Posted by:
kensopher
at Fri Feb 1 06:54:39 2008 [ Report Abuse ] [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by kensopher ]
"do wood turtles hibernate on land or in water? how much water do they need to be comfertable? what do they eat? what are their personalities like or do they have them? could they be hibernated outdoors? could they stay outside all year, including hibernation?"
Whoa! You got just about everything in there.
They can brumate on either land or water. Each turtle seems to make their own decision regarding that. They will often become active on warm winter days(even in snow) and move between land and water. They can be kept and brumated outdoors year round, and it is actually much more beneficial for them to do so. It all depends on where you live. Special preparations may need to be made. Where do you live, in general?
Personally, I think that they need a larger water feature to be comfortable. I provide at least a 35 gallon pond for a group of juveniles, and my adults live around a large pond. The water should be shallow around the edges, or they may drown. They like cool and VERY clean water. I have seen people keep them like box turtles, with just a small water dish for soaking. I think this does them a great disservice, though they will probably live and breed just fine.
They have amazing, outgoing, and intelligent personalities. They are one of the very best! Adult and even younger males will constantly bite at and attempt to mate with females and will also fight with other males.
They are very agile for a turtle, and need a very secure cage or pen.
They eat insects, meats, vegetables, and fruit. They will eat just about anything edible. Insects and veggies should make up the bulk of their diet. Nightcrawlers, cucumber, different types of squash, and strawberries are the favorites of mine.
If you do a google search of Wood turtles, you will get tons of care sheets for them. Some are better than others. Look for the common themes.
Hope this helps.
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