is my turtle hybernating or is it dead?

Question

its sat on its rock all day and now its hard.. and i can tell its not breathing.. do they breath when they hybernate??? or is he dead

Answer 1

It's not hibernating this time of year unless you are talking to us where it is 40* or lower right now.

Yes, they breathe, but very infrequently, and the average layperson can't tell whether they are breathing or not. So you can't rely on watching for breathing. Some turtles breathe so infrequently that they hibernate underwater.

It may be extremely ill and have a very low metabolic activity, so do not assume it is dead right off. Turtles are the most misdiagnosed as dead when they are not.

If it's limbs are stiff and set, it is dead. Check for responsiveness, and do not listen to the idiot that said to put it in water! A sick or injured turtle might not have the strength, and should not be placed in the water to aspirate on fluid. Just check for responsiveness by pulling on the legs and gently pulling the head out. If it is alive, even if it is sick, it should try to pull it's legs back in. Even a hibernating turtle will stir when disturbed.

Answer 2

good answer fireside & Madkins..thumbs up for you!! And these ppl with the rude remarks are really getting on my nerves.............

some go into a deep sleep...but not for long and they are scratching at the walls to be fed!!!! Go over and touch it or bang on the housing..Turtles move when they hear vibration....You should know if it is dead or not..........They don't hybernate in heat.........
((They hybernate in the wild & in ponds in the winter))

FYI Turtles that are housed inside year round should not go into hybernation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Plz don't answer unless you know!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

Turtles hibernate in the winter, in hiding- never in the open. They also ma become inactive in hot weather- called aestevation- again, in hiding.

Hibernating or aestevating turtles do move if you pull gently on a limb, and breath very slowly.

I don't think it is hibernting.

Answer 4

All reptiles breathe. Have you been outside recently? It is the middle of the freaking SUMMER!!! How is a reptile going to hibernate during the summer? Your turtle is dead, dead, dead. Do the animal kingdom a favor and don't get any more turtles.

Answer 5

I'm sorry, i think he's dead. And some turtles do hibernate, FYI, but not in the middle of the summer.



Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals that had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author Unknown




just thought it was a nice touch

Answer 6

misduval504- yes, you DO need to go back to school. Of course reptiles can hibernate, certainly turtles do.

Slowly warm your turtle up under a heat lamp. If he doesn't wake up and gets all limp and gross he's dead. They can go into hibernation ANY time of year when its cold enough. Its a survival method.

Answer 7

well i herd Wat all the others said want the Truth? good I'm a reptile demonstrator in Australia i work with crocs right 2 green tree frogs ya turtle is fine Wat i do 2 see if my guys r still rocken i will put them in the water with a few peaces with white bate if they sink take him 2 a vet don't listen 2 people ova the web unless u know Wat they r doing take him 2 the vet NOW and get him looked after Chers Danny

Answer 8

Turtles only hibernate during the winter, so I would say he is dead; sorry. What type of enclosure did you have him in? If you keep turtles inside you need to make SURE they get plenty of UVA light, it is essential for them to be healthy. If you get another turtle, please be sure and research about them.

Answer 9

well my neighboor has turtles in her back yard she says that they hibernate but the thing is that depending where you live turtles have different hibernation seasons so if i were you i'd take it to the vet to ask. hopefully you fed it a lot or else it would starve to death during hibernation and if you didn't feed it at a hibernating amount like i said, take it to the vet!

Answer 10

dead they breath when they hibernate just not much