Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Do they have to be brought inside? There is some soil around the pond for possible hibrenating.

i am no expert by far... but i am also from PA, and i would say that you need to bring them in during the winter months UNLESS you have a pond that is deeper than our 'freezing' line... i have NO clue what our freezing line is but i am SURE it's pretty deep considering how cold it gets here! i have a baby pool in my backyard for the summer months, and in the winter i bring them in. you 'could' leave them outside to hibernate, but you are taking a huge chance. because if they have never hibernated before... they could die from shock. i think it would also depend on how old the turtles are. but like i said... i dont know specifics because i am not an expert! i hope this helps at least a little bit
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~ Evie

Pets:
0.1.0 German Shepherd {Dusty}
0.1.0 German Shepherd/Collie mix {Shadoe}
0.0.2 RES turtles {Booger and Snot}
1.0.0 African Clawed Frog {Bingo}
0.0.1 Snail {Gary}

Turtles dont hibernate around the pond, they hibernate in the mud in the bottom of the pond. They pull oxygen through their skin while hibernating. In the wild ponds are large and the oxygen under the ice is less likely to be used up. If you have a small outdoor pond and the top freezes, a hibernating turtle may use up all the oxygen under the ice and die. I would recommend bringing them inside for the winter. Ive never allowed my turtles to hibernate. For one thing, Im not interested in filling up my pond with mud.
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