Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I brought him down to room temp last night to start cooling him down. No lights or anything and this morning when I went to soak him he was sitting on top of the mulch looking around.

Should I assume that he will not go totally dormant until I get his temps into the high 40's or low 50's? I am clueless. He makes me feel so stupid!

Sorry for ranting. I feel better now though.

Thanks, Linda

If he was dug in, were you going to dig him out and soak him? I'm no turtleologist, but if you're going to hibernate him, seems like soaking him will just delay the process. Seems like letting him dig in and keeping his mulch a little moist will be what he needs for hibernating.

Yes, I was going to dig him out and soak him in preparation in addtion to lowering temps over the next few days. Also, it is recommeded that you pull them out every 2 weeks or so and allow them to soak while they are hibernating to prevent dehydration.

I know it doesn't seem to make sense but every website I have read says you should soak them and check them periodically.

I don’t know of any one who checks on their turtle while it is hibernating. Just keep it in a cool place as possible. Keep his bedding damp and he should do fine.
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Jack

Thanks but why do the websites say to do this. Is it specifically for young turtles maybe or maybe it has to do with indoor hibernation???

Thanks, Linda

Maybe it's just anxious box turtle keepers? I hibernate mine outside, so my situation is different than yours, but I worried like crazy about them the first year, but never checked them and they were fine.

Watch this clip from a BBC reptile special.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZJy9NwNLYI

It shows how newborn painted turtles, NEW BORN, hatched and then went right into hibernation. It shows time lapsed photography of them just laying there with frost, water, and mud covering them and even going into their noses and bodies, but come spring, they thawed out and were perfectly healthy and fine. I hope this encourages you.