General Care Discussion :: Hibernation?

[Ferd]

My two turtles are acting wierd (obviously). Well, for the past few days (more like weeks. not sure) my turtles have not been eating a lot. there cage is need of a clean. However i dont think that is the problem. it started a while back (a while after the last cleaning) i feed them the pellets and all they do is look, try a few, and then go bask. The water is the same temp as always. I even turned on a heater in my room. Its been fairly cold down in NC recently. now that i think on it, this started when the first snow came around. Coulld this be a sign of hibernation? there is no sign of RI(yawning) so i very baffled. i read that they slowdown, or completely shutdown, when they sence the winter weather comming. Please respond today. This is really freaking me out.

[steve]

What is the water temp? Are you using a water heater? Many people note that the winter season does have an effect on some of their indoor-kept turtles... usually they become a little less active and have reduced appetites.

[Ferd]

ok. thats EXACTLY whats happening. I have no idea what the temp is. also i dont have a heater to use. im still trying to convince my parents to get me a 46 gallon tank for my 2 res (bout 3 inches each and WONT STOP FANNING THEIR NAILS!). Oh well. also, they wont even touch the lettuce or the Riddichio at all.

[SpotsMama]

Hi Ferd. You really need to get those turtles a water heater and a thermometer so you can monitor water temperature. If the water gets too cool, they will be much more vulnerable to illnesses. And it's dangerous for them to go into a semi-hybernation state. Since they're not showing any other symptoms at this time, hopefully they aren't ill yet. A simple heater for a tank your size shouldn't set you back too much at all. Neither will a simple thermometer.

Good luck. Keep us posted.

[crock1120]

Yea, you need to get a heater and a thermometer. Otherwise your turts will go into hibernation due to the cold water temps. Try and hike up the temp to 76-78 degrees. You will see them acting normally when you do so.

[Evelyn]

Hi Fred,
You can try to find a web site that is called FREE CYCLE. I don't have the web address. There people post things they know longer what or use any more, things are for free, all you have to is go get them. I am sure there are always tanks posted, maybe heater too. I know the heater are a little pricey.
Here is another one Craigs List. com
Evelyn

[Ferd]

Thank you all for all the help. Ill see what i can do.