Should I worry that my box turtle won't eat for days during hibernation?

Answer 1

When mature box turtles are ready to hibernate, they stop eating, become lethargic and attempt to burrow or hide. This point in time varies with the locale and local population of turtles. In general, this begins in mid-September to mid-October but could commence later in the fall and winter. It is essential that box turtles are healthy prior to hibernation. A pre-hibernation examination, including an accurate body weight, should be the first step toward the winter nap. The turtle is weighed on a gram scale so its weight can be monitored every 2-3 weeks during the course of hibernation.

studies have determined exactly why hibernation is necessary to the long-term physiological well being of mature North American box turtles (Terrapene sp.). But those that are not allowed to hibernate usually experience a progressive physical and mental decline

complete explanation, and important tips on the link

Answer 2

My first question is IS it hibernating? Hibernating turtles hide, and need just the right cold temps and humidity to survive. They also do not move hardly at all or even breath often.

If your turtle is out in the open, moving sometimes, and not living at temps of about 40, it is NOT hibernating.

When temps drop and days get shorter, they start to shift into hibernation mode. At this time, they look for hiding spaces and stop eating as they shift to full hibernation mode.

If the temps are not low enough, they don't finish the shift and start to waste away. Sadly, they can live like this for a few months, tricking some keepers into thinking everything is OK.

If your box turtle is not really hibernating AND is not eating, you should be VERY worried.

The remedy is to trick it into thinking it is summer again. Using heaters, boost the temps up to 70-75ish, give it 10 hours a day of good lighting with UV-B rays, and give it the humidity it needs (Eastern boxies want about 70% humidity).

You can review the cares at http://www.boxturtlesite.org and http://www.austinsturtlepage.com

Good luck!

Answer 3

Turtles sometimes don't eat for months when they are hibernating. I wouldn't be concerned. My turtle has gone for 2 months without eating, it really freaked me out, i had to keep checking to see if he was alive. But he was fine and when he is ready he will eat again.

Answer 4

Well usually all animals that hibernate eat alot just before hibernation and their bodys slowly digest food throughout their sleeping time.

Answer 5

he's hibernating. leave him alone. research hibernation, and box turtles. they kind of shut down. he'll be fine if you understand what's happening and you just let him sleep.

Answer 6

No, that's why it is called hibernation.

Answer 7

read up on hibernation, you obviously don't know what it means