How to Keep Turtles in Winter? A Detailed Guide to Hibernation Methods

Turtles are very cute little animals, and many families like to keep them. Although they are not difficult to raise, we all know that turtles need to hibernate, and this is a very important step. So, how do you keep turtles in winter? How do you help them hibernate?

1. How do you keep turtles in winter?

Because turtles are ectothermic animals, their lives are greatly affected by climate. From November to March of the following year, when the temperature is below 10°C, turtles will lie still in the mud at the bottom of the pond or in loose soil covered with straw, stop eating and moving, and begin to hibernate. At this time, their metabolism becomes very slow. It is not until the following spring, when the temperature rises above 15°C, that they begin to resume activity and eat large amounts of food. Therefore, during hibernation there is no need to provide food or change the water. The two most important tasks during this period are, first, keeping them warm, such as covering the area around the pond and the open ground between the pond and the wall with straw; and second, preventing harm from the turtles' natural enemies.

It should also be noted that their suitable hibernation temperature is 1-10°C. Temperatures above 10°C can easily cause them to wake up, thereby consuming physical strength, causing a decline in their constitution, and affecting their growth and reproduction the following year. In addition, repeatedly falling into and waking from hibernation multiple times during one hibernation period can also cause the turtles' death. Temperatures below 0°C will freeze and injure the turtles, and may even freeze them to death.

2. How do you help them hibernate?

1. Reduce the amount and frequency of feeding

Turtles preparing to hibernate should be fed less often and in smaller amounts. By October, feeding can basically be stopped, but in areas with high temperatures, such as Hainan and other regions, feeding may be continued for the time being. If the turtle still has the desire to catch food, it still must not be fed at this time. When the water temperature drops to around 20°C, begin clearing the turtle's digestive tract. The method is to change the turtle's water and increase the frequency of water changes to stimulate the stomach and intestines and promote excretion. Basically, change the water once every 3 to 4 days. At first there will be excrement, and it will gradually decrease until there is no more excretion. At that point, the digestive tract clearing is basically complete.

2. Ensure the quality of the water used for keeping them

During hibernation, if the water is found to be dirty or contains excrement, it means the digestive tract clearing work has not been completed, and the water needs to be changed promptly. When changing the water, be careful that the water temperature difference does not exceed 5°C. During your turtle's hibernation, if the water evaporates, replenish it promptly. Usually, the water level during your turtle's hibernation should cover the turtle's back or be slightly deeper.

3. Make sure the digestive tract is completely cleared

During hibernation, turtles rely on consuming the fat stored in their bodies to survive, and during this period they basically do not move, in order to reduce energy consumption. If there is undigested food in the stomach and intestines, it cannot be digested after hibernation begins, and the food remaining in the body will turn into harmful substances, which in serious cases may endanger their lives. Therefore, clearing the digestive tract is a very important step.

After hibernation, turtles will not wake up until the following spring. After they wake up, extra care must also be taken in looking after them, otherwise they may not survive. We hope the above introduction on how to keep turtles in winter can help everyone.