Regarding the temperature in southern regions during March, is it possible to take hibernating turtles out? Firstly, I do not recommend doing so, as the temperature in March is still unstable. This is a typical mindset of turtle keepers in the south; when there are a few sunny days, they start thinking about bringing their turtles out to play.
In northern areas, the weather remains cold throughout, so they rarely have such thoughts. However, in southern regions, the proportion of turtle loss in March is relatively high, and the temperature difference in March is particularly noticeable. There are several instances of alternating cold and hot weather within a week.
Some turtle enthusiasts believe that when the daytime temperature is already hot, they take turtles from the incubator to the outdoors. After two or three days, they cannot withstand the temperature difference, leading to colds and then pneumonia. Additionally, after feeding, a decrease in temperature can affect their digestive capabilities, thereby leading to gastroenteritis.
Therefore, it is recommended that turtle keepers in the south wait until after the Qingming Festival, when the temperature has basically stabilized, before taking the turtles from the incubator outdoors. Turtles that have naturally awakened from hibernation should not be rushed to be fed. Give them a buffer period for self-regulation and adaptation. After one or two weeks of adaptation and when the temperature is stable, they can be fed in small amounts.
Original article by KPTer, if reproduced, please cite the source: https://www.kaipet.com/en/turtles-brought-activity-southern-march-advised
