.

Turtles shouldn't move much while hibernating.  They will dig up or down in the soil to keep the optimum temperature.

I am keeping mine (yes, I finally decided to hibernate) in the refrigerator in 3/4 play sand and 1/4 bed-a-beast coconut bedding.  I bought a thermometer at home depot that records the highs and lows.  I put the probe near the edge of the styrofoam box they are in.

I also bought a food scale.  They should lose no more than 1% of their body weight.

Every 3-4 weeks I take them out for 15 mins and weigh them.  If the weight is low, I soak them in coldish water just up to their mouths (not noses) so it is easy for them to drink if they need to.  

If ever he is loosing too much weight, or you need to wake him up, just let him warm at room temp for one day, and then provide a UVA/UVB basking light.

-Amanda