I need advice on how to prepare my 6 year old Slider for her first winter outside. SheRex (originally TRex until she laid eggs) is very healthy and has about a 14" carapace. She has lived in a 130gal indoor tank until this spring and has moved into a 390gal outdoor stock tank with waterfall and aeration.
She has thrived with her goldfish roommates and loves being outside. Now it's time to get ready for winter and I need advice. We live in North Carolina with low winter temps avg 33F but rarely stay low long.
1. What water temperature should I start slowing down the feeding and when to stop?
2. If the temperature rises during this winter and she becomes active, do I feed her?
3. What food is recommended as the temperature drops?
4. Do I need to provide a shaded area?
If anyone has any other advice, I would appreciate it.