Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a new-ish FL boxie that is about 4yo. I don't think she has ever hibernated. Her previous owner kept her inside and she was not kept on dirt and did not really have a means to hibernate naturally. Her outside box is almost finished. I'm wondering if she will hibernate, or if they actually do hibernate here in the Orlando area. It's sunny and 80 degrees today, will be all week and most of the month. What should I look for and provide her with?

I do this with lizards all the time, but this is my first box turtle.

Turtles will hibernate when the temps become cold and food sources are scarce. If the temps are mild in their home range-as it is in several southern states-they will not hibernate. But they may hide underground or under mulch during cooler temps and come out to bask and possible feed when it is warmer. Provide your turtle with fresh water every day and food when you see it up and about. The food should be live insects, some fruits and greens.

When I lived in Houston, TX, my turtles did hibernate for a few months. I think Orlando temps are warmer, but there may be a time in early January when your turtle may hibernate as well. It is the "coldest" month:
Average high temperature: 70.8 F
Average low temperature: 48.6 F

Those night time temps are cold enough for hibernation and if the pen is on the north side of the house, it may not get much sun and stay cool all day.
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Tess Cook
www.boxturtlesite.info

At this point, the turtle box is movable for two people, so that I can bring it inside for inclement weather.

Thanks, I will keep on with the food and water, and keep an eye on her in the cooler months. I have been able to get her to eat a more varied diet (if you recall some feeding issues I had before). She still detests earthworms, but loves crickets, superworms, cactus, clover, greens in my yard , strawberry, peach, papaya.

Are these earthworms ones you are digging yourself? I noticed my turtles do like the ones I find just under mulch. These earthworms(If that is what they are) are very wiggly, hard and often break in half! They are not the bit slimy. But they love the slimy ones I find deep in the dirt. Tess

>>At this point, the turtle box is movable for two people, so that I can bring it inside for inclement weather.
>>
>>Thanks, I will keep on with the food and water, and keep an eye on her in the cooler months. I have been able to get her to eat a more varied diet (if you recall some feeding issues I had before). She still detests earthworms, but loves crickets, superworms, cactus, clover, greens in my yard , strawberry, peach, papaya.

Sorry, I haven't checked this forum in a while...

They are nightcralwers I buy from the bait store for various frogs that I keep. She will bite them, but leave them.

I live in St Pete FL. I have Florida boxies and Ornate boxies. I notice the ornate hibernate for about 2-3 months, depending on the weather. I saw them two weeks ago but have not seem then in the last two weeks. But the Florida box turtles do not really hibernate, they may burrow for a few days but they always come back out when the sun is shining. Mine are both wild caught, native to my neighborhood, and they live in my yard.... their natural environment. I just recently had my first boxies hatchling. I have had them for years and finally have a baby! Only one but hopefully more to come. Good luck!