7 Turtle Hibernation Facts You Haven’t Heard Before!

Think you know everything about your turtle’s hibernation? Think again. There are a few lesser-known facts that could make a world of difference for your pet’s health.

Before you let your turtle settle down for the season, check out these 7 surprising hibernation facts—some of them might completely change how you care for your shelled friend.

7 Turtle Hibernation Facts

Turtles are incredible creatures with unique survival mechanisms, and one of the most fascinating is how they handle colder weather. While many people assume turtles “hibernate” like bears, the process they go through is actually different—it’s called brumation.

1. Brumation Isn’t True Hibernation

One of the most common misunderstandings about turtles is the assumption that they hibernate like mammals do. In reality, turtles go through a process called brumation, which is similar to but distinct from hibernation.

During hibernation, animals like bears slow their metabolism and rely on stored fat to survive through the winter. Turtles, on the other hand, don’t rely on fat in the same way. Their bodies slow down significantly, but they don’t need to burn through their reserves as quickly. Turtles can survive months of inactivity with minimal food and water because their metabolic processes drop to nearly nothing.

I was shocked when I first learned this! I had a pet turtle and thought he would hibernate just like any other animal, but brumation is a completely different ballgame. This misunderstanding can sometimes lead to problems if people don’t realize their turtles need special care during this period.

2. Brumation Depends on the Species

Not all turtles experience brumation, and even among those that do, the process can vary greatly. For instance, some species of turtles, especially aquatic ones like musk turtles or painted turtles, will brumate in water or mud, where temperatures remain stable and cold enough for them to go dormant. They’ll stay submerged in ponds, rivers, or lakes for months, slowing their bodies down to a near standstill.

But did you know that not all turtles need to brumate? In fact, many tropical species don’t brumate at all because they live in consistently warm climates. If you own a species that hails from warmer environments—like a red-footed tortoise—you don’t need to worry about brumation.

The first time I owned a turtle, I didn’t know what kind it was. It’s super important to understand your turtle’s species before trying to help it brumate. Some turtles might be harmed by a brumation attempt if they’re not meant to go through it!

3. Controlled Environments Work Best for Brumating Turtles

If you own a turtle that brumates, creating a safe environment for them is essential. In the wild, turtles can rely on the natural cycle of weather to help them enter brumation. But in captivity, the situation is different. Many turtle owners turn to refrigerators as a brumation environment!

Yes, you read that right—refrigerators. It might sound odd, but using a fridge allows you to maintain a stable, cool temperature that mimics the natural winter environment a turtle would experience. The key is to ensure the temperature stays constant and doesn’t drop too low.

Some turtles need to brumate in temperatures as low as 38°F to 50°F (3°C to 10°C). Any higher, and they might not enter brumation properly; any lower, and they could die.

I’ve never personally used a fridge for a pet, but I’ve read about it a lot. It’s fascinating how creative people can get when it comes to helping their turtles brumate safely!

4. Temperature Fluctuations Are Dangerous

For turtles in brumation, maintaining a consistent temperature is more important than you might think. If the temperature fluctuates too much—especially if it rises too high—the turtle might come out of brumation prematurely, which could be harmful or even fatal.

When a turtle’s body is in a state of brumation, everything slows down: their breathing, heart rate, and digestion all nearly stop. But if they’re suddenly exposed to warmer temperatures, their metabolism can kick back into gear too quickly.

This can cause serious health issues because they aren’t fully prepared to be awake, and their body isn’t functioning at full capacity yet.

This is one of the reasons why using controlled environments, like the fridge I mentioned earlier, is so useful. It keeps things steady and predictable, reducing the risks.

5. Turtles Can Survive Without Oxygen for Months

One of the coolest facts about turtle brumation is their ability to survive underwater without oxygen for long periods. When turtles brumate, especially aquatic ones, they often do so in water. Since they’re not breathing oxygen, they have to rely on another system to stay alive.

Turtles can actually shift their metabolism to survive without oxygen for months by using calcium stored in their shells!

This process allows them to buffer the acidic toxins that build up in their bodies when oxygen levels are low. Essentially, their shells act like natural antacids.

I couldn’t believe this when I first read about it. Imagine being able to survive for months without oxygen! Turtles truly are some of the most amazing creatures.

6. Hydration Is Critical Before Brumation

Before your turtle enters brumation, making sure they’re well-hydrated is key. Since their metabolism slows down so much during brumation, they don’t eat or drink, but their body still needs a certain level of moisture to function properly.

Dehydration can be dangerous during brumation, as it increases the risk of health complications. A well-hydrated turtle is better equipped to handle the months of dormancy. One simple way to keep your turtle hydrated is to give them regular soaks leading up to brumation.

I always make sure my turtle gets a good soak, especially if I notice it’s heading towards its dormant period.

7. Health Monitoring Is Essential Before Brumation

Not every turtle is fit to go through brumation. If your turtle is underweight, sick, or battling any kind of health issue, brumation could be incredibly risky. Their body won’t have the energy reserves or strength to survive the long period of inactivity.

That’s why it’s important to do a health check-up before letting your turtle go into brumation. Taking your turtle to a vet who’s experienced with reptiles can help identify any potential problems beforehand. Some turtles might even need to skip brumation entirely if their health is in question.

I always check in with my vet to make sure my turtle is in good shape before winter comes. It gives me peace of mind, knowing my