Red-eared sliders are a common pet in the United States. They are often sold as hatchlings in pet stores and can be easy to care for. These turtles can reach a length of up to 10 inches and have a lifespan of up to 20 years. 

As the weather cools down, some people may wonder if their red-eared slider will hibernate. This blog post will explore whether or not red-eared sliders hibernate and provide some tips on taking care of these turtles during colder months.

Do red-eared sliders hibernate?

The short answer is No, red-eared sliders can not hibernate. Many people believe that pet red-eared sliders hibernate, when in fact they only brumate. 

This might be because of the temperature. Red-eared sliders only brumate when it gets really cold. The key to keeping your red-eared slider healthy and happy is maintaining the water temperature at or between 72 -80 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that they remain active all year round.

However, when red-eared sliders are kept as pets, they do not always have access to a suitable hibernation site. As a result, some pet owners may choose to force their turtles into hibernation. 

Turtles that are forced to hibernate may be too young or weak to survive the winter months, and as a result, they may die.

If you are considering forcing your turtle into hibernation, you should speak with a vet or reptile specialist first in order to ensure that your pet is healthy enough to survive the cold season.

What exactly is brumation?

Brumation is an amazing ability that allows animals to conserve energy during periods when food and water will be scarce. Unlike hibernation, brumation does not involve a complete shutdown of the body’s systems.

During brumation, an animal’s heart rate and breathing will slow, but they will still be able to move around and function. For red-eared sliders, brumation usually lasts for 2-4 months.

In females, this process can trigger the reproductive cycle by stimulating ovulation. Come spring, females who have undergone brumation will often be more receptive to males.

However, it is also possible for females to be ready to mate without undergoing brumation. If a female begins to construct a nest, this is usually a sign that she is preparing to lay eggs.

Therefore, while brumation may stimulate reproduction in some females, it is not necessary for the entire process.

There are a few signs that your red-eared slider is preparing to brumate. These include:

• Eating less often
• Being less active
• Spending more time basking in the sun
• Hiding more often

These are all perfectly normal behaviors for a turtle that is preparing to brumate. However, if you notice that your turtle is not eating at all or has completely stopped moving, you should take them to see a vet as these could be signs of illness.

How Does the Red-Eared Slider brumate?

When the water temperature begins to drop, red-eared sliders will start to look for a suitable hibernation site. The resting place for these creatures is a dark and quiet spot where they can burrow into the bottom of an aquarium or pond.

Once they have found a suitable spot, they will start to fill their lungs with air and prepare for a long period of dormancy.

In winter, when the water becomes too cold for them to survive in, they will burrow into the mud at the bottom of a pond or lake.

They will remain there until the water warms up again in the springtime. This brumation helps the turtles to survive the cold winter months.

It also allows them to avoid predators and competition for food. As a result, hibernation is an important adaptation for the Red-Eared Slider.

Red-eared slider turtles are becoming less energetic when the winter season begins and water temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).

They will eat less often and spend more time basking in the sun. Once the water temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the turtle will start to look for a suitable place to brumate.

They will not eat or drink during this time, and they will not come to the surface for air. As a result, it is important to make sure that their hibernation site is large enough and has enough oxygen to last through the winter.

If you notice that they are not moving or eating, you should take them to see a vet as these could be signs of illness.

While it is normal for red-eared sliders to brumate during the winter, some pet owners may choose to force their turtles into hibernation. You may be thinking that this is just harmless fun, but it could actually end up being very dangerous.

How Long Do Red-Eared Sliders Brumate?

Red-eared sliders can brumate for anywhere from 2 to 4 months. This is typically from October to March. However, the exact amount of time that your turtle will spend in hibernation will depend on the temperature and conditions of their environment.

This is a state of dormancy that is similar to hibernation but the turtle’s body temperature will drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

The turtle’s metabolism will slow down in this state, making it unlikely that the creature can eat or drink anything at all.  As a result, torpor can be very dangerous for red-eared sliders and should be avoided if possible.

Simply lower the temperature of their environment to 65 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to induce your red-eared slider into hibernation.

You can accomplish this by wrapping ice packs around its tank and shutting off any heaters that may be turned on. The turtle will then start to look for a place to burrow and they will not come to the surface for air. 

Do not try to wake them up or move them to a new location. This can be very stressful for the turtle and it can cause them to go into shock.

The hibernation site should be large enough for the turtle to move around in and there is enough oxygen for them to breathe. If you are concerned about the safety of their hibernation site, you can always consult a vet.

