Do red eared sliders turtles hibernate?

A Wikipedia article explained “Red-eared Sliders do not hibernate, but actually brumate; while they become less active, they do occasionally rise to the surface for food or air.” Most sliders spend the winter months in the mud at the bottoms of ponds or shallow lakes.

Do turtles hibernate in the winter?

Dec 03, 2020 — Unlike frogs, turtles don’t hibernate through the winter. In fact, sometimes you can see snappers and other species moving around under the ice. While their metabolism runs at very low ebb in the cold, they remain alert to changes in light and temperature that signal the coming spring.

Is it normal for a turtle to go into hibernation?

Turtles that are originally from temperate climates generally hibernate. Hibernation is encouraged by breeders as it may increase the likelihood of breeding. However, your turtle doesn’t need to hibernate. Technically, turtles do not hibernate, they brumate.

Why does a desert tortoise go into hibernation?

On the other extreme, some desert tortoise, box turtles and aquatic turtles will go into a period of dormancy during times of extreme temperatures. In essence, this is for the same reasons that some turtles hibernate; which is, survival.

How old do red ear slider turtles have to be to go into hibernation?

If you have young Red Eared Sliders, under 3 years old, it’s better to keep them away from hibernation if possible. But if your turtle is older than that then you can let them hibernate without having to worry.

Can you keep a box turtle in Arizona?

Hibernation is an important part of the natural cycle of desert tortoises, box turtles, and many other turtles and tortoises kept as pets in Arizona.

When do tortoises and turtles go into hibernation?

Many species of temperate-climate turtles and tortoises brumate, or hibernate, in the winter. Captive tortoises and turtles don’t need to hibernate to survive, but annual hibernation periods can increase your odds of breeding success.

If you have young Red Eared Sliders, under 3 years old, it’s better to keep them away from hibernation if possible. But if your turtle is older than that then you can let them hibernate without having to worry.

Can a Asian box turtle go into hibernation?

The Asian box turtle also doesn’t hibernate. If your turtles don’t hibernate, then they must be kept warm throughout winter. Of course, only healthy adult turtles should be allowed to hibernate. Sick turtles usually don’t survive hibernation.

Hibernation is an important part of the natural cycle of desert tortoises, box turtles, and many other turtles and tortoises kept as pets in Arizona.