I've heard everywhere that hibernating a turtle is not the best thing to do, even though it's a natural procedure in the wild. I just wanted to know what all you aquatic turtle experts thought about this.

First off, I have a 35 gallon pond outside (the Wal-Mart kind) with a pump in the middle to keep the water stirred so that mosquitos don't become a problem. Around it is flat river rocks and mulch, as well as a few plants (I don't know what types they are, but I'll get back to you on that). I do not have a fence put up, which is one reason why I'm asking this question about outdoor turtles. I don't know what to use as a fence, seeing as plain chicken wire and such will look... well, bad in a garden setting. The pond is right at the front of the house, so I want an effective, yet tasteful, fence. What could I do in that respect? Also, is it possible to hibernate a turtle indoors? I have a 20 gallon plastic tub to use for that... I was thinking of placing it in our mudroom (where it is cold in the winter, but not freezing) and sticking an airstone and heater (set at 45-50 degrees F) so that it doesn't freeze (in case temperatures do get that cold) and so that proper oxygenation can be offered). Leaves and dirt will be layed in the bottom, and it will be filled with treated water.

I was hoping to get a red-eared slider... if that info helps at all.

Thanks!
-Alyssa

I'm not an expert. From what I've read, it is better to hibernate temperate turtles. Then, they live longer and are more apt to reproduce. The thing is that with indoor hibernation in refrigerators, it seems that things can go wrong so it's a risk. Natural hibernation can be risky too. For example, if a turtle picks a pond that freezes solid, it dies. I've never built a turtle fence around my ponds. I've seen a number of designs. Some turtles can climb but most can't so a fence of about two feet high should be enough to keep them in (but won't keep out most predators). Chicken wire rusts within a year so it's not a good choice. Regular fencing (what I call dog fence) has holes that are too big. I suggest hardware cloth (what I call rabbit wire). If you can get the green vinyl coated hardware cloth, that is strong and very long lasting. You would attach that to wooden stakes every maybe 1.5 feet. Be sure that the fence goes into the ground a few inches as turtles can dig.

Hibernating turtles indoors is usually done with a dedicated refrigerator set to the correct temperature for the species (normally in the mid 40's degrees F). The turtle can be put into a plastic shoe box in an inch of water with holes in the lid for oxygen. Check on him every week and change the water as needed. I've not done this myself so please refer to those that have.

You can try your method which may work better as it's more natural. I wouldn't put many if any leaves or dirt in the container as that just makes it dirty. The water quality would be worse. Turtles don't need those things. They just need a place to hide. You can make shelters out of varous plastic pots, tunnels, PVC pipe, etc. Be sure the size turtle can't get stuck in what's in there. I wonder if they make something that's sort of like fake leaves that turtles could use like a blanket for winter? Of course, knowing turtles, they'd eat them!

My page on turtle ponds is at http://www.fishpondinfo.com/turtles/turpond.htm

Thanks for the information... It boosted my confidence, lol.

It's just that I've gotten so much conflicting information, and it honestly has me scared about getting a turtle. They make it seem like you have to have everything perfect to a T or else your turtle will die. I have also talked to other people that say "It's not good to hibernate your turtle. Just because they do it in the wild doesn't mean that they have to in captivity." To me, it seems more natural for a turtle to do. They were made that way, so that makes me believe that they should be hibernated... I'm just afraid after reading stuff like that and hearing that people's turtles have died during hibernation.

We live in PA, so it's gonna get chilly in the winter... that's the only thing that worries me. Plus, there's the fact that I'm afraid the turtle will try to climb out. So, I'm gonna be really picky about the fencing. I'll probably try what you suggested... But is there a way to do a rock fence? If concrete is poured and a sheer rock wall built from that, will that work... maybe?

Thanks for the info!!
-Alyssa

A rock wall would work as long as it didn't provide foot holes that would allow the turtle to climb the fence. I've never hibernated a turtle. I have one turtle, a red-bellied turtle who would hibernate in nature. I have not hibernated him (two winters) because I want to keep him active and where I can keep an eye on him. It may shorten his overall life but how much and so on, it's hard to say. Like you, I am afraid to hibernate him. Since your turtle would be outside in warm weather, and you have a mud room that is cool, it wouldn't be as risky to hibernate your future turtle that way than say in a refrigerator.

Alright, thanks for the info. :) If hibernation in the mudroom doesn't work, then I'll have to overwinter him... And I'll see what I can do in the way of fencing.

Thanks!!