My three turtles aren't eating anymore. Is that normal for Winter? Is it like hibernation?

Question

I don't know if it is normal for Winter that my 3 painted turtles stopped eating. Is it normal?

Answer 1

With box kept inside, you have a unique situation that is not natural for them, and creates conditions that do need special care and handling. A lot of factors effect them, such as daylight cycles, barometric pressure besides just temperatures which caus them to hibernate. They may not experience all these or to a degree they would outside, which can lead to a hibernation state, but not a full one where their systems shut down properly to get through the winter safely. This is where the problem and possible risk to them happens. Inside, the temperatures do not get low enough to stop their system's normal functions and they continue to burn calories, which can cause them to lose weight and waste away, even dying. The younger they are, the greater the risk and many hatchlings do not make it through their first winter. Some experts recommend you only allow them to hibernate if it is outside, or try to force them to stay awake inside by upping temperatures and simulating the lighting cycle of summer.

I do not agree with this if you have kept them inside. They need that slowing down cycle to spark other natural body changes and functions that has shown to keep them healthy. You can build a hibernation chamber (we use rubebrmaid or sterlite tubs) and place it in a cooler area of your home that gets below 65F and as close to the lower 50's as possible in graduated steps. We have used the area under the bathroom sink that is surrounded by cool tiles and that heat does not get too.

Some can also elect to keep up temps in their enclosures and hand feed them lighter meals along with some cod liver or fish oil through the winter. I would only suggest that for a very experienced herper who is also knowledgeable about their medical care and working with them for some condition that makes hibernating them NOT an option, sick as illnessm recovering or low weight.

Some other ideas are located below by Dr. Roger Klingenberg's , Tess Cook and Melissa Kaplan, you can read these for some more information. NOTEL hibernation care is the same for painted and box turtles.

Answer 2

Do you have a water heater for them? If they are living in a fish tank, they need to be kept at an adequate temperature all year long so that they don't go into a hibernation state (having no where to burrough) like they need to do this time of year in the wild. They also need UVA/UVB fluorescent lighting to simulate the suns rays so they can absorb vitamin D and Calcium. And a basking rock with a heat lamp to get out of the water, dry off, and warm up more under if they wish. Turtles are tough, so they'll live for a while without these things, but if you want them to be truly happy and have the correct environment, invest in the necessities.
Good luck.

Answer 3

For one if a turtle goes months without eating you need to get it to a vet. As long as you have the water at the right temp. around 72-76 your turtle should be fine, and make sure you have a heat lamp and UVB/UVA light. My turtles never hibernate. or they could just be bored with what your feeding them, try some feeder guppies or rosies, and give them some romain lettuce. good luck

Answer 4

If the daytime light cycle is short, and the tank temps have cooled, your turtles are in a sort of 'pre-hibernation' state where they are still moving and using energy, but not eating anymore.

This is dangerous for them- they can easily starve, get sick, etc.

The trick is to make them think it is summer again. Get the tank temps up to about 80, with basking sites about 90F and provide good lighting (which should have UV-B rays in it) that runs for about 10 hours a day.

You can learn more at http://www.austinsturtlepage.com

Answer 5

I had a turtle for 18 years and sometimes it wouldn't eat for months regardless of what time of year it is

Answer 6

Is the water on your tank heated aquatic turtles require heated water. as quickly as you are trying this i think of you will locate that he eats greater. I additionally hardship approximately his length a twelve months previous turtle must be somewhat larger than yours. heat him up and with a bit of luck he will consume greater and initiate transforming into greater. examine acceptable guard aquatic turtles.

Answer 7

have you changed your lighting or care, have you allowed the temperatures to drop? if so thn yu might have trigger4ed a partial or full brumation. your turtles may have parasites, are they kept together? get a fecal sample from each and have it tested at the vet

Answer 8

its normal