Like JG indicated below, they are responding to some sort of environmental cue. Who knows what it could be? Photoperiod, a very slight temperature change (nighttime or daytime), barometric pressure, trick or treaters, the fact that you're now wearing long-sleeved shirts...who knows. If you're dealing with CB, never been brumated turtles it would be much easier to keep them active year-round. If these turtles were WC or have been brumated consistently, it may be tough to trick them into staying "awake".

You'll have to use your judgement. I'm biased, as I think that Spotteds should be brumated when they're old enough and healthy. The benefits are not clearly understood either way. Think about it, researchers don't even fully know why HUMANS sleep much less brumating in turtles. It's just my opinion that turtles from temperate regions should be brumated.

You're in a tough spot this year. Your turtles seem to want to brumate, but you're not prepared. If you're in their native range, they can be brumated outdoors or in a cold garage. Some people, regardless of where they live, prefer to brumate their turtles in a refrigerator. If I were you, I'd keep them active this winter...make sure they eat, observe them closely for illness. Then, research brumation methods thoroughly and decide which you'd like to do next winter.

Gemsofnewjersey is a fridge brumator...chime in Chris.

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