How do red-eared sliders survive the winter?

The red-eared slider , formerly known as the red-eared slider, is a subspecies of the painted turtle of the genus Testudinata and a type of aquatic turtle. It is inexpensive, hardy and easy to raise, making it suitable for novice turtle keepers. So how do red-eared sliders survive the winter? Let’s learn more about it below.

1. Hibernation

Red-eared sliders spend the winter mainly by hibernating, and usually they will enter hibernation when the ambient temperature is below 15℃. The hibernation methods include:

1. Natural hibernation method: prepare a larger container, cover the bottom with soil, add an appropriate amount of water, the water depth should be 1-3 cm higher than the soil, put the red-eared slider in the container, and place it in a quiet, dark place.

2. Hibernation in water: Place the red-eared slider in a large enough aquarium or container. The water depth should not exceed the turtle's skirt. Make sure the turtle's back is exposed. Use a heating rod to maintain the water temperature within an appropriate range.

3. Sand hibernation method: prepare a breathable wooden box, cover it with thick sand, and then put in the crumpled paper ball. When the temperature drops below 15℃, turtles will dig their own holes to hibernate. This method requires regular spraying of water to keep the sand moist.

2. Heating for the winter

If the red-eared slider is in poor health, or the ambient temperature cannot be maintained within the appropriate hibernation temperature range (usually 5-13°C), it is recommended to use heating to hibernate. Here are some ways to keep warm in the winter:

1. Use a heating rod: Use a heating rod in the water of the turtle tank to maintain the water temperature at around 26°C. The heating rod usually has a constant temperature function, which can automatically adjust the switch according to the water temperature.

2. Use a heating lamp or heating pad: These devices can provide additional heat, especially at night or when the temperatures are cooler.

3. Use a constant temperature box: prepare a constant temperature box, adjust the temperature to about 26 degrees Celsius, and place a humidifier to maintain appropriate humidity. Place the red-eared slider in the constant temperature box to prevent it from entering hibernation.

3. Precautions for wintering

1. Health check: Before hibernation, red-eared sliders need to be checked to ensure that they are free of disease or parasitic infection.

2. Stop feeding: Stop feeding about a week before hibernation to allow the red-eared slider to empty its intestines and avoid intestinal obstruction during hibernation.

3. Maintain humidity: Whether hibernating or heating over the winter, it is necessary to maintain appropriate humidity to prevent the red-eared slider from dehydration.

Generally speaking, the way red-eared sliders spend the winter is to hibernate. If they cannot hibernate, they will be heated up during the winter. Pay attention to proper management before and after the winter to ensure that the red-eared slider can safely spend the winter and quickly resume growth after hibernation.