How to Take Care of Baby Turtles That Hibernate

Given the proper outdoor environment, American box turtles and aquatic turtles, such as red-eared sliders and cooters, will lay viable eggs, and when inclimate weather comes, those hatchlings need a suitable place to overwinter. Similar to mammalian hibernation, brumation in turtles is the hibernation-like state that reptiles utilize when temperatures drop, resulting in a lowered body metabolism rate. While baby turtles kept indoors in temperature-regulated tanks or enclosures will not brumate, small turtles living outside need special environmental conditions and care to ensure they'll safely hibernate until warmer weather arrives.

Things You'll Need

  • Thermometer
  • Pond heater
  • Leaves
  • Wooden board
  • Bricks
  • Shallow pan
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Instructions

  1. Aquatic Turtles

    • 1

      Fill the pond with at least 18 inches of water. Aquatic turtles need that depth to avoid wide water temperature fluctuations.

    • 2

      Add mud to the bottom of the pond if it is a vinyl or concrete pond. Turtles will bury themselves in the mud. The mud also provides a safe place for baby turtles to avoid predators.

    • 3

      Reduce feeding amounts slowly during the six to eight weeks before the weather turns cool. Most turtles that forage on their own will automatically begin to eat less, but some may not, especially if they are used to being hand-fed. Cutting back on food ensures the turtles will empty their digestive tracts before hibernating, and undigested food can lead to health problems during this time.

    • 4

      Break holes in the ice or install a pond heater to keep your pond from freezing over. Turtles need access to oxygen while they hibernate. Position the heater and adjust it until it barely keeps one surface area from being frozen solid, without affecting the overall temperature of the pond water.

    • 5

      Begin feeding the baby turtles when they resurface, usually around March or April. Start slowly, feeding increasingly larger amounts over a six- to eight-week period, until the normal amount is reached.

    American Box Turtles

    • 6

      Feed your baby turtles a balanced diet that provides adequate amounts of Vitamin A during the summer months. Increase the amount of fiber in their diet toward the end of summer by providing extra grass, hay and alfalfa.

    • 7

      Withhold food, beginning 10 to 14 days before the anticipated hibernation date. Cut back slowly, reducing the amount fed each day. It is critical to ensure the digestive system is empty when hibernation begins, as undigested food in the intestines can cause severe illness. Continue to provide water as usual.

    • 8

      Prepare an area within the turtle enclosure for hibernation. Stack bricks securely and place a wooden board over the top. Make sure the bricks are set sturdily so they won't topple on top of your nesting turtles, and that the board is positioned high enough that the turtles can't bump against it. Fill the nesting area with loose, moist leaves.

    • 9

      Fill a shallow pan with 3/4 inch of lukewarm water. Place your baby turtles in the pan and allow to soak for 20 to 30 minutes per day for several days before hibernation.This keeps the turtles hydrated and encourages defecation to empty the digestive tract.

    • 10

      Place the turtles in the nesting area. Provide water, but do not feed. Begin soaking the turtles for 20 to 30 minutes a day when it begins to become active in the spring. Provide food and water. Generally, the turtles will begin to eat slowly over the course of a few weeks until they arrive at their normal feeding routine.