How to survive the winter with home-raised turtles
As winter approaches, many pet owners are concerned about how their turtles can survive the winter safely. As cold-blooded animals, turtles are highly dependent on environmental temperatures. Improper management in winter may lead to health problems or even death. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to give you a detailed introduction to the precautions and methods for turtles to spend the winter.
1. Basic knowledge of turtle wintering
There are two main ways for turtles to spend the winter: natural hibernation and heated feeding. Which method you choose depends on the species of turtle, its health, and local climate conditions.
| Ways to spend the winter | Applicable varieties | Temperature requirements | Things to note |
|---|---|---|---|
| natural hibernation | Species with strong local adaptability (such as tortoises and yellow-throated turtles) | 5-10℃ | It is necessary to cleanse the intestines in advance and maintain the humidity of the environment |
| Heating and raising | Tropical species (such as red-eared turtles, map turtles) | 22-28℃ | Requires heating rod and UVB lamp |
2. Preparations before hibernating tortoises
1.health check: Before hibernating, it is necessary to ensure that the turtle is healthy, and if there is any disease, it should be treated first.
2.Stop eating and cleanse the intestines: Stop feeding 2-3 weeks before hibernation to allow the turtle to empty its intestines.
3.Environmental preparation: Prepare a hibernation box or hibernation medium (such as coconut soil, moss, etc.).
| Preparations | Time node | Specific requirements |
|---|---|---|
| health check | 1 month before hibernation | Observe appetite and excretion |
| Stop eating and cleanse the intestines | 2-3 weeks before hibernation | Stop feeding when the water temperature drops below 20°C |
| Environmental preparation | 1 week before hibernation | Prepare the hibernation box and keep the humidity at 70-80% |
3. Precautions during hibernation of turtles
1.temperature control: The hibernation environment temperature should be kept between 5-10℃ to avoid drastic temperature fluctuations.
2.Humidity management: Regularly check the humidity of the hibernation medium to prevent your turtle from becoming dehydrated.
3.Regular inspection: Check the status of the turtle 1-2 times a month, and deal with any abnormalities in a timely manner.
| Check items | Check frequency | normal standard |
|---|---|---|
| weight | 1 time per month | Lose no more than 10% of your body weight |
| Eye | 1 time per month | Eyes closed, no secretions |
| limbs | 1 time per month | The limbs are retracted into the shell, no trauma |
4. Care for turtles after hibernation
1.gradually heating up: When the temperature rises in spring, the turtle should be allowed to wake up naturally instead of artificial heating.
2.first feeding: Start feeding small amounts 1-2 days after waking up, and choose foods that are easy to digest.
3.Supplement nutrition: After waking up, you can properly supplement vitamins and calcium to help restore physical strength.
| nursing project | Time node | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| gradually heating up | The temperature is stable above 15℃ | The temperature rise does not exceed 3℃ every day |
| first feeding | 1-2 days after waking up | Choose baby vegetable leaves or turtle food |
| Supplement nutrition | 1 week after awakening | Vitamin D3 and calcium powder can be added |
5. Situations not suitable for hibernation
1.hatchling: Young turtles under 1 year old are weak and hibernating is not recommended.
2.sick turtle: Turtles with diseases should be kept warm and treated.
3.Tropical varieties: Turtles native to tropical areas generally do not need to hibernate.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
1.Q: Will turtles die while hibernating?
A: Healthy turtles rarely die under correct hibernation conditions, but weak constitution or improper hibernation conditions may lead to death.
2.Q: How long does it take for a turtle to hibernate?
A: Generally 3-5 months, depending on local climate conditions.
3.Q: Can I use a refrigerator to hibernate a turtle?
A: Yes, but you must use a special refrigerator and strictly control the temperature and humidity.
Conclusion
Wintering a tortoise requires careful preparation and careful care by its owner. Whether you choose natural hibernation or heated breeding, you must make a reasonable choice based on the actual situation of the turtle. I hope that the introduction in this article can help your turtle survive the cold winter safely.
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