I have a 5yr old Red Eared Slider, What are the effects of not allowing him to hibernate?

Question

Am I wrong for not allowing him to hibernate? Can this hurt him? I.E. decrease in life span, growth or development issues with carapace?

Raised him since he was the size of a silver dollar.
He resides in a 125 Gallon Tank, and he seems 'happy.' Proper Filtration, UVB & UVA Lighting, a Sun/Basking area. Mixture of vegetation and meat ( unseasoned cooked-chicken, pork, steak) as well as pellet food is provided. The occasional live fish or crickets.

Answer 1

He sounds like a healthy male. he really does not require hibernation unless he has a mate, and while a male reaches sexual maturity around 3 years of age, a female needs to be 11 or 12 years old before she mates. Red ears originally came from Central South America, so hibernation would not have been necessary in the wild.As long as he is eating, active, and giving you "attitude", he is healthy and giving you nothing to worry about.
FYI the average lifespan of a RES in the wild is approximately 30 years. Turtles in captivity have been known to have longer lifespans, providing they have proper care. It sounds like you have put alot of research into his needs. I believe that you and he will have many happy years together.

Answer 2

The ONLY side effect from not hibernating your turtle is on your pocket.. they need to be fed. I live in South Texas and the turtles DO NOT HIBERNATE.. They do find a place to not freeze when it gets cold but the next nice day they are up on the logs basking.

Answer 3

It's pretty much only safe to hibernate a turtle if you are an experience breeder, or if the turtle lives in a natural setting. Your turtle will be fine, and probably be safer if you keep taking care of him year round

Answer 4

He doesn't need to hibernate as long as he's inside and well taken care of. Not all turtles survive hibernation- even when they have very experienced keepers! I wouldn't risk it.