Is it safe for my red-eared slider to hibernate in an outdoor pond?

No, please keep your turtle in an appropriate environment with proper water, docking area, basking light, UVB light, thermometer in water and under basking light, and feed mix of fresh vegetables, turtle food pellets, and live prey items. Do not attempt to “hibernate” a turtle in a blanket. This will most likely end up causing illness and maybe death.

Box turtles are so fun to watch in the wild! Your backyard turtle knows exactly when and where it should hibernate, so do not bring it inside. The conditions within your house are likely not ideal for the turtle. Have fun watching him in your backyard and look forward to his re-emergence in the Spring! Thank you for using pet coach.

Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach, It is normal for this species to hibernate when it gets cold. This in itself should not be a problem; however, if Creek is unwell for any reason then it is better to keep him active by providing a warm environment throughout the winter. This would ensure that his immune system continues to function properly. A yearly veterinary health check just before it gets cold could help you decide whether or not to let him hibernate.

Brumation is a period of time when wild turtles enter into a semi torpid state. It typically occurs during the winter months. Sliders will burrow into muddy bottoms of ponds and "hibernate". It is not necessary for pet turtles to brumate since they are kept in a temperate environment year round. You can read more about brumation here: http://www.redearslider.com/hibernation.html

Once a turtle is in captivity it should not be released back into the wild for the following reasons: 1.The turtle can spread disease picked up in captivity to other turtles in the wild. Pathogens, viruses, and bacteria are not always presented in the form of a symptom. Even if the turtle looks and acts like its feeling well it can still carry pathogens that will wipe out entire populations of wild turtles. Your turtle could be immune but be a carrier and therefore highly contagious to other turtles. 2.Wild turtles live in areas where the food will sustain their needs. If everyone who decided his or her turtle would be better off free, think again. If you release the turtle into an area that is already heavy with native turtles, you end up with a situation where they are all competing for a limited amount of food. 3.Turtles should also never be released into the wild because of climate and adaptation. For instance, a non-hibernating turtle such as a Mexican Wood turtle or an African sideneck released in a cold climate like Tennessee, Maine, or anywhere there is potential for freezing weather will surely die. In addition, if your turtle was a pet and has relied on you for food, he may not be the strongest hunter and will slowly and painfully starve to death when he cannot find food easily.

Do not hibernate her this year. Keep her enclosure temperature between 20 C and 27 C. Provide a basking area of about 32 C with UVB lighting. Provide food and vitamin/mineral supplementation as well as several baths weekly.

No, that is not recommended. I suggest you refer to this article and be sure you have her environment 100% correct including her diet. ( http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/ )