Do All Turtles Hibernate?

When we ask whether all turtles hibernate, there is the implication that at least some turtles do so. The truth is that no turtles hibernate, not even some. Hibernation is a type of dormancy which is carried out only by endotherms, i.e. an animal which thermoregulates by their metabolism. These are loosely defined as warm-blooded animals.

All turtles are ectotherm reptiles, often referred to as cold-blooded. This means they regulate their body temperature largely via external sources, mainly the sun when in nature. Ectotherms can go into a period of dormancy, but it is known as brumation, not hibernation. The process is very similar and many people simply refer to reptile dormancy as hibernation instead of the technically correct term brumation. Regardless, the term hibernation is often used interchangeably with the behaviors being very similar despite the metabolic differences.

Brumation and hibernation are natural processes during which the animal minimizes the functionality of their organs. This means their heart and respiratory rates drop to near undetectable levels. They also stop eating, drinking and excreting.

All turtles which do hibernate do so according to outside temperature. This is why only species native to cold climates will brumate during winter months. This usually occurs when temperature drop below 10 ºC. During this state of dormancy, the turtles survive by feeding off of their own fat reserves. They can consume up to 1% of their total body weight each month of hibernation.

If you are still unsure why turtles hibernate, we can make it plain. Turtles struggle to survive very cold temperatures where resources are scarce, so hibernation allows them a way to stay alive on an extremely low metabolic rate. Feeding during the summer months allows them to store up fat reserves and make this feasible. An additional reason is because it helps to ensure proliferation of the species via reproduction. It sexually stimulates the males and synchronizes ovulation of the females.

If you have a pet turtle which hibernates in the wild, you will need to bear in mind the following information:

Before hibernating

You must feed the turtle very well during the summer. It is recommended that 6 weeks before hibernation is due to begin, you increase food with carbohydrates and vitamins in your turtle's diet. You can offer sprouts such as alfalfa, fruits such as figs, melon or apples and vegetables like pumpkin and carrots. When the time for hibernation approaches, about 2 or 3 weeks before you will need to slowly reduce their food intake. This will help the turtles to begin fasting as well as empty all their bowels to reduce the chances of getting sick during dormancy.

Although you will reduce food intake, you should have plenty of water available. The turtles will be able to reabsorb the water through their bladder without losing it to urine excretion.

This may sound obvious, but it is very important that turtles only hibernate during the cold winter months, not during summer. When they hibernate they are protecting themselves against cold temperatures, not warm ones. They will not hibernate in summer due to the heat and if you leave them without resources during this time, they are unlikely to survive.

During turtle hibernation

In the case of terrestrial species (land turtles) which hibernate, it is important they have an area of moist loose soil where they can dig. If you are going to let a turtle hibernate in the home, a small box with some wet soil should be enough to create an ideal environment. The exact conditions, however, will be particular to the species and should mimic their habitat in the wild. This includes the ambient temperature, so you cannot keep them somewhere warm.

During hibernation, we need to avoid disturbing the turtle. However, we should make periodic checks to ensure that all is OK. Check their weight before and during hibernation (weigh the entire box to avoid disturbing them). You should also assess their general condition by looking at their eyes, nostrils and extremities.

If you detect signs of dehydration such as dry skin, sunken eyes or weight loss, you should let your turtle soak in some water for 2 hours. The temperature of this water should never exceed 24 ºC. If the turtle is hibernating outside, they may wake up on warmer days. When this happens, given them some fresh water to drink, but never any food. Giving them food can create conditions whereby they get sick.

After the hibernation period, how do you wake the turtle?

When the hibernation period ends, you must wake the turtle by exposing it to the sun. This way, they will re-synthesize vitamin D and balance its calcium metabolism. You should also rehydrate them by giving them fresh water. They will not only have dehydrated during hibernation, but they will also need to reactivate their urinary system. It is advisable to offer food such as tomato or cucumber, as they are rich in water and will help your pet rehydrate and reactivate the digestive system.

As we state above, the turtles bury themselves during the hibernation process. When they do this, they will hide in their shell. However, do not worry if they wake up and move, it is natural they leave their shell when the temperature rises a little. This is especially if they hibernate outside where it is not possible to control the weather.

Remember that hibernation is a natural process in some species. Our involvement is only a way to help support them through this process and ensure their quality of life.

All turtles under three years old or sick should not hibernate. Instead, you will need to keep a terrarium to emulate the natural conditions of a summer climate. Prepare a space with artificial light which should be on for a minimum of 15 hours a day. Feed the turtle as per usual.

When hibernation is essential to the ovulation process, other factors such as humidity, temperature and a mate will play an important role. You can control these factors by keeping them in a terrarium, but again this will depend on the specific turtle species.

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