Mine hibernate on their own, haven't done anything special. Studies show that frogs (all toads are frogs, but not all frogs are toads) that hibernate have a longer life spans, how much longer doesn't say, just longer. And I've tried to feed dubias, but they spit them out when they get them in their mouth. They also just burrow down and hide if not in a feeding dish. My toads have enjoyed the “thrill” of the hunt w/the red runners.