Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a RES that is about 6" long that I've had about 3 years. He lives in a 50 gal tank with a Fluval 3 and 4 internal filters. He basks and eats regularly but every winter about this time he goes into somewhat of a hibernation mode.
When I first got him and researched about RES I read that it's healthy for them to fully hibernate. I've been nervous about doing this but I'd like to try this year.
I've read where people put them in their garage or even in the refrigerator over the winter. Anyone have advice or an opinion on this? Links to read more about it? Any information is appreciated and thank you in advance for your replies.

i dont know any details about hibernation... but what i DO know is that you shouldnt just throw your turtle into a full hibernation! i think the best way to do the hibernation thing would be gradually so that your turtle doesnt get a shock... maybe introducing him/her to colder temperatures slowly, and then eventually probably full hibernation. but i definitely wouldnt just put your turtle in the cellar and hope for the best, they say that gradual is always better for animals...
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~ Evie

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

Well, I'm not wanting or thinking about "throwing him into full hibernation". I am here asking for advice about how to go about transitioning him.

Some thoughts I've had: Lowering the tank temp to ___? Shutting off the thermometer totally? No lights? Covering the tank and making it dark?
I have a 10 or 20 gallon extra tank that I could put him in the basement where there would be little noise and light. What about a kiddie pool - could he hibernate in there?

Where'd you hear that people stash their turtles in the fridge while they hibernate?

Mine's never hibernated but storing an ectotherm in a refrigerator just doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

Besides, what if the power goes out and he returns to room temperature?
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1.0.0 Crumpet
And on the eighth day, God created Alucard.

another turtle forum is where I read it... I read a lot about sliders when I got mine, almost 3 years ago. I remember reading about it then. I have also thought about powering outages so that's why I'm asking. I also live in an area of the country (Kansas City area) that has drastic temperature changes in a matter of days and I wouldn't try to hibernate him outside in my pond.

i have also heard of sticking the turtles in the fridge, but never thought it a very 'likely' option. I don't think that you will get many answers on this forum because as far as i know, most of the people here keep their turtles active throughout the year.
Although i know nothing about hibernation, i would say to lower the temps of the tank slowly.. and maybe cutting the amount of light he/she gets per day... then one day just not have the light come on at all... you want to simulate the 'real world' as much as possible... and considering that it usually gets cold 'slowly' and it gets darker by day 'slowly' i would say gradually is the best! i'm not sure if there is such a thing as 'too cold' for the turtles, but you definitely dont want him/her to get any infections.
I would also suggest looking in on him/her if you do decide to hibernate because you never know when they might kick out of it and be HUNGRY! also, i wanted to say that i read somewhere (not really sure where or when) that turtles hibernate in the mud in or around ponds? i can't remember where i read this... and i honestly cant say if it's true or not... but it may help you!
i hope any/all of this helps
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~ Evie

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