How Do Turtles Overwinter? A Detailed Guide to Safe Overwintering Methods

The turtle is a reptile of the family Geoemydidae and the genus Mauremys, also known as the golden turtle, grass turtle, mud turtle and mountain turtle, so how do turtles overwinter in winter?

1. How do turtles overwinter in winter?

Turtles overwinter by hibernating; generally when the temperature is below 15°C the turtle will hibernate and stop eating, and it can overwinter safely as long as the temperature does not drop below 4°C. So when keeping a turtle, be sure to regulate the indoor temperature; one month before the turtle hibernates, it needs to be fed plenty of food so that it has enough nutrition to get through the winter.

Before the hibernation period, also check the turtle's growth condition; for weak individuals, increase the feed and give more of the feed the turtle likes, so that the turtle stores up a large amount of nutrients, and only then can it overwinter safely.

About 10 days before hibernation, begin withholding food from the turtle so that it expels the feces in its body; when it has fully entered the hibernation state, simply cover it with a moist towel and then place it in a place with no noise.

2. Precautions Before Turtle Hibernation

1. Check the turtle's physical condition. For a turtle that has just recovered from illness, or one that is currently sick, or one that is too small, it is recommended to keep it warm, or temporarily raise the keeping temperature and delay the hibernation time; you must ensure the small turtle is in good health so that it can get through the winter safely.

2. Increase nutrition so that the turtle has sufficient strength to endure the winter. Before hibernation, increase the feeding amount; at this time it is best to feed mealworms, which are high in protein and high in calories.

3. Plenty of sunlight. Having eaten a lot, it must be able to absorb and digest it; let the small turtle bask in the sun more, which helps absorption and digestion.