Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can somebody telle me if I can have my slider hibernate outside in her new pond. I live in Ontario, Canada and the winter is very cold and long. My slider is 5year old, always lived inside before and never get in hibernation. My pond is only 18inches deep in the deepest part, including the sand.

I'd like a detailled answer before the en of the summer please.

Thank you

You need a water depth around 3'. If koi fish can servive the winter then your turtles can. This winter you should place koi in your pond and see how they do. If they do alright then your sliders have a pretty good chance of also doing alright.

Your pond may not be deep enough for your turtle to hibernate in. 30-36 inches deep at it's deepest point would be your best bet.

Hibernation is always risky, but Ontario is very marginal for a RES and 18" water depth is totally unacceptable. Personally, my philosophy is that hibernation is not essential to good husbandry, always a risk of death and puts your pet out of sight for many months. Would you send your dog to a kennel for 6 months each year if someone told you it might possibly improve its health but had an appreciable risk of death?