Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Are there any box turtle owners in SoCal (southern Orange County)? I have 2 Eastern Boxies & 1 Ornate and was wondering if they hibernate in this area. Any advice?

Incidentally, I got the Ornate (WC) about 4 weeks ago. She lives in my sister's garden. This turtle follows my sister around the garden and even walks into the house! When she sees my sister come into the garden, she immediately runs to the spot where she's fed and looks up at her. I just got the Easterns and they are still pretty shy.

I have an ornate who does the same thing.. she follows me around when I'm outside when she wants me to feed her.
She even walked UP our dog ramp recently because she wanted more food.
She cracks me up.
I don't live in CA but I do know someone who lives in the LA area who does hibernate her boxies or rather they live outside & they do what comes naturally. Hopefully some CA people will pop in & discuss what they do with their boxies.
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PHRatz

Here's a link to the CA turtle and tortoise club.

Stephanie
Link

Hi i live in so. cali. and i have 5 3 toed box turtles. I dont think they will hibernate if you keep them out all year because it does not get cold enough. If you were or want to hibernate them then you are going to have to use a refrigearator or something like that. Your boxies will show slowing down towards the winter months but wont hibernate unless the temps. get lower then 50 and stays like that for a while. Usally so. cali.gets to low 50 high 40 but then goes up to 60-70 during the day. So over all they wont hibernate unless you provide a place where its at the right temps. Hope this helps.s