How to Hibernate Turtles in Northern Homes with Underfloor Heating? Is the ‘Refrigerator Hibernation’ Method Reliable?

Friends from the south might not quite understand the act of “putting a turtle in the refrigerator to hibernate.” As a turtle-keeping blogger for 10 years, I have written many articles and found that turtle keepers across the country have different ways to hibernate their turtles, especially for fellow turtle keepers in the north—it’s just too difficult. In winter, folks in the south shiver in air-conditioned rooms, while folks in the north eat popsicles in their rooms. Yes, northern homes have underfloor heating on, and it’s very warm. A few days ago, a “northern turtle keeper” (a turtle enthusiast from northern China) mentioned: “Even the bathroom has underfloor heating.” Today, let’s talk about the problem of how northern turtles hibernate.

As everyone knows, turtle hibernation has many benefits, such as enhancing physical constitution, extending lifespan, achieving clearer shell patterns, and more beautiful coloration. Generally, when the temperature consistently drops below 10-15℃, turtles begin to hibernate. However, once the underfloor heating in the north is turned on, the temperature rises, and the turtles will not hibernate. With underfloor heating even in the bathroom, there’s really no place in the house for a turtle to hibernate. Putting it in the stairwell risks it being taken by others, and putting it outdoors would turn it into a “block of ice.”This is when some “clever person” (someone with ingenious ideas) came up with a great idea: put the turtle in the refrigerator to hibernate. If the temperature is kept constant, this might indeed be a good idea.

Steps and Key Points for Refrigerator Hibernation

Gut Clearing is the Primary Step

Temperatures in the northern regions drop earlier than in the south. In some areas, feeding might stop around October, though specific timing should be adjusted based on local temperatures, in preparation for gut clearing. During the gut clearing period, soaking in room-temperature water is generally used to promote defecation. The standard for a clean gut is: passing white droppings. White droppings basically indicate that the gastrointestinal tract has been cleared out.

Pay Attention to Gradual Acclimatization to Temperature Differences

Putting a turtle in the refrigerator for hibernation is not about placing it inside immediately; instead, the turtle needs a temperature acclimatization process. Lower the temperature by a few degrees each time. A drop that is too drastic will lead to hibernation failure.

Use a Dedicated Hibernation Box

You need to use a special box filled with coconut coir, sprayed with sufficient water, and the box must also have small ventilated holes.

Avoid Frequent Disturbances and Checks

Do not excessively disturb it (the turtle) during hibernation. Opening and closing the refrigerator door will disturb the turtle. It will also cause temperature and humidity to fluctuate, which is not conducive to hibernation. The refrigerator temperature should not be too low; the refrigerated compartment at 8-10℃ is sufficient.

Putting a turtle in the refrigerator to hibernate just provides a hibernation concept; the specific process still needs correction from experienced “turtle keepers” who actually hibernate their turtles in a fridge. As a turtle-keeping blogger from central Anhui, this is as much as I can help you (northern turtle keepers). I welcome all “turtle keepers” to brainstorm—how do you (turtle keepers) hibernate your turtles?