Should I bring my wild box turtle inside for winter hibernation?

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.

Thank you for your question about your turtle. I think that housing your turtle in your pond during the warmer months would be a great idea, as long as you feel that the husbandry parameters that are required can be met. This will include appropriate water temperatures (often times supplemental heat is required for ponds), protection from predators (some owners will bring their turtles indoors at night), and a mixture of shad and sun (so that your turtle doesn't overheat). As far as your question about the winter, I would not recommend allowing your turtle to hibernate outdoors. Even though this is done in the wild, an artificial pond is unlikely to allow for the same parameters as a wild setting, and this may result in a dangerous situation for your turtle. You could continue to house your turtle in the winter and then add the outdoor housing in the summer as well. I hope this gives you a place to start, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

First of all if he is in the house, then he is most likely dead as it is too warm to go into hibernation. If he is outside it's not easy to tell, at least not in the beginning, eventually you will know as you will see him start to decompose after a few days of being dead, it will start smelling as well.

It sounds like she may be trying to hibernate. However, there is also a possibility that she is sick. I would encourage you to have her evaluated by a veterinarian. If they feel she is healthy then you may want to hibernate her in your garage over the winter. A large, sand filled bucket with hay on the top usually works well. Best of luck and 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.

Thanks for reaching out about Talula. This could be one of a few things: (1) hibernating (if not heat support), (2) Stress and hiding (new home), (3) Illness. If there is no or inadequate heat support, I would assume she is hibernating since environmental temperatures are dropping. If she is now in a high traffic area (lots going on) she might be stressed and hiding. Try putting up dark paper on the outside of the terrarium to provide security. If you think she is sick, seek an examination with a reptile veterinarian. Good luck.

Thank you for using PetCoach. This appears to be a box turtle. Please do not keep this turtle as a pet, In most states it is illegal to do so, beyond that it is very difficult to provide adequate housing and nutrition for wild reptiles. Many species of box turtle are endangered or vulnerable due to human interference. http://www.boxturtles.com/box-turtle-conservation/ If interested in a turtle for a pet, I recommend you search for local reptile or turtle rescues in your area. box turtles and other species can live up to 50 years in captivity, so need a long-term commitment. But often end up in rescue when people can’t take care of them there entire lives