Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm going to hibernate my sliders for the winter and need to know the correct way to do this. It doesn't freeze where I live but will get down into the upper 30's. How should I hibernate my turtles under these conditions?

I live in the california valley, where it gets icey sometimes. I hibernate my red ears and my maps outside with no ill effects. The only turtles I bring in are warm climate turtles like my soft shells or my side necks, if they stayed outside I add a fishtank heater and keep the tanks partially covered.

hope this helps.
mtnsnakeman@excite.com

Yes thanks, but how do you hibernate them in a climate that doesn't get too cold? I mean, I know for such climates you're supposed to get them some kind of detritis or muck to burrow in. How about for climates that don't really get below freezing but cold enough for them to stop eating?

Should you just let them nap at the bottom, without any covering? Are there any methods of having them hibernate, like something for them to burrow in? Or is just open water fine with such turtles in a mildly cold climate?

Just letting them hibernate in open water is fine as long as they can get out if they want to. Mine are in a waterland turtle tub. Half dirt and half water, most of the red ears hibernate in the water by choice. Warmer climate turtles will hibernate as well as long as there is a temperature drop, but I hibernate them indoors, and it still works just fine for breeding.

mtnsnakeman@excite.com

Okay, fine. Just to clarify, this means they don't need anything in the water to burrow under? The turtles I have can get out of the water, as I have various rocks and logs and even some earth along the sides. My main concern, however, is whether or not they'll need anything 'under' the water so that they can cover themselves. This, I've heard, is the manner of hibernating for turtles in sub-zero climates. But like I'd said, temps seldom get below freezing if at all where I live.

RES are highly prolific and will adapt to almost any condition given, as long as they have water shelter, and the right food. They do just fine. The only thing that is sometimes difficult to get exact is the proper breeding condition. The RES can be picky sometimes. So breeding is not always as easy as it would be with land turtles. I have nothing in the water side for the turtles to submerge themselves in to or under. It sounds as tho you have the right conditions. so I wouldnt worry to much. You are definitely doing better than alot of individuals that buy them from the pet stores or flea markets as a quick pet.

Gary C.