General Care Discussion :: Winter?

[Crazymansun]

Do RES not eat at all during winter? Or do they eat a lesser amount of food?

[Kallistos]

If they're outside then they will hibernate, which of course they won't eat at all. If they're kept indoors, they won't even know when winter is, so no, if they're indoor they will continue to eat the same.

[steve]

It depends on how your setup is. If you follow the general advice that is provided on this site, then you don't need to do anything different. Though they may eat a little less and be a little less active.

[AnDrEs22]

my turtle Pablo doesn't eat at all , and he's an indoor turtle... it's been really cold in my house, and the light is on during the night, should it be on all the time?

thanks!

[Muirner]

It should be on during the day, there should be a basking light and an area he can dry off on. What are your water temps? Basking temps?

[cam722]

my turtle Pablo doesn't eat at all , and he's an indoor turtle... it's been really cold in my house, and the light is on during the night, should it be on all the time?

thanks!

What is your setup like? What size tank etc.. Do you have a water heater? If the water temp goes too low it will cause your turtle to go into a semi-hibernating state. This could cause your turtle to become ill or even die.

[industrial_girl_2000]

If the water temp is good (75-80) turts will eat very hungrily all year long (no hibernation is necessary when they are indoors). Make sure your water temp is good & report back to us!

[marisa]

My turtles, especially some of the painteds, tend to not eat as much as they do in the warmer months (this is with water heaters, but I don't keep the water temp as warm as some people do). I've also noticed they tend to be more picky and are more interested in some foods than others.

[Crazymansun]

Yeah, my RES are VERY picky on what they eat. They somtimes need to be fed.

[Kallistos]

Wow, I didn't know they ate less during the winter. My turtles are really boring, they have the blandest "personalities"

[Crazymansun]

Well eating all the time, isn't a bad thing. Your turtles must be nice and strong. Just hope they won't be over fed.

[Kallistos]

No, I just never give into begging and always fed them a varied diet...