Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This is the first winter my babies are spending outside. I checked on them last week and they were dug in and seemed OK. So far, our lowest temps. have been an occas. dip to the mid-30's . However, we are expecting a freeze to hit in a few days that is supposed to include temps. in the teens to low 20's with freezing precipitation.

They are in their outdoor habitat. A few of them chose an enclosed and covered spot to bury in, but others are in an area that isn't covered.

Just a worried Mom here, but do I need to be concerned? Is there anything I should do like add another layer of leaves or something?

I do not have any hatchlings in my outdoor enclosure, but I do winter Eastern box turtles and spotted turtles. Sounds like you in an area with a similar climate to me (Northeastern South Carolina) I added about a ten inch layer of leaves to the six inches of hay I already had there. I put the hay down early in the fall so that it begins composting. The composting produces heat. I also have a removable roof on my enclosure to hold in a little more heat. If I had hatchlings I would most likely bring them into a cool room in the house just to be on the safe side. Hope this is helpful.

I know how you feel. I have had box turtles for 20 years and I still get nervous when the temps drop below freezing. I agree with the first post as I also pile on the leaves and compost over my hibernating turtles. I go as far as to mow my yard in the late fall just to get the clippings and you can also rake the yard or gather leaves to pile over the turtles. When it gets into the teens, wich is rather rare for the dallas area that I live in I will throw an old towel over them for added measure. It might be overkill but I error on the side of better safe then sorry.

gather those leaves and grass

A couple of years ago I started measuring the temperatures within the hibernacula here in central VA. The temperatures below ground remained fairly stable in comparison to the air temperature, and typically range from 40F-45F throughout much of the winter, occasionally dipping below 40F but never by much, even if the outside air was in the teens.

Keep in mind that the objective (as far as the turtles are concerned)is to *not freeze* rather than to stay warm. Compost does indeed generate heat which can actually be counterproductive (and possibly very unhealthy or even deadly for your turtles) during the winter.

Just as a follow-up:

We've had several days of temps in the 30's and overnight temps dipping below 20 here. I just took a temp reading in the hibernacula and the temps are in the low 40's in there, so the turtles should be fine.

Steph is right here. I live in NM......but we are at a little over a mile high elevation here. We have had a few nights that have dipped into the single digits already this winter.

Human nature is to worry about our critters but one thing we must all keep in mind is that our box turtles have survived for thousands if not millions of years WITHOUT our help. It helps to keep in mind that you are probably not too worried about the wild turtles that live in your general location. These animals live a long life most of the time without OUR help. It also helps to remember that these long, cold brumation periods are what prepare our turtles to breed next sping and summer. Chin up folks.....don't worry, be happy

>>A couple of years ago I started measuring the temperatures within the hibernacula here in central VA. The temperatures below ground remained fairly stable in comparison to the air temperature, and typically range from 40F-45F throughout much of the winter, occasionally dipping below 40F but never by much, even if the outside air was in the teens.
>>
>>Keep in mind that the objective (as far as the turtles are concerned)is to *not freeze* rather than to stay warm. Compost does indeed generate heat which can actually be counterproductive (and possibly very unhealthy or even deadly for your turtles) during the winter.
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Vichris
"The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane"- Marcus Aurelius

Thanks for the replies. I went out last night and put some cardboard over them, and threw a light tarp over that. At least that will keep the cold rain off. I added a layer of already-composted leaves that I was saving. Hope that won't hurt.

They have over-wintered indoors for the past 2 or 3 winters.

The first few years I was crazy paranoid about the turtles outside all winter. I would go out and look for all and see how far down they were, always thought not down enough. They have been fine on their own now, doing this for 12 years plus, never lost any. It does go down into the teens at times. THey have been buried in a foot of snow or more. I usually just cover areas I think they are with a good layer of leaves in late fall. So far so good. I haven't gone out to check once in the last few years!
In early spring I remove a good portion of the leaves and they usually start coming up end March beginning april.
I do keep hatchlings in their first winter,but put them out for good in may, when its warm.

Phil

I just wasn't sure if they would have the "common sense" [I know that's a poor choice of words, but I think you know what I mean] to choose the safest places and/or to know how deep to dig. Afterall, I've read that the mortality rate is higher for the younger turtles.

Again, thanks for all the encouraging words! I do feel better about them, now. And the weather didn't get as bad as predicted. We should be good for the rest of the winter!

BTW, they are 3-toeds (sp?)