How do you keep a golden coin turtle in winter so it can make it through safely?

Golden coin turtles enter hibernation in the cold winter, and at this time breeders need to strengthen management to help the golden coin turtle overwinter successfully, so how do golden coin turtles overwinter?

1. How golden coin turtles overwinter

1. Overwintering golden coin turtles in a large container

Many breeders keep only a small number of turtles, and worry that sudden changes in outdoor weather and temperature will cause the turtles to fail to overwinter and die, so during winter they move the golden coin turtle indoors and use a large container for overwintering. Large containers include large plastic basins, large plastic troughs, large wooden barrels, and so on. First, place some sandy soil in the bottom layer of the container. The sandy soil must be washed clean, and it is best to sun it under sunlight for a few days to sterilize it. After spreading the sandy soil, spread some dry grass on top of the sandy soil, then sprinkle some water on it to retain moisture. In this way the turtle will burrow deep into the sandy soil by itself and overwinter naturally. During overwintering, breeders should note that they need to regularly add water to the large container to maintain humidity, keep the indoor temperature controlled at 15°C-20°C, and then check at intervals whether the turtle is normal, burying the sand and dry grass back as well. A large container is not suitable to be placed in a noisy place; it should be somewhere quieter, so the golden coin turtle can overwinter peacefully.

2. The temperature for golden coin turtle hibernation

Golden coin turtles are semi-aquatic; the turtles like to rest in groups in shallow water, and usually like a certain amount of sunlight for basking. The golden coin turtle’s hibernation period runs from about November each year to March of the following year. Due to climate and regional differences, the hibernation time is sometimes longer and sometimes shorter. Generally speaking, golden coin turtles begin to enter hibernation below 15°C. The turtles have a certain cold tolerance, and under normal circumstances, as long as the water temperature is not lower than 4°C they can overwinter safely. If they are kept on a balcony or in a garden pond, then attention must be paid to windproofing and coldproofing; plastic, canvas, and the like can be used as windbreaks, so the turtles can overwinter safely and the survival rate is also high.

2. Precautions for golden coin turtles overwintering

1. Disinfect the containers and tools related to keeping them before hibernation

Before the golden coin turtle enters hibernation, the keeping containers can be disinfected with disinfectants such as bleaching powder or benzalkonium bromide, to reduce the possibility of the golden coin turtle getting sick during hibernation.

2. Check the golden coin turtle’s health condition before hibernation

Although golden coin turtles have relatively strong resistance and immunity, hibernation is still a “hurdle” for the golden coin turtle. If you do not pay attention to checking and let a weak, sick golden coin turtle hibernate on its own, accidental death may occur. Therefore, before the golden coin turtle hibernates, carefully check its health condition and provide appropriate heating to help it get through the hibernation period smoothly.

3. Properly shade the keeping pond and keep it quiet

During hibernation, a piece of cloth can be used to cover part of the turtle pond, and it should be placed in a less noisy place, which can help the golden coin turtle overwinter safely.