Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
Does anyone know how cold Japanese pond turtles can take it?
Will they hibernate?
Mine's in an outdoor tank - it got down to 32°F (air temp) the other night & he seems to be doing fine - out basking today.
He's more active than the RES are right now.
Also, I'm looking for a female to pair him up with.
Thanks in advance,
Max
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"I may be crazy, but ya know... I can rationalize just about anything."

I am sure thewse turtles experience temperatures in the low 40's BUT you are pressing your luck if you expose them to low temperatures for long periods. I have treated way too many cases of pneumonia to advise this course.

Yes, but that doesn't really answer my question; do they hibernate?
Are you talking about Japanese Ponds, or water turtles in general?
If left at sub-optimal temps for an extended period, but not at temps cold enough to hibernate, most reptiles will develop health problems.
I seem to be answering my own questions here though, & as I only have the one male, I don't mind experimenting with him (I was hoping someone with experience with this species could answer the question).
I didn't see him, or the RES's for about a week with temps dropping into the 30's (The pond iced over for part of a day), then the other day we had temps close to seventy & I saw him & one RES out basking for a bit. Now it has snowed & the temps are predicted to get into the low 20's - I think he'll do just fine.
I'll post sometime in the future with an update.
Cheers, Max
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"I may be crazy, but ya know... I can rationalize just about anything."