Brumation is a natural process for red-eared sliders and it is nothing to be concerned about. However, it is important to make sure that their hibernation site is safe and that they are not disturbed during this time.

What Is The Difference Between Hibernation And Brumation?

Brumation is a state of dormancy that is similar to hibernation. The main difference between the two is that during hibernation, the animal’s body temperature will drop to match the surrounding environment.

During brumation, the animal’s body temperature will remain stable. Hibernation is typically used to describe periods of dormancy in hot-blooded creatures such as bats, skunks, and groundhogs.

These animals are able to maintain their body temperature relatively constant, even during periods of inactivity. Brumation, on the other hand, is only used to describe periods of dormancy in cold-blooded animals like lizards and tortoises.

Another difference between hibernation and brumation is that animals in a state of hibernation will not eat or drink. Animals in a state of brumation will still eat and drink but they will do so less often.

Side Effects of Brumation:

The main side effect of brumation is that the animal will lose a lot of weight. As a result, it is important to make sure that your turtle has a good diet before they enter into hibernation.

Another side effect of brumation is that the animal’s shell will become soft. This is because the turtle is not getting the same amount of calcium that it normally would. As a result, it is important to make sure that your turtle has a good diet and access to calcium before they enter into hibernation.

How to care for red-eared sliders during brumation?

During brumation, turtles enter a state of dormancy in which they do not eat, drink, or move much. While this may seem like a simple process, there are actually a few things that you need to do to make sure that your turtle stays healthy during this time. 

The first thing you need to do is provide your animal with a comfortable and safe hibernation site. This should be an area where they will not be disturbed and where the temperature remains fairly consistent. 

They will not be eating or drinking during this time, but it is important to have these things available in case they wake up suddenly and need them.

This is especially important if the temperature in their hibernation site starts to drop, as it could cause them to wake up prematurely and put themselves at risk. With these simple steps, you can take care of your turtle’s needs during its winter nap.

Final Thoughts

Brumation is a normal and natural process for red-eared sliders. Hibernation sites are important for ensuring the safety and security of your pet. 

Make sure that they have everything they need to hibernate, such as food or water bowls with enough left over so you can check on them every few weeks during winter months without leaving their homes. 

The process of going into brumation is a little different for each species. But by following these simple steps, you can make sure that your turtle has an easy and healthy one.

FAQs

Do red-eared sliders hibernate?

Yes, red-eared sliders enter a state of dormancy called brumation in the winter months. During this time, they do not eat or drink and their body temperature drops to match the surrounding environment.

What is the difference between hibernation and brumation?

Hibernation is typically used to describe periods of dormancy in hot-blooded creatures such as bats, skunks, and groundhogs.

These animals are able to maintain their body temperature relatively constant, even during periods of inactivity. Brumation, on the other hand, is only used to describe periods of dormancy in cold-blooded animals like lizards and tortoises.

What are the side effects of brumation?

The main side effect of brumation is that the animal will lose a lot of weight. As a result, it is important to make sure that your turtle has a good diet before they enter into hibernation. Another side effect of brumation is that the animal’s shell will become soft.

This is because the turtle is not getting the same amount of calcium that it normally would. As a result, it is important to make sure that your turtle has a good diet and access to calcium before they enter into hibernation.

How long do red-eared sliders Brumate? 

The length of time that a red-eared slider will brumate depends on the temperature of its environment. In general, they will brumate for anywhere from two to four months.

However, if the temperature remains warm, they may only brumate for a month or two. Likewise, if the temperature drops significantly, they may brumate for up to six months.

Can I force my red-eared slider to brumate?

The red-eared slider is a poor choice for forced hibernation. It’s not uncommon to see these turtles in captivity, but it can harm their health. This is because it is a natural process that they go through in response to changes in temperature and daylight.

What should I do if my red-eared slider starts to brumate?

When it’s time for your turtle to go into hibernation, make sure that they have a safe and secure spot where the sun doesn’t shine all day. Check on them every few weeks during this period of slumbering.

If something doesn’t seem right or if there is no gain in weight then you should take action immediately. They need food and water as well check on them often

Should I be worried if my red-eared slider starts to lose weight during brumation?

No, you should not be worried if your red-eared slider starts to lose weight during brumation. This is because it is a natural process and they will typically regain weight once they come out of hibernation. However, if you are concerned, you can always check on them every few weeks to make sure that they are doing okay.

What should I do if my red-eared slider’s shell starts to soften during brumation?

If your red-eared slider’s shell starts to soften during brumation, it is important to make sure that they have access to calcium. This can be in the form of a calcium supplement or by providing them with a diet that is rich in calcium.