The best way for Brazilian tortoises to spend the winter

The red-eared slider is an aquatic turtle that is famous for its strong adaptability and ease of breeding. It is one of the preferred turtle species for novice aquarium owners. However, it likes warmth and is afraid of cold, and the suitable water temperature for breeding is between 25 and 30℃. So how do red-eared sliders survive the winter? Let’s learn more about it below.

1. Natural hibernation method

To simulate the natural environment, prepare a larger container, cover the bottom with about 20 cm of soil, and then add an appropriate amount of water, with the water depth being 1-3 cm higher than the soil. Place the red-eared slider in a container and place it in a quiet, dark place. Be careful to ensure that the environment in the container is moist, but avoid excessive water accumulation.

2. Hibernation in water

Place the red-eared slider in an aquarium or container that is large enough. The water should not be deeper than the turtle's skirt, and the turtle's back should be exposed. Remember to use a heating rod to maintain the water temperature within an appropriate range, and change the water regularly to keep the water clean.

3. Wintering in a Constant Temperature Box

Prepare a constant temperature box, adjust the temperature to about 26 degrees, and place a humidifier to maintain appropriate humidity. Place the red-eared slider in an incubator to prevent it from hibernating. This method is usually more suitable for immature, weaker, or first-time hibernating red-eared sliders.

4. Precautions for wintering

(1) Preparation before hibernation: Before hibernation, the red-eared slider turtles need to be placed in warm water at about 25°C, and feeding should be stopped to allow them to clear the feces in their bodies.

(2) Health check: Only healthy and strong adult turtles are suitable for hibernation. Hibernation is not recommended for turtles with poor physical condition or illness. If any abnormality is found in the red-eared slider (such as weak limbs, inability to retract the head into the shell, etc.), hibernation should be stopped immediately and the slider should be kept warm.

(3) Temperature control: During hibernation, the room temperature should be maintained at 0-5°C to avoid temperatures that are too high or too low.

(4) Recovery after hibernation: After hibernation, red-eared sliders need some time to recover their strength and appetite. During this period, they should be fed in small amounts multiple times, and appropriate amounts of nutritional medicines and antibiotics should be mixed into the feed to help them recover.

In general, there are many ways for red-eared sliders to overwinter, and breeders can choose the most suitable method based on their own conditions and the specific situation of the red-eared slider. At the same time, attention should be paid to management details during hibernation to ensure that the red-eared slider can spend the winter safely and smoothly.