Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello -

I have a box turtle that is about 2 1/2 years old. This year is his second round of hibernation. Last year everything went according to schedule and very smoothly. He hibernated from October to April before he unearthed himself.

This year is a bit more of a challenge.

The turtle (Herman) is in a hibernation box and was hibernating without issue until about 4 days ago. I checked on him, only to see that he had made his way to the top of the soil but was still rather sluggish. The temp is around 45º where I have him and nothing has really changed from last year in that aspect.

I have read a few things that lead me to believe he is either foraging for food or water. I have supplied some water but I am unclear if he has taken any in (as he just has a tendency to topple whatever is in his way making it difficult to see if he actually drank). I was unsure if I should offer him food at this point... should he choose to hibernate after eating (fearing decay in his system and that I am not even sure what I should offer in his current state).

In short, I am looking for a course of action. Please let me know your thoughts... it is greatly appreciated.

Thanks -

Jay

I would advise against trying to feed him.
It is doubtful that Herman would even be interested in eating if he's been kept at a steady 45 degrees lately, but even if he did ingest something, he would not be able to digest it. A soak in cool water may be in order, to allow him to hydrate, but not food.
It isn't unusual for turtles to move around during hibernation, so I don't think I'd be too worried about that.

Soak him in a plastic tub so you can be sure he's gotten some water. I also hibernate in a box. Pic attached. I ALWAYS remove each turtle for a soak in a few inches (never above the nose so they cannot inhale water while still groggy) of room temp water once a month during the hibernation period. Since I do not hgibernate them at near feezing temps, they can relive themselves rather quickly once placed in the water.

Do not feed the turtle if you plan on returning it to the hibernationn box.

If the turtle behaves abnormally on more occasions, take it to a vet. Sick turtles will sometime come out of hibernation and lay on the top. Follow your gut feelings about this.

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Tess
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