Winter Care Tips for Turtles: Keeping Them Healthy and

Winter Feeding Guide for Turtles: How to Do It Right

1. Timing is Key

As the year progresses into October, the temperature fluctuations between day and night begin to increase. However, many pet owners continue to feed their turtles in the evening or after work. This practice can be quite taxing on the turtle's digestive system. It's actually more beneficial to feed your turtle between 10 and 12 in the morning. During this time, the temperature is favorable for their blood circulation and aids in digestion.

2. Maintain the Right Feeding Frequency

After October, the temperature varies greatly across the country. When the highest temperature in your area falls below 20°C, it's advisable to stop feeding your turtle if you're in the north, as it's time to prepare for hibernation. In the south, you can still feed your turtle moderately, but keep the frequency to twice a week.

3. Choose the Right Food

As the temperature drops below 20°C, it's time to prepare for hibernation. Avoid feeding your turtle highnutrient but hardtodigest foods like fish, shrimp, and insects. For aquatic turtles, a small amount of turtle food is suitable. For semiaquatic turtles, a diet of fruits and vegetables is preferable. Always monitor your turtle's health. If you notice signs of illness or decaying shell, prevent hibernation and seek treatment promptly.

4. Prepare for Hibernation with a Clean Gut

For a safe winter, it's crucial to prepare your turtle for hibernation by cleansing their gut. One week before hibernation, stop feeding your turtle to prevent them from going into hibernation with food and feces in their stomach. Neglecting this can lead to rectal obstruction during hibernation, which can be fatal. To help cleanse your turtle's gut, stop feeding them one week before hibernation, increase their exposure to sunlight, and encourage defecation. In some cases, a warm water soak can be used to promote blood circulation, followed by a gradual降温 to induce hibernation.

5. Ensure Your Turtle is Healthy Before Hibernation

Typically, around late November, when the average daily temperature is below 15°C, check your turtle's health before allowing them to hibernate. During this period, it's normal for turtles to be active as they haven't yet reached the hibernation temperature conditions.

With these tips from Oxygen Pet Doctor, we hope you can successfully care for your turtle through the winter!