Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I will likely be getting a slider from my neighbor soon. I think it is red-eared, at least partly, it's wild caught, but they arn't native, so my neighbor dosn't want to release it back where he found it.
Anyway, I'll be keeping it outside since its warm, in a bathtub in my yard. He's already been through a couple Virginia winters, since he's wild caught. Do you think it is ok to hibernate him in my yard over the winter? how would I do this? I know painted turtles spend the winter under the ice, are sliders the same? Thatnk-you for any comments,
T-spoon
-----
"Let us step out into the night and pursue that mighty temptress, adventure." (Albus Dumbledore)

My menagerie
2.1 Ball Pythons 1.0 Amazon Tree Boa 1.0 Corn Snake 1.0 Dumeril's Boa 1.2.10 Bearded Dragons 2.1 Crested Geckos (and 2 eggs!) 1.1.4 Eastern Box Turtles 1.0 Northern Mockingbird 0.3 Chickens 2.0 Cats 1.1 Ferrets plus lots of mice, goldfish, and feeder insects

Sliders do hibernate at the bottoms of ponds, much like painteds and many other turtles. However, your bathtub is probably not deep enough or insulated enough, and he would need some muck at the bottom. It would be better to bring him inside, at least into a garage or basement where he will be safe from the worst weather.

Thanks to you and your friend for not releasing the slider! Too many people do let their pets go without considering the harm they are doing.

Good choice not to release it as it is not native and someone
already has the first go-around. Make sure that if you keep
it outside that it has plenty of shade to get out of the sun
otherwise it could quickly overheat.

I have been a turtle owner for many years and would not
attempt a natural hibernation. Only those that are experienced
should really do this. I would take the first posters advice
and move it inside in the winter time.

I bring my five in when the night time temp regularly drops
below 55 degrees.

Hope this helps
Linda

thanks to both of you for responding, turns out, he already gave the slider to someone else though. No complaints here, I've got enough mouths to feed!
-----
"Let us step out into the night and pursue that mighty temptress, adventure." (Albus Dumbledore)

My menagerie
2.1 Ball Pythons 1.0 Amazon Tree Boa 1.0 Corn Snake 1.0 Dumeril's Boa 1.2.10 Bearded Dragons 2.1 Crested Geckos (and 2 eggs!) 1.1.4 Eastern Box Turtles 1.0 Northern Mockingbird 0.3 Chickens 2.0 Cats 1.1 Ferrets plus lots of mice, goldfish, and feeder insects