Winter is just around the corner, and the most important thing during this season is to help your turtle hibernate successfully. Temperatures vary significantly across different regions of China, so hibernation times will also differ. Do you know about the hibernation times for turtles?
Northeast China
Hibernation period: Early October – Late April of the following year. Because Northeast China is relatively cold, the temperature is already quite low in October, so turtles begin to hibernate earlier.
Characteristics: The winters are long and cold, requiring early preparation for hibernation. Generally, you can start the gut-clearing process for the turtle in mid-September.
Recommendation: Keep them indoors at room temperature or prepare a hibernation box with coco coir (soil made from coconut fiber) / moss (a type of plant often used for insulation and moisture retention) in advance to help the turtle hibernate.
North China
Hibernation period: Late October – End of March of the following year
Characteristics: The winters are not only cold but also very dry, so it’s important to pay attention to moisture retention.
Recommendation: Use an insulated box on the balcony for hibernation, and spray water regularly to maintain humidity.
Central China
Hibernation period: Late November – Late March of the following year
Characteristics: Winters have many overcast and rainy days, with high humidity.
Recommendation: The shallow water hibernation method (a method of letting a turtle hibernate in a small amount of water, with the water level not exceeding its carapace) is generally recommended.
Southwest China
Hibernation period: Early December – End of February of the following year
Characteristics: The winters are relatively short but damp and cold.
Recommendation: The coco coir hibernation method is generally recommended; pay attention to the container’s ventilation.
Northwest China
Hibernation period: Late October – Early April of the following year
Characteristics: The diurnal temperature range is very large, and enhanced moisture retention is necessary.
Recommendation: A constant temperature environment in a basement or stairwell is optimal for hibernation.
East China
Hibernation period: Mid-November – Mid-March of the following year
Characteristics: Winters are damp and cold; pay attention to mold prevention.
Recommendation: Use moss + a plastic box for hibernation. During the hibernation period, check its condition once a month.
South China
Hibernation period: Mid-December – Mid-February of the following year
Characteristics: The hibernation period is short, and they may even not hibernate easily.
Recommendation: Prepare for hibernation only when the temperature drops below 15°C; most can overwinter naturally.
Special Regions
Hibernation period: January – February (some tropical species do not hibernate)
Characteristics: Only a brief dormancy is needed.
Recommendation: Observe the turtle’s activity level and then simply reduce feeding.
Precautions
When the air temperature is below 15 degrees Celsius and the temperature difference is small and relatively stable, the turtle can begin to hibernate. It is not recommended for sick, weak, or young turtles to hibernate; they need to overwinter with heating.
Original article by 搬运工, if reproduced, please cite the source: https://www.kaipet.com/en/turtle-hibernation-schedule-month-month-hibernate-regions-china
Comments(2)
What a detailed guide! I’m curious, do specific turtle species have very different hibernation needs from these regional guidelines?
@CriticX：Thank you for your excellent question and kind words! This guide provides general regional guidelines. Indeed, specific turtle species can have different hibernation needs, so we always recommend researching your particular species for more tailored advice.