Reptile & Amphibian Forums

2 adult and 1 juvenile Box went under around mid November here in central SC. Have not seen hide nor hair since then. For the most part we've had a relatively mild winter, some cold weather lately though-- down to 25 last PM. Is it appropriate to "take turtles out to check on them". I've read several posts here that seem to indicate this. These are /were wild turtles and have apparently survived previous winters w/o my help. Thoughts and suggestions appreciated. THANKs!

I live very close to you and my native turtles haven't even peeked out this winter. I had a straggler in the fall, but this recent cold weather has kept them down. Depending on the sun exposure of your pen, expect to see them around mid to late March.

If you hibernate artificially, it's not usually a problem to check them periodically. In fact, it's a necessity. However, if they're naturally brumating outdoors...I'd leave them be. I'm sure that they'll be fine. Disturbing them could be more harmful than helpful in your situation.

thanks Kensopher and Nanci,
glad to hear that I wasn't missing the boat. Ken, I think your right on target with your prediciton. I found both of these in my yard right around Easter last year.

Joe

I brumate mine artificially, I check them once a month to make sure no ones sick, losing weight and to soak them, if they were outside I'd leave them be and hope for the best.

I have one outside near Gainesville, Florida, and he's still not coming out. Of course with two nights in the 20's last week, who can blame him. He did come out once on his own, maybe December? but went back. I don't know how he stays down, with the wild temp fluctuations. It hasn't been uncommon for temps to go up to the mid-70's low 80's frequently here, all winter. Maybe he's going by total daylight hours.

Nanci
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0.0.1 Classic Corn, 0.0.1 Cali King, 0.1 Nelson's Milk
1.0 Tricolor Hog, 0.0.1 Eastern Hog, 1.0 Florida King
1.0 Eastern Box Turtle, 1.0 Florida Box Turtle
0.0.2 Desert Torts, 2.0 Feral Pigeons