do turtles hybernate?

Question

i put sand in it cage but now i want ot know do they need water to live?
or can i just leave the little cage full of sand?

can i leave the sand and just put water mixed in w/ it?

Answer 1

Depends on what kind of turtle you have.

Answer 2

The need for and length of hibernation varies widely between species. Even within a species, some may hibernate and others will not depending on their localized climate. The hibernation requirements should be researched and followed closely for each individual species. Once you have determined the length and environmental conditions required for your species to hibernate, the following general guidelines can be followed.

The temperature for hibernation should remain 35-50ºF with the optimal temperature around 41ºF.

Animals should be hibernated with an empty stomach. A cool-down and fasting period of several weeks is usually required. If the animal's stomach is not empty when it starts hibernation, the decaying material in the stomach can cause serious digestive damage.

Sick or underweight tortoises or turtles should never be hibernated.

Animals should be checked during hibernation. It is a myth that disturbing a sleeping tortoise is harmful.

Most small species can be safely hibernated for an 8 to 10 week period. Large species can be safely hibernated for 12 to 14 weeks.

Many temperate aquatic species of turtles also benefit from hibernating. In outdoor ponds, make sure the pond is deep enough so ice does not reach the bottom, and make sure there is a layer of muck at the bottom for the turtle to burrow into. Some aquatic species move out of the water to hibernate, so be sure to check on the requirements of your individual species.

The environmental temperature, humidity, day length, and hibernation along with proper nutrition are the most important factors in maintaining a happy and healthy captive turtle or tortoise. Each species has very different requirements, so it is essential that you adequately research your specific species. Use high quality heating, lighting, and humidity controlling devices to ensure that you provide the right environment for your tortoise or turtle.

Answer 3

yes almost all turtles need water otherwise dehydrate.. if u have sand and dont want rocks u can fill the tank with sand then put a bowl in the corner or watever filled with water.. just make sure the turtle can get in and out easily.. unless sand is not good for the kind of turtle.. it all depends on the turtle

Answer 4

What kind of turtle do you have? If it's a box turtle, get the sand out of the cage NOW. It is not good for them and can be very harmful if the ingest it. Use aspen shavings(not cedar or pine, they're poisonous) or potting soil with sphagnum moss and no perlite or vermiculite.

Also, PUT WATER IN THE CAGE in a pan that they can lay in and soak. If you do not do this, your turtle will get dehydrated and die. I need to know what kind of turtle you have, also. Different turtles require different needs.

Answer 5

a.) No reptile hibernates- they 'Brumate'. just a technicality.

b.) Not all turtles brumate- some do in some parts of their range and not in others, others do not ever.

c.) Water turtles SHOULD NOT brumate unless they are kept in a naturalistic pond outdoors with a muddy bottom. Box turtles and tortoises should not be allowed to brumate unless you KNOW what you are doing- it is pretty tricky!

d.) Many turtles kept indoors will try to brumate when the temps drop and days shorten. They WILL NOT brumate, however, if conditions are not right- instead, they just waste away quietly.

Please excuse the 'shouting', but this is a strong sign that there are some problems with your daily cares. Give http://www.austinsturtlepage.com a look for ideas.

Answer 6

NO! You need water for your turtle! If they dont have water they will die! You need 10 gallons of water for every inch of shell your turtle has. So, a 4 inch turtle needs a 40 gallon tank, maybe even a 60 gallon so it has lots of room to move around and be happy.

READ through some of these links and look at the pics so you can understand what kinds of habitats a turtle needs. Also look through the site for information. http://www.redearslider.com-
http://www.redearslider.com/indoor_overview.html
http://www.redearslider.com/habitat_gallery.html

This site is mainly info about all turtles.

Answer 7

those turltles who hibernate are usually turtles that are in the wild.. but those in captivity doesnt.

it depends on what kind of turlte you got. if you got an aquatic turtle it needs water in order for it to feed. some land turltes just need water for it to drink.

Answer 8

yes they need water!!!!!!! if it is a turtle. if its a tortois it needs land!!!! and they do not need to hibernate unless he has a lamp... heres a good link for painteds and RES

http://www.redearslider.com/index.html

Answer 9

no it needs water