General Care Discussion :: How cold is too cold?

[ky1022]

I live in South Texas and own two red eared sliders that are pretty big so they live in a kitty pool with rocks to get out and bask on. Since it doesn't get too cold here I leave them out most of the time unless it gets really cold. Since they are so big and I live in a small duplex they have to stay in a habitat that is way to small with no water when they come inside. I was wondering if anyone had any good ideas about what I shoud do and at what temperature should I bring them in?[/b]

[SpotsMama]

An occasional temp dip into the 60s at night with daytime temps in the 70s is ok but when it gets down there regularly you'd better bring them in. Their immune system will be weakened in cool weather and, if it gets much cooler, their digestive systems will cease to function and any food any their gut could spoil, killing them. In nature they will begin hibernating when it gets cold but they can't do that in a kiddy pool - conditions aren't right at all.

Get a rubbermaid tub for them to stay in when they come inside. I got a 50 gallon tub from Lowes for $18. Outfit it with a water heater, light fixtures and a basking area. If they will be staying outside most of the time you can probably manage with just a heat lamp over the basking platform.

How long have you had these turtles?