I've got a western painted turtle that was hatched this spring. I've kept him outside over the summer, so he is naturally experiencing the cooler nights of Wisconsin climate. I would like to hibernate him since this would be consistent with his natural cycle. I've kept other aquatic turtles from southern states and have not needed to hibernate them, so this is a first for me. I've read that hatchling turtles need only a 6-8 week cool down period their first year. Is this time adequate? What substrate should be used -- mud, leaf litter? What temperature is recommended? Moisture level?
Any info. on how to hibernate a yearling would be very helpful and appreciated.
Thanks
