What Is the Optimal Temperature for Keeping Turtles? Avoid the Risk of Indigestion at 25 Degrees

Facing winter, apart from letting turtles hibernate, there is also the option of keeping them with heating. Not exposing them to the cold winter can increase their growth time. Among us turtle enthusiasts, we often hear this advice from many bloggers: try not to keep the temperature constant at 26 or 27 degrees during winter keeping. Why is this temperature range so "awkward"? Let’s explore this issue in depth.

First, we must clarify one point: for certain specific turtle species, such as the Big-headed turtle and the Black-breasted leaf turtle, 26 or 27 degrees is indeed their suitable temperature. At this temperature, these species can feed actively and grow healthily. If the temperature is too high, it is actually worse for them.

However, for the majority of turtles, the temperature range of 25-26℃ seems a bit "lukewarm".

Why is 26 or 27 degrees considered an awkward temperature for other turtle species? Actually, isn’t this temperature suitable for turtle growth? Let’s take the example where the surrounding environment happens to be around 25℃; at this temperature, although the turtle can eat, its digestive ability will be affected.

Food can be swallowed, but digestion is not smooth enough, especially with large food intake or food containing high protein and high fat. This brings great trouble to turtle keepers. Once the turtle’s digestive problems are not resolved well, it may trigger a series of health problems.

Suitable Heating Strategy

So, how should we heat correctly when keeping turtles? Generally speaking, setting the temperature between 28 degrees and 30 degrees is relatively suitable and common. At this temperature, the turtle has a vigorous appetite, significantly stronger digestive ability, and can grow healthily. Of course, in actual operation, we also need to fine-tune according to the specific species, body size, and activity habits of the turtle.

For households in the north with heating, the indoor temperature may have already reached 26, 27 degrees or even higher. At this time, we need to take some measures to lower the local temperature or raise the temperature in certain areas. For example, you can use a radiator or a basking lamp to raise the local temperature to around 30 degrees, providing a more suitable living environment for the turtle, so that the ambient temperature and water temperature are not much different. At the same time, pay attention to maintaining environmental ventilation and humidity to ensure the turtle’s health.

Summary and Precautions

The reason why 26 or 27 degrees has become an "awkward temperature zone" for turtle keeping is that it is not an ideal temperature for most turtle species. In order to ensure the turtle’s health and growth, we should set the appropriate temperature according to the turtle’s specific needs and take necessary measures to optimize the keeping environment. Of course, if you don’t intend to feed too much, heating to around 25℃ is not a problem.

After all, if the heating is set high, there is actually a possibility that the temperature will get too high and out of control, which results in "boiling the turtle". There are quite a few such tragedies every year, which is a pity for those turtles nurtured with the deep affection of turtle friends.