General Care Discussion :: "Semi" hibernating?

[sharon in atlanta]

Hi! My turtle, "Springvale", seems to be slowing down for no apparent reason other than a sort of hibernation. I've had her since last January. She is 5 inches long and of unknown age. My vet could not tell her age but felt she is adult. Her habitat has not changed, and she has all the required heating, basking, swimming needs met. She eats like normal and seems quite happy, but she is spending most of her day in her shell in the bottom of the tank. About once a day, she swims around and has some food. She responds to the family and "plays" with us when she is awake. Is she just slowing down because of the season? Thanks.

[missibsu]

It's possible that she is slowing down because of the change in seasons. I have not noticed this with mine, but I have heard others mention this.

Just be sure that there aren't any changes in her health behavior.

[industrial_girl_2000]

I haven't had this issue with mine, but I know some turtles slow down a bit.

I know it's a bit unrelated, but my aquatic frog slows down a bit in the winter due to less sunlight. He eats less & seems less active as well. At one point he didn't eat for almost 6 days straight and I was really concerned! And then Spring came, and he started eating daily again. Now he is down to once every 2 days again on the eating.

So as long as the water is warm (76-78), basking light is on, water is clean, and food is provided regularly (every 2 days for your adult turt), & there are no other symptoms, I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[sharon in atlanta]

I just checked, and the water is 78, basking light on, water clean, and she is fed every 2 days. I think I'll get her a couple of minnows to chase around as that's her favorite sport. I'm not going to worry as she seems healthy. Thanks guys!

[Boston_Zhao]

Just curious, how do they know the season change?

[marisa]

In the wild they would know by the shortening of the daylight hours, as well as the cooling temp. I think even captive turtles pick up on cues that a different season is approaching.