How to Hibernate Red Eared Slider Turtles

Getting Red Eared Slider turtles to hibernate is not a difficult task. These hearty, healthy water turtles live throughout most of the Eastern United States and thus are well-prepared for many climates. Hibernation, however, is not without risk, and if you’re interested in learning how to get your Red-Eared Slider to hibernate, there are several factors to take into account. Reptiles do not actually technically hibernate. Instead, they brumate, which is a hibernation-like state in which the animals become less active but are not actually in hibernation.

Is It Safe To Hibernate Your Red-Eared Slider?
Though Red-Eared Sliders are hearty turtles who live in a variety of environments, they should not be left outside in climates in which the water is likely to freeze for the entire winter. These climates are simply too cold, and frozen water has little oxygen. If your turtle doesn’t freeze to death he could suffocate to death. Sickly or thin turtles should also not be allowed to hibernate. If you’re not sure if your turtle is healthy enough to go into hibernation, look at his shell. A smooth, even shell indicates no calcium or vitamin deficiencies. Your turtle should also feel heavy for his size. In other words, he should be heavier than he looks like he is. If you’re not sure whether it’s safe to hibernate your turtle, take your turtle to a reptile vet for a health examination before the winter season begins. Hatchling turtles should not be hibernated; before your turtle is a year old he’s simply not big enough or mature enough to handle a long, cold winter.

The Importance of Avoiding Shock
You should never move your turtles outside in the middle of the winter. Rather, the safest way to hibernate your turtles is to allow the outside temperature to slowly drop after they have spent a season or more outside. Living outside for several months prior to the beginning of the winter activates their natural instincts and allows your turtle to gradually adjust to colder temperatures.

The Dangers of Lukewarm Water
People living in the southern most states run an extra risk when hibernating their turtles. Turtles will not hibernate if the water is above 55 degrees, but water in the low 60’s is water that is too cold. Turtles living in water of this temperature will likely not eat and can quickly become sickly and die. If the winters in your area do not get cold enough for a full hibernation, it’s best to bring your turtles inside or provide them with a pond heater.

Providing The Right Hibernation Environment
Most Red-Eared Sliders will want to burrow when in hibernation, so it’s important they have something to burrow into at the bottom of your pond. A muddy bottom is ideal, but rocks, gravel or a very thick layer of plants will also work. Your pond will also need to be deep enough that burrowing in its substrate will give your turtles enough relief from the cold and keep their metabolisms at a slow rate for brumation. Do not allow turtles to hibernate in a very shallow pond or in a pond with clear sides.

Hibernation is risky and requires that your turtles be in good health. It is not possible to make hibernation completely risk-free, but with proper preparation your turtles can stay outside all year long.

Sources:
http://bss.sfsu.edu/holzman/courses/fall01%20projects/reslider.htm
http://www.allturtles.com/turtle-newbie/turtle-faqs/