How do pet turtles survive the winter?
As winter approaches, many pet turtle owners are concerned about how to help their turtles survive the cold season safely. The following is a detailed guide to winterizing your pet turtle, including environmental control, dietary adjustments, and health monitoring.
1. Precautions for pet turtles to spend the winter

The wintering methods of pet turtles vary depending on the species. The following are the wintering needs of common pet turtles:
| Turtle species | suitable temperature | Whether to hibernate | Hibernation duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazilian turtle | 10-15℃ | Yes | 2-4 months |
| Chinese tortoise | 5-10℃ | Yes | 3-5 months |
| Yellow-headed side-necked turtle | 20-25℃ | No | - |
2. Preparations before hibernation
1.health check: Make sure your turtle is in good health and free of diseases or parasites before hibernating.
2.Stop eating and cleanse the intestines: Stop feeding 2 weeks before hibernation to allow the turtle to empty its intestines to avoid food corruption and disease.
3.Environmental layout: Prepare moist sand or moss for hibernating turtles and keep the humidity at 60%-70%.
3. Winter care for non-hibernating turtles
For tropical turtle species that do not hibernate, please note the following:
| Project | request |
|---|---|
| water temperature | Maintain 24-28℃ (use heating rod) |
| light | Daily UVB exposure for 8-10 hours |
| Feeding frequency | Reduce to 2-3 times per week |
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to feed water during hibernation?
A: There is no need to actively feed water, but the environment needs to be kept moderately moist.
Q: Can baby turtles hibernate?
A: Hibernation is not recommended for hatchlings weighing less than 50 grams, and they need to be raised in a heated environment.
5. Recovery after hibernation
1.gradually heating up: Increase the ambient temperature by 1-2°C every day to avoid excessive temperature differences.
2.first feeding: Start feeding 3-5 days after waking up, and choose foods that are easy to digest.
3.Health Watch: Check eyes, skin and excretion, and seek medical attention promptly if any abnormalities are found.
6. Popular turtle raising topics on the Internet (last 10 days)
| platform | hot topics | Discussion popularity |
|---|---|---|
| Zhihu | Analysis of causes of death of turtles during hibernation | 12,000 discussions |
| #Make a warm cabin for the turtle# | Hot search No. 18 | |
| Douyin | Tropical turtle winter feeding tutorial | 5.8 million views |
Through the above scientific methods, you can help your pet turtle survive the winter safely. Whether you choose natural hibernation or heated breeding, owners need to closely observe the pet's condition and adjust the maintenance plan in a timely manner.
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