How to Care for a Chinese Pond Turtle During Hibernation? Feeding and Management Methods During the Hibernation Period

The Chinese pond turtle, also known as the turtle, Chinese pond turtle, golden-thread turtle, ink turtle, mud turtle, etc., is an omnivorous animal. Every winter, animals begin to hibernate, so how do you care for a Chinese pond turtle during hibernation?

1. Changes in environmental temperature

When the ambient temperature drops below 15 degrees Celsius, the turtle enters hibernation. When the turtle wakes from hibernation, first measure the indoor temperature to prevent the temperature from being too high and causing the turtle to interrupt hibernation.

2. Whether it has fully woken up

After hibernation, the turtle's waking process is gradual. It is best not to feed it immediately, and even more important not to overfeed. Instead, let the turtle move around for a day or two first, until it has fully woken up.

3. Fully absorbing water

If the turtle hibernated in a relatively dry environment, once it is fully awake, place it in clean water to swim for a day or two, so it can fully absorb water and completely defecate.

4. Controlling the amount of food

After the turtle defecates, you can begin feeding it. The first feeding after hibernation should focus mainly on restoring the turtle's physical strength, and you should give it high-energy food, but the first feeding should not be too filling; about two-thirds of its normal food intake is enough.

The Chinese pond turtle mainly inhabits rivers, lakes, reservoirs, ponds and other waters. During the day it mostly stays in the water, and when the summer heat is intense, it gathers in groups to seek shady places.