How do Yellow-margined Box Turtles hibernate? Simple operational steps are here!

In mid-November, as temperatures plummet and the winter in the south is approaching, it’s time to write down the operational steps for a turtle’s hibernation:

Before hibernation, we need to check the weather temperature for the following week. If the highest environmental temperature is below 20 degrees Celsius, you can stop feeding in advance. The most important thing before hibernation is to clear the intestines. You can naturally clear the intestines by stopping feeding two weeks before hibernation, or you can also soak in a bath to clear the intestines. I personally think that turtles can naturally empty their stomachs after stopping feeding for two weeks. As long as there is enough time and the temperature is suitable, turtles can self-empty their intestines, and water changes are also needed during this period.

How do Yellow-margined Box Turtles hibernate? Simple operational steps are here!

I just checked the temperature for the following week, and the highest temperature is still around 25-26 degrees Celsius, so I plan to heat up and feed them their last meal. By early December, the temperature will stabilize for hibernation.

When the right hibernation temperature is reached, we can prepare some hibernation materials for the turtles. It is recommended that turtles over 20 grams hibernate. I use water moss here, which is soaked and disinfected with boiling water, then drained and prepared in a box with a few ventilation holes on both sides. Squeeze out the excess water and lay a layer of water moss at the bottom. Place a separation net to press down the water moss below, preventing the turtle from burrowing to the bottom and contacting the base, which could result in too low hibernation temperature. Finally, fill the box with water moss, put in the turtle, close the lid, and place it in a quiet, light-avoiding, and wind-avoiding environment.

Remember to check the humidity of the water moss and whether the turtle is alive every month. Remember, only healthy turtles can hibernate.

Original article by KPTer, if reproduced, please cite the source: https://www.kaipet.com/en/yellow-margined-box-turtles-hibernate-simple-operational-steps

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