Do Pet Turtles Hibernate? Understanding Their Winter Behavior

Yes, pet turtles do hibernate. However, this period of dormancy is more accurately called brumation. During brumation, turtles remain slightly active, unlike hibernating mammals, which fall into a deep sleep.

Brumation is a survival mechanism that allows turtles to live through cold weather and food scarcity. During this time, turtles stop eating and their metabolism slows down, meaning they require less food and oxygen.

While brumation is healthy for most turtles, it is important to note that young, sick, or underweight turtles are vulnerable to dying if allowed to hibernate.

What is hibernation?

Hibernation is a period of dormancy that animals go through when it is cold outside. Hibernation is nature's mechanism to protect its cold-blooded creatures (and some warm-blooded animals) in cold weather or when food and water are scarce. The farther from the equator the species occurs naturally, the more likely it is to hibernate; the closer to the equator, the less likely.

Hibernation is the process of inactivity (sleeping) during an extended period when an animal has a lower body temperature, slower breathing, and conserves food by living off fat deposits. Reptiles, however, do not truly hibernate. This period of inactivity is called brumation. Reptiles remain slightly active during brumation, unlike other hibernating animals that go to sleep completely.

During brumation, reptiles slow down during cold temperatures. They stop eating and become inactive. It is different from hibernation as reptiles are not technically in a sleeping state during brumation but have a slowed-down metabolism that requires them to eat less.

Brumation is also different from aestivation, which is what turtles do to get through periods of inactivity in warm months when it's hot and dry. Turtles are said to aestivate when they dig in when their pond dries up in summer.

During hibernation, an animal's immune system slows down considerably. Therefore, it is important to ensure that only healthy animals hibernate.

Do all turtles hibernate?

Hibernation is a survival mechanism for cold-blooded animals to protect themselves from cold weather and scarce food and water. While turtles do hibernate, not all turtles are capable of taking on the challenge.

Brumation

Hibernation for cold-blooded animals is called "brumation". During brumation, turtles slow down during cold temperatures, stop eating, and become inactive. Unlike hibernating animals, turtles remain slightly active during brumation. For example, on a warmer day, a turtle may crawl out of its spot and bask in the sun.

Tropical Species

Generally, turtle and tortoise species from tropical climates close to the equator do not hibernate. Tropical tortoise species like the Red-Footed tortoise and Asian box turtle species such as the Malayan and Keeled don't hibernate.

Young Turtles

Young turtles typically do not need to hibernate for their first few years of life. Most wild turtles die during their first winter because hatchlings have a hard time surviving hibernation. Underweight turtles are at a high risk. While hibernating, turtles use their existing body weight for sustenance. Underweight turtles may not have enough in their body to sustain themselves.

Sick Turtles

Sick turtles should not hibernate. During hibernation, the immune system slows down considerably, and a turtle that was even mildly ill going into hibernation is likely to die during or shortly after the process.

Indoor Turtles

Indoor turtles do hibernate just like any other turtle if the indoor temperature drops. However, if you keep your turtle warm by using aquarium heaters to warm its water, then it might not hibernate.

How to prepare your turtle for hibernation

Hibernation is a natural process that helps turtles survive the winter months. While it is not necessary for pet turtles to hibernate to survive, it can be beneficial for their reproductive success. Here are some steps to prepare your pet turtle for hibernation:

