Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We have had a dry, very hot (hottest on record) summer so far this year, and as a result the turtles here have been estivating and/or generally not been active or eating very much at all.

Some have buried themselves in the hibernacula, a couple of others have anchored themselves in the pond and stayed under water, and otherwise found ways of coping with the extreme conditions.

In spite of this there has been no significant weight loss in any of them, so they seem to be coping well.

Anyone else been observing this?

Yes! I'm in NY and we have gone over 100 for two days last week and then in the high 90's. All my Eastern's and Three Toed's have dug under plants, or went into their hibernation cave to cool off. Only my one old Ornate will sit out under the ornamental grass, then go into the pond and sit there for a while. She will continue to do this until night and then go in the cave. My Ornate's behavior has always been very different than the Eastern's and Three Toed's.

Sounds about right. I wish I could do the same....

Likewise here in NE Ohio, high 90's, humid, warm, uncomforable but very summery. My five turtles have slowed way down eating every other day... maybe, but mostly living under cabbage plant leaf's. I have three ponds, large flower pot base's, scattered around and will see turtles resting in the water for hours. But they still are amorous as two were mating in one of the ponds just this evening. Life goes on.........

Alan

I do not see my Tortoises (Hermann's, Redfoot, Russian) or my Gulf Coast Box Turtles. If they are active it is very early in the morning before I go out to the pen. Pretty much normal for here. We haven't hit 100 yet. Maybe once. The heat index is always over 100 to 107 during the heat of the day. Dewpoint near 70 or more daily. 77F to 80F is as low as the temp goes overnight. Been cloudless, windless, humid, high pressure.
jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer