Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know it's early to start thinking about this, but I wanted to make sure I had everything set up. I was wondering if I should let my turtles hibernate naturally by themselves or hibernate them outside in a tank. This will be my first time doing this, so I would love any responses. Thanks a lot.

Its not to early to start thinking about hibernation and preparing yourself and your turtles. Mine have already made themselves comfortable under a leafpile I created while I prepped the serious shelter.
If you want to allow them to hibernate naturally outside then you would not use a tank! Or any other kind of box or container, for that matter.
What part of the country are you living in? That would influence the design of a hibernaculum: a part of the country with long cold winters would necessitate a deeper/better insulated space than a region with shorter winters.
Can you provide us with a few more details, so that we can better answer your questions?
You can also search the archives of this forum for previous threads covering the topic, to get some ideas and pointers.

Stephanie

Hi folks- I could use some advise too. I live in Carmel N.Y - So it will get cold. I currently keep my 3 eastern box turtles in a 6 ft by 2 foot plastic stock tank outdoors. They have done great with the exposure to the natural elements. I have an unheated garage if needed. Do you think it would be safe to use the stock tank in the garage with some leaf litter for the turtles to bury themselves in ? I am definitely open to any and all suggestions. 2 of them are captive bred and have never been exposed to anything colder than the current low's they are 12 years old. I also have a male - age unknown which was rescued after being run over by a car. He has been around a while.

thanks, Mark

Here's a link to hibernation information that you should find helpful.
Stephanie
Link

Thank you Stephanie: I figured you would come up with great info.

Mark

You're welcome, but really, a big 'Thank You' is in order for Tess Cook, (aka PHBoxturtle) who put that website together. I just refer people to it regularly. :0)
Its probably my favorite because of the wealth of accurate and insightful information it contains.
I just finished prepping the hibernacula here in central VA: one is a sloped-sided hole in the ground that is 2 ft deep at the deepest point, filled with a mixture if topsoil, peatmoss and dead leaves. I have to dig it out each fall because the soil tends to compact somewhat over the summer, and also roots grow into it, so I cut those out, too. This year I only had to work in some more leaves. Its probably deeper than necessary for this area, but I figure if the turtles want to go that deep, they can without encountering heavy clay.
The second hibernaculum is a slightly different design, not as deep, and cut into the side of a slope, so its partly below and partly above ground, with log walls above ground, and is also filled with the same sort of mixture.
Both get covered with a row of logs, for added mass over the top and also to keep leaves from blowing away, but there are plenty of gaps so the turtles are never trapped. I then pile even more leaves over the top of the logs.

Regards,
Stephanie

Well I live in south Texas. Winters are short, but has already begun to cool down, so it may be different this year. I'll have plenty of leaves and dirt to let them hibernate in, and I'll also get some moss before that time comes. I plan to mix the moss in with everything for a little extra moisture. Any other tips? Do you need any other information? Thank you so much!

Because turtles burrow down to hibernate, I think its important to have the designated place be at least partially below ground. Because you're pretty far south, you won't have to dig as deep as I do, but since the surrounding ground does act as insulation and keeps temperatures fairly stable, it would be a smart thing to do. About 1 ft would probably be enough for your area.
My feeling is that its better to provide them with too much than too little when it comes to hibernating.
Any turtle keepers in that general area who can offer any insight?
Stephanie

Thank you so much. I can tell you've been doing this for awhile! Anyone else is still welcome to respond...

Im from the Dallas area so not as far south as you but pretty close. I have a really cool pair of box turtles (Rex is my male and Jas is my female). This will be Jas first winter with me but Ive had Rex a couple years now and he is a seasoned pro at hibertating at our house.

I have a simple outdoor enclosure that is a converted flower bed next to our house. What I do to prepare for hibertation is simple. I add one bag of potting soil in a mound that I pour on one side of the enclosure. I add a nice layer of leaves about 2 feet tall on top of the soil mound. Viola! That is it. Works great for me.

Oh, I will mention that here the turts will continue to feed until the first freeze. They will use the hibernation spot at night but come out mid morning and feed so I continue to provide food until they quit coming out. I do continue to provide water throughout the winter. Probably not necessary but I figure it doesn't hurt anything either.

Last year, when we had an extended warm period for a couple weeks in January, my turtles came out of the den for a few days. Was interesting to see them out in the middle of winter but hey that is the weird Texas weather for ya.

Good luck with the turts. IF you want to see a few pics of my enclosure and the turts, I have some on a website http://www.geocities.com/mkaarlela/boxturtle.html