How to keep red-eared sliders in winter?

The red-eared slider , also known as the Brazilian red-eared turtle or red-eared turtle, has a long red patch on each side behind its eyes. This is its most obvious feature, and many people raise it artificially. The temperature is lower in winter, so we need to pay attention to breeding red-eared sliders. So how do we raise red-eared sliders in winter? Let’s take a look with the editor below.

1. Temperature control

Red-eared sliders will hibernate when the ambient temperature is below 15 degrees Celsius. Generally speaking, as long as the water temperature is not lower than 4℃, it can safely overwinter. If grown indoors, additional heating is usually not required because the indoor temperature generally does not drop below 4°C. However, if you grow it on a balcony or in a garden pond, you need to take anti-freeze measures.

2. Humidity management

Red-eared sliders are a species that thrives in humid environments, so maintaining humidity is essential to their health. In winter, since the air is usually drier, you can use a humidifier to maintain appropriate humidity. It is ideal to keep the humidity between 60% and 70%. In addition, you can spray some water into the turtle tank regularly to increase the humidity.

3. Feeding management

As temperatures drop, red-eared sliders' activity levels and metabolic rates will slow, and their appetites may also decrease. Therefore, their food intake needs to be reduced appropriately in winter. It is recommended to feed 1 to 2 times a week, in small amounts each time. Choose high-quality turtle food and add some vegetables and fruits, such as carrots , apples, etc.

4. Hibernation management

Starting from September, red-eared sliders should be allowed to store enough fat to survive the winter. In October, when red-eared sliders stop eating, warm water should be used to help them defecate and clean their intestines. Red-eared sliders can hibernate in shallow water, muddy water, sandy soil and other environments, but they need to maintain a moist and stable environment. You can choose a large rectangular fish tank with a water level above 5 cm, place it in a quiet place, do not disturb it, and let it spend the winter smoothly. During hibernation, red-eared sliders need to remain completely still, so they need a safe, quiet, light-proof and ventilated environment. Keepers should minimize disturbance and check their health status once a month at most.

5. Disease prevention

Change the water and clean the breeding container regularly, and use a filter to help keep the water clear to prevent common diseases such as white eye and skin rot. Check your slider's skin, eyes, and shell regularly to make sure they are free of any disease or infection. If you find any abnormalities, seek medical attention immediately.

The above is an introduction to how to raise red-eared sliders in winter. Red-eared sliders that have just awakened from hibernation may have no interest in food and need some time to adjust. The feed given in the first few times should be small and fine, and appropriate amounts of nutritional medicines and antibiotics should be mixed into the feed.