How to raise turtles in winter
With the advent of winter, many turtle breeders are beginning to focus on how to provide a suitable overwintering environment for their pets. As a warm-inducing animal, water turtles are particularly important in winter, otherwise they may easily lead to health problems due to temperature discomfort. The following is a summary of the winter maintenance of turtles in the popular topics on the entire network in the past 10 days. The content covers key points such as temperature control, dietary adjustment, and hibernation preparation to help you raise turtles scientifically.
1. Core points of turtle maintenance in winter
The maintenance of winter turtles is mainly divided into two categories:Heating and feedingandNatural hibernation. Different breeds of turtles have different tolerance to low temperatures, so you need to choose the appropriate method according to the actual situation. Here is a comparison of the two methods:
| Maintenance method | Applicable varieties | Temperature requirements | Things to note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating and feeding | Tropical water turtle (such as red-eared turtle, yellow-headed side-necked turtle) | Water temperature is 25-28℃, room temperature is not lower than 20℃ | Need to be equipped with heating rods, UVB lamps, and water changes regularly |
| Natural hibernation | Cold-resistant water turtle (such as Chinese tortoise and Japanese stone tortoise) | Water temperature 5-10℃, ambient humidity 70%-80% | Clean the intestines in advance to provide a moist sandy or mossy environment |
2. Dietary adjustment of turtle in winter
In winter, the metabolism of turtles will slow down and their diet needs to be adjusted accordingly. The following are feeding suggestions under different maintenance methods:
| Maintenance method | Feeding frequency | Recommended food | Taboos |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating and feeding | 2-3 times a week | Turtle food, small fish, shrimp, vegetables | Avoid high-fat foods |
| Natural hibernation | Stop feeding 2 weeks before hibernation | None (no eating during hibernation) | You need to thoroughly clear the intestines before hibernation |
3. Preparation for hibernation of turtles
If you choose to let the turtle hibernate naturally, you need to make the following preparations in advance:
1.Health check: Ensure that turtles are free from diseases or malnutrition. Individuals with weak constitutions are not recommended to hibernate.
2.Intestinal clearing treatment: Stop feeding 2 weeks before hibernation and bathe in warm water to promote defecation.
3.Environmental layout: Provide moist sand or moss, and place the container in a dark place at 5-10°C.
4.Regular inspections: Check it 1-2 times a month to avoid excessive dryness or mold.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will turtles die during hibernation?
A1: If the operation is improper (such as low temperature or clear intestine), death may occur. It is recommended to consult a professional when trying it for the first time.
Q2: What to do if the heating rod suddenly fails?
A2: Backup manual heating equipment (such as warm-up baby wrapping the periphery of the container), and replace the heating rod in time.
Q3: Do turtles don’t eat after hibernation?
A3: After waking up, you need to gradually resume feeding, starting with a small amount of easily digestible food.
5. Summary
In winter, water turtle maintenance requires choosing the right method according to its variety and health status. There are key points for heating and feeding and natural hibernation. Either way, stable temperatures, clean water quality and scientific diet are key. Hope this article helps your turtle survive the cold winter safely!
check the details
check the details
en
