Painted turtles do not in nature live in tropical waters.
They are abundant in Wisconsin and the northern states where
they stay active longer in the fall and come out of hibernation
very early in the spring. I base my thoughts on the reading
I have done.

I would guess that all turtles have their preferable temps
just like people would have. Over the years my turtles have
always preferred cooler temps. In fact, during pond water
changes if I get the water up close to 80 degrees my oldest
one will get out of the water until it cools off. I think the
key is giving them the ability to chose their temps. It is
my belief that the wider the range (within their range) the
better off they are. I guess I just feel that no where is
the water a constant 80 degrees. Mine are outdoors during the
summer months and I bring them in when the nights drop into
the low 50's. This of course drops their water temp quite a
bit and they are a little sluggish but that is what would
happen in the wild. This is how I keep my adult healthy turtles.
I do have a hatchling southern painted now that I got about 3
weeks ago. I keep his enclosure warmer of course but I have
never used a heater in either case.

In addition to my 3 painted turtles I also have 2 RES

Linda

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