What Do Red Eared Slider Turtles Do In The Winter?

Do you have a red-eared slider turtle in your home? We all know that turtles hibernate in winter, but do you know what your pet turtle does during the cold winter months? In this article, we’ll take a look at what red-eared slider turtles do in the winter and learn how to prepare them for the cold months ahead.

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What Do Red Eared Slider Turtles Do in the Winter?

Red eared slider turtles are popular pets, but what do they do in the winter? It’s important to understand the needs of your pet turtle to ensure it survives the colder months. Red eared slider turtles are aquatic turtles native to North America. They are found in slow-moving waters like ponds and marshes. In the wild, they hibernate during the winter months, and the same is true for pet turtles.

Hibernation Requirements

Before your turtle can hibernate, it must fulfill certain requirements. Turtles need to eat a lot before hibernation and store body fat for energy during the winter. This means that you should feed your turtle more than usual for a few weeks before hibernation. In addition, the water must be at least 70°F (21°C). The colder the water, the more slowly the turtle will enter hibernation.

Preparing the Hibernation Tank

The hibernation tank should be a 10-20 gallon tank with a lid that can be securely attached. Place a few inches of damp sphagnum moss at the bottom of the tank. The moss should be damp, but not wet. Place a hibernation box in the tank. The box should be filled with damp moss and large enough for your turtle to fit comfortably inside. Fill the tank with cool water, about 65°F (18°C). Make sure the tank is in a cool, dark place.

Hibernation Procedure

Once the tank is prepared, you can start the hibernation process. Place your turtle in the tank and close the lid. Monitor your turtle for a few days to make sure it is adjusting to the cooler temperature. When the turtle is inactive and its breathing is slow, it is ready to hibernate. Make sure to check the water temperature often and adjust as needed.

What Happens During Hibernation?

During hibernation, your turtle’s metabolism slows down significantly. Its breathing rate and heart rate slow, and its body temperature drops. The turtle will remain inactive for several months and will not eat or drink during this time.

Coming Out of Hibernation

When temperatures start to rise in the spring, your turtle will start to come out of hibernation. You may notice that it begins to move around in the tank and its breathing increases. Begin feeding it as soon as it starts moving around. As temperatures rise, the water should be slowly warmed to at least 70°F (21°C).

Health Concerns After Hibernation

When your turtle comes out of hibernation, it is important to monitor its health closely. It may be weak and appear thin. Offer it food and monitor its behavior. If your turtle shows signs of illness, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Hibernation Tips

Hibernation can be a dangerous time for your turtle, so it is important to follow these tips. Make sure the tank is in a cool, dark place and the water temperature is between 65°F and 70°F (18°C and 21°C). Monitor your turtle for several weeks before and after hibernation to ensure it is healthy.

Signs of Illness During Hibernation

If your turtle is ill during hibernation, it is important to act quickly. Signs of illness include refusal to eat, swimming in circles, and lethargy. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Hibernation Alternatives

If you are concerned about your turtle’s health during hibernation, there are alternatives. You can keep your turtle in an indoor aquarium and maintain a temperature of around 70°F (21°C). This will keep your turtle active and healthy during the winter months.

Environmental Needs

In addition to the right temperature, your turtle needs the right environment to remain healthy. The tank should have plenty of hiding places, rocks, and aquatic plants. UVA and UVB light should be provided and the water should be cleaned regularly.

Conclusion

Red eared slider turtles need a cool, dark environment to hibernate in during the winter months. Before hibernation, your turtle should be fed more than usual to store body fat. During hibernation, your turtle’s metabolism slows down significantly and it will remain inactive for several months. Monitor your turtle closely when it comes out of hibernation and contact your veterinarian if you notice any signs of illness. If you are concerned about your turtle’s health, you can keep it in an indoor aquarium and provide the right environment and temperature to keep it healthy during the winter months.

Related Faq

What Do Red Eared Slider Turtles Do in the Winter?

Answer: Red Eared Slider Turtles will enter a state of hibernation during the winter months. During this time, they will slow down their metabolism and be less active than usual. They will seek out a safe, warm, and oxygenated spot in the bottom of a pond, lake, or other body of water to wait out the cold months.

In this state, they will remain mostly inactive, but will still come up for air occasionally throughout the winter. Their hibernation period can last anywhere from two to four months, depending on the conditions they are in. When the weather warms up, they will become more active and begin to explore more.

What Do Turtles Do in Winter? – Discovery Walk

Red eared slider turtles have a unique way of dealing with cold winter weather: hibernation. With the help of their adapted physiology, these turtles are able to survive the harsh winter months by slowing their metabolism to a near-hibernation state. This allows them to conserve energy and remain safely tucked away in the mud or other warm locations until the weather warms up. By adapting to their environment and following their natural instincts, the red eared slider turtle is able to remain active and healthy all year round.