How Do Turtles Survive Winter in Heated Rooms? Key Points for Turtle Winter Care

This content is aimed at friends with heating systems at home, introducing how to care for turtles in winter. At the same time, we will discuss what measures we should take during the short period before and after the heating is turned on and off.

Preparations Before Heating

Taking our home as an example, heating starts in mid-November each year, but by the end of October, the indoor temperature has already dropped to the teens (°C), and the activity of the turtle is low at this time. We do not need to intervene too much, just let the turtle rest quietly in the original tank, maintain a cold water environment, do not feed, and do not disturb it, waiting for the arrival of the heating.

Adjustments in the Early Stage of Heating

In the early stage of heating, we should adjust the breeding method according to the temperature of the heating at home. It is best to prepare a thermometer.

Heating Temperature and Breeding Methods

• Heating Temperature Around 20°C
  If the heating temperature at home is maintained around 20°C, a heating rod can be placed in the tank to slowly raise the water temperature to 25°C. Feed the turtle every three days, and the turtle tank can be covered with a lid or plastic wrap to maintain temperature. Breeding in this manner usually allows for a smooth winter.
• Heating Temperature Around 25°C
  If the heating temperature at home is maintained around 25°C, you can directly use cold water for breeding in the original tank. Feed the turtle every three days, and no special care is needed in other aspects. If you want a faster growth rate, you can raise the temperature to 28-29°C and feed once a day. It is best to add a lid or plastic wrap to the tank opening to maintain water temperature and humidity.
• Heating Temperature Around 28°C
  If the heating at home is particularly strong and the temperature reaches around 28°C, making it unbearably hot every day, then you can adopt the same breeding method as in summer. You can feed daily, and there are no problems with the turtle coming out of the water and basking in the sun.

Post-Heating Handling

After the heating ends in the spring of the following year, we can gradually turn off the heating rod. Friends who have not used a heating rod can continue with cold water breeding. However, it is important to note that during this stage, it is best to reduce feeding. Once the climate gradually warms up, you can return to normal breeding procedures.

Advice for Turtle Breeding in Northern Heated Homes

Families in the north with heating systems basically follow this routine for turtle breeding in winter. If there are special circumstances, please leave a comment, and we will answer one by one.