Signs of Box Turtle Hibernation

Box turtles are so named because of a hinged portion on their lower shell that allows them to draw in their head and raise their shell up to cover the opening. It is a protective measure, meant to confuse and deter predators. These turtles live on dry land and are often colorful.

  1. Brumation vs. Hibernation

    • In the fall box turtles prepare for "brumation," a process that slows their metabolism to the point where very little energy is used. The reptile remains awake, yet sluggish. However, given their burrowing and extreme lethargy, this behavior is often referred to as hibernation.

    Pre-Hibernation Preparation

    • Box turtles -- both those kept as pets outdoors and those in the wild -- begin preparing for hibernation between mid-September and mid-October. It is believed that reduced sunlight and a reduction in outside temperature initiate the behaviors. The turtle becomes lethargic, loses interest in food and attempts to burrow or hide.

    Purpose

    • It is believed that hibernation is necessary for the reproductive process in box turtles. It stimulates ovulation in females and the production of sperm in males. Another reason for hibernation is a reduction in the need for nutrients when food is scarce. As a cold-blooded animal, the box turtle has difficulty digesting food in cold weather. When hibernating, the turtle does not eat and is able to wait until the temperatures warm and its body is better equipped to digest food before eating.

    Indoor Box Turtles

    • A healthy turtle, kept indoors, needs help preparing for hibernation. Its gastrointestinal tract must be empty when hibernation begins. Withhold food for 10 to 14 days. Soak the turtle in tepid water every 48 hours during this time to encourage elimination of the bowels. The turtle should also be subjected to gradually cooler temperatures, for approximately one week, and placed in a container filled with suitable hibernating materials, such as peat moss, to aid the process. Optimal temperature for a hibernating box turtle is 39 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Duration

    • Outdoor turtles hibernate anywhere from four to six weeks in the South or six to eight weeks in the North and West and will reanimate on their own. Indoor turtles are brought out of hibernation by slowly warming to room temperature over the course of a few days to a week. Introduce food approximately two days after the indoor reptile re-emerges. Post-hibernation complications may include eye and fungal infections. These will require a trip to a veterinarian specializing in reptile care.