Hibernation: Hibernating turtles properly
Turtles are ectothermic animals. If their body temperature drops below a certain threshold, they enter into a state of winter dormancy. During this period, both their heart rate and respiration slow down, and their digestion practically comes to a halt.
In the following, we will explain why winter dormancy is so important for turtles and what you need to consider when hibernating your turtles.
Turtle Hibernation: Hibernation or Torpor?
Strictly speaking, turtles do not undergo hibernation. Instead, the term used for them is torpor. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they have distinct differences.
In hibernation, which is observed in some mammals like hedgehogs and groundhogs, the body functions are also significantly reduced. Unlike ectothermic animals like turtles, animals undergoing hibernation can autonomously reactivate their organism and may wake up in between, even seeking for food.
On the other hand, a turtle's torpor is not something the animal can regulate independently. Turtles are reliant on a rise in environmental temperatures to emerge from their winter dormancy and restore their bodily functions.
Why is Torpor Important for Turtles?
Turtles are ectothermic animals, meaning they cannot regulate their body temperature on their own and depend on environmental temperatures.
Depending on their habitat, sunlight is scarce in winter, and the food supply is severely limited. To avoid freezing or starving, many turtles enter into torpor.
To achieve this, they slow down all vital bodily functions, from metabolism to respiration and heartbeat. Previously stored fat reserves ensure that turtles are adequately supplied during hibernation.
Do All Turtles Require Winter Dormancy?
Whether your turtles need winter dormancy depends on the natural circumstances of their habitat. Water turtles and land turtles that undergo winter dormancy in the wild also require it when kept as pets.
This is the case when temperatures during the winter months drop below approximately eight degrees Celsius. Many turtles prefer temperatures between four and six degrees Celsius during their winter dormancy.
Can Turtles Die During Hibernation?
In general, there is a certain risk that turtles may not survive their winter dormancy. Risk factors include a weak immune system, illnesses, and a lack of preparation measures.
To minimize the likelihood of mortality during winter dormancy, it is essential to prepare turtles correctly for hibernation and avoid feeding them normally just before the dormancy period or keeping them at excessively high ambient temperatures. Additionally, turtles suffering from illnesses should not undergo winter dormancy.
Preparing Turtles for Winter Dormancy
When turtles are kept outdoors, they typically prepare themselves for winter dormancy by ceasing feeding and emptying their bowels to a large extent.
For turtles housed in a greenhouse, the temperature should be gradually reduced over a period of four weeks. The same applies to turtles kept in a terrarium.
Approximately one week before winter dormancy, turtles should no longer be fed. To ensure emptying of the bowels, it is also advisable to give them a lukewarm bath before hibernation.
Where Should Turtles Overwinter?
When the turtles' activity decreases significantly, it is time to place each turtle in an individual hibernation box. The box should be large enough for the turtle to completely bury itself. It should be filled with soil, moss, and leaves.
The hibernation box must be placed in a dark location such as the basement or garage. However, maintaining consistent temperatures is crucial for turtle hibernation, which may pose challenges in garages or basements.
Turtles Overwintering in the Refrigerator
Instead of the basement, a refrigerator can be used for hibernating turtles. The temperature can be precisely controlled, ensuring no issues arise. However, the refrigerator should be used exclusively for winter dormancy and not for storing food simultaneously.
Ensure that the refrigerator temperature is between four and seven degrees Celsius, and avoid direct contact between the turtle containers and the refrigerator's back wall, as it is typically colder there.
To ensure sufficient oxygen supply for your turtles, open the refrigerator once a day. Apart from that, it should remain closed as much as possible to avoid disturbing the turtles' winter dormancy.
Regular Monitoring During Winter Dormancy
Although winter dormancy is a natural process, it is important to check on your turtles every four weeks during hibernation indoors. Take them out of their hibernation boxes, visually inspect them, and weigh the turtles. Turtles should not lose more than approximately 10 percent of their body weight during winter dormancy.
Duration of Winter Dormancy in Turtles
The duration of winter dormancy can vary among turtles depending on their origin. Generally, the period can range from three to five months. When overwintering outdoors, the duration depends on the prevailing temperatures, usually spanning from November to May. Once there is no more frost at night, the turtles will awaken from their dormancy.
Slowly Waking Turtles from Winter Dormancy
It is important to gradually wake up your turtles from their winter dormancy. Over the course of several days, gradually increase the ambient temperature and allow the turtles to become active before moving them back to the garden or indoors.
Lack of Winter Dormancy Can Harm Turtles
You may initially have concerns or fear that your turtle may not survive during winter dormancy. However, there is no need for such worries. In fact, the absence of winter dormancy in turtles that naturally undergo dormancy in the wild can cause numerous problems.
These include accelerated growth, as the fasting phase that usually accompanies hibernation is skipped. Therefore, winter dormancy is an essential aspect of the proper care and well-being of turtles, even when kept as pets.
Leave your comment