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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