• Consult a veterinarian: Before deciding to hibernate your turtle, consult a veterinarian to ensure your pet is healthy enough for the process. Only healthy turtles should hibernate, as their immune system slows down during this period.
• Determine the species' requirements: Research the specific needs of your turtle species. Generally, turtle species from tropical climates close to the equator do not hibernate. The farther away from the equator, the more likely your turtle is to hibernate.
• Feed vitamin A: Before fasting your turtle, feed it vitamin A-rich foods, as hibernation depletes vitamin A stores. Good sources include leafy green vegetables, orange fruits and vegetables, and fish.
• Increase fiber intake: Towards the end of summer, gradually transition to a higher-fiber diet. Good sources of fiber include alfalfa and timothy hay.
• Fast your turtle: Stop feeding your turtle a few weeks before hibernation to ensure its digestive system is clear. Undigested food can decay and lead to bacterial infections or suffocation. Provide constant access to water during this time.
• Hydrate your turtle: Soak your turtle in chin-deep water every other day during the fasting period to encourage waste expulsion and hydration.
• Decrease the temperature: Gradually reduce the temperature to signal the onset of hibernation. Do not go below 50°F (10°C).
• Choose a hibernation location: Decide where your turtle will hibernate. It can be outdoors in a natural setting, in a refrigerator, or another cool location in your house. If using a refrigerator, ensure proper ventilation and temperature regulation.
• Construct a hibernaculum: A hibernaculum is a small, insulated container for your turtle to hibernate in. It should have ventilation holes and a thermometer to monitor the temperature. Place a substrate, such as coir or commercial reptile bedding, at the bottom of the box.
• Monitor your turtle: Physically inspect your turtle regularly for any signs of infection, illness, or poor hibernation. If any issues arise, consult your veterinarian.

By following these steps, you can help prepare your pet turtle for a safe and healthy hibernation period.

How to build a hibernaculum

A hibernaculum is a shelter that provides protection and a suitable environment for animals to undergo hibernation or brumation. During winter, many animals enter a state of deep sleep called hibernation to conserve energy.

Choose a Location

• Select a suitable location for your hibernaculum.
• Look for an area that receives ample sunlight for warming during the day but is shaded and protected from the wind.
• Choose a site with well-draining soil to prevent water accumulation.
• Ensure the spot has natural cover, such as shrubs or trees, to provide additional protection.

Prepare the Site

• Clear the chosen area of any debris, large rocks, thick vegetation, or unwanted grass.
• This will provide a clean slate for building and ensure optimal conditions for the turtle.

Dig a Hole

• Dig a hole approximately 2 feet deep and 4 feet wide (0.6-1.2 meters).
• The size can vary depending on the desired capacity and the number of turtles.
• Ensure the walls of the hole are gently sloping inward to prevent collapse.

Prepare the Base

• Place a layer of sand and/or loose gravel at the base, about 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) deep.
• This will provide drainage and insulation.
• You can also add a couple of inches of insulating material such as clean straw or leaves.

Create a Rocky Layer

• Position rocks, cement blocks, and/or bricks throughout the hibernaculum.
• Press them firmly to prevent shifting and ensure the safety of the turtle.
• Create small crevices and spaces for the turtle to curl up and rest.
• Fill in the gaps with medium-sized rocks to provide stability.

Construct a Cover

• Create a wooden cover using logs, branches, or boards over the structure.
• Ensure it is sturdy enough to hold the weight of fallen leaves, soil, and other debris.
• This cover will provide insulation and protection.

Add Plumbing or Culvert Sections

• Include a small plumbing pipe or culvert section for entry and exit.
• Keep the pipe small, around 2 inches, to prevent predators from entering.
• If using white PVC pipe, scratch the interior to create a rough surface for the turtle to cling to.

Add Soil and Compost

• Add a layer of soil and compost on top of the structure.
• This will help regulate temperature and humidity within the hibernaculum.
• It also provides a place to plant native flowers or vegetation.

Plant Native Species

• Plant native plant species around the hibernaculum.
• These plants will provide additional shelter, attract insects as food sources, and enhance the overall appearance.

Monitor and Maintain

• Regularly check the hibernaculum during winter to ensure it remains intact and undisturbed.
• If any repairs are needed, perform them promptly to ensure the safety of the turtle.
• Keep the area around the hibernaculum clear and accessible to encourage long-term use.

By following these steps, you can create a safe and comfortable hibernaculum for your pet turtle to brumate during the winter months. Remember to adjust the size and materials based on your specific turtle's needs and always ensure their safety and well-being throughout the process.

How to care for a hibernating turtle

Deciding to Hibernate

Firstly, you need to determine if your turtle species hibernates. Generally, turtles originating from tropical climates close to the equator do not hibernate. The further away from the equator, the more likely your turtle is to hibernate. Research your turtle's specific requirements before you begin.

Getting Ready to Hibernate

Before your turtle hibernates, get a vet to check its health. Only healthy animals should hibernate. During hibernation, the immune system slows down, and a turtle that was even mildly ill going into hibernation is likely to die during or shortly after the process. Signs of illness include discharge from the nostrils, difficulty breathing, abscesses, and strong smells.

Next, weigh your turtle. You should track its weight throughout hibernation to ensure it is healthily losing weight. Weigh your turtle now to get a baseline weight, and keep weighing it every 2-3 weeks.

Before hibernation, feed your turtle vitamin A-rich foods. Hibernation depletes vitamin A, so at the beginning of summer, begin adding vitamin A-rich foods to its diet. Good sources include leafy green vegetables, orange vegetables, and fish.

Towards the end of summer, increase your turtle's fibre intake. Good sources of fibre include alfalfa and timothy hay.

Then, fast your turtle 2-6 weeks before hibernation. Many turtles die because they hibernate with undigested food still in their system. Do not hibernate a turtle that has eaten within the last month. Undigested food can cause fatal bacterial infections or suffocate your turtle.

During the fasting period, hydrate your turtle. Soak your turtle every other day for 20-30 minutes in chin-deep water, and ensure it has constant access to drinking water.

Finally, decrease the temperature before hibernation. Temperature determines your turtle's metabolism, which is why hibernation happens when it is cold. Do not go below 50°F (10°C).

Making a Hibernaculum

A hibernaculum is a small container for your turtle to hibernate in. It protects your turtle from hazards. Take two boxes: one about twice the size of your turtle, and one just a few inches larger. The smaller box should fit inside the large box with an inch or two of space around it.

Fill the gap between the boxes with insulation, such as polystyrene or packing foam. Add a thermometer to monitor the temperature. Drill small ventilation holes in the lid of the box.

Place a bottom layer of insulation in the large box, then put the smaller box inside. Add the rest of the insulation around the sides of the smaller box, and on the lid. Put substrate such as coir or commercial substrates for reptiles in the bottom of the smaller box.

Hibernating

Make sure your turtle has no illnesses or injuries, no food in its digestive system, constant access to water, and is at a temperature of around 50°F (10°C). If any of these things are not true, do not force your turtle into hibernation. Place your turtle in the hibernaculum in a cool location.

Caring for a Hibernating Turtle

Physically inspect your turtle every 1-2 weeks. Check for any signs of infection, illness, or poor hibernation, and check the hibernaculum for urine, faeces, or signs of predation. If your turtle has urinated or defecated, or the hibernaculum is wetter than usual, soak your turtle for 2 hours in room-temperature water. Dry your turtle thoroughly, and return it to the hibernaculum in a slightly cooler location.

Check the temperature at least once a day. An ideal temperature for hibernation is around 40°F (4.5°C). Any lower and your turtle might suffer permanent damage or death; any higher and your turtle will burn too much fat to stay in hibernation.

Weigh your turtle every few days. A healthy turtle will lose 0-1% of its body weight for each month of hibernation. For example, a 1 kg tortoise might lose 10 g per month. If your turtle is losing weight faster than this, rehydrate it by sticking it in shallow room-temperature water for 2 hours.

Waking up after Hibernation

Remove your turtle from the cold and warm it to 60°F (15°C). Increase the temperature to 65-68°F (18-20° C) for 2-3 days, then return your turtle to room temperature. Soak your turtle in water for 20-30 minutes every other day, and provide it with constant drinking water.

Begin offering food 2 days after your turtle has returned to room temperature. Provide the same food as before, and let your turtle take its time to start feeding again.

Frequently asked questions