I have a male eastern box turtle that I did not hibernate this winter. i got him in the middle of last winter and did not have trouble keeping him awake, but this winter has been a diffrent story. I know winter is almost over and that it is common for box turtles to go into a semi-hibernation, but he has lost a bit of weight over the winter and I don't think it would be good for him to lose anymore. The temperature on the warm side of the cage is kept in the upper 70's low 80's, and I have the uva/b bulb on from 6am to 8pm. He is eating fine, but after he eats he just goes right back to sleeping (he usualy goes to sleep when I leave for school at 6:30, I wake him up at 3:00 when I get home but when I check on him an hour or two later he is back to sleep). He does not look sick. Basicaly I was just wondering if anybody has any tips on keeping him awake, I do not think it will kill him to continue this for a couple more weeks but I am going to have to really fatten him up come spring.
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Keeping box turtle awake
Replies (3)
Try upping his temps to 85-89 on the warm side. My box turtles have been really slow this last week too. I've upped temps and for 2 of them that is all that they seemed to need. ( The third one has been to the vet and been very sleepy since starting treatment for RI) Try soaking him in warm, not hot, water. My ornate became very active when I offered her a night crawler. My little 3 toe also managed to eat an entire giant earthworm. He enjoyed the chase, etc.... I was surprised he was able to eat a whole one as he fits into the palm of my hand!
Nothing like a challenge when you're little. Here is a photo I look in November. He's gotten redder on his head since I snapped this shot. Tristan the Nightcrawler's Bane!
How much weight has he lost?
What percent of his pre-hibernation body weight?
Frequently, simply allowing the turtle to rehydrate will bring the weight back up.
Also, warming him up may cause him to lose weight more rapidly, especially if he not ready to eat.
It isn't only the temperature that turtles wake up to, it is the length of daylight. If you can control the light your turtle is recieving, increase the light photoperiod to over 12 hours a day. This should help.
Also, continue to offer food (if at the higher temps). A little weight loss usually isn't a problem. He should come out of it when he is ready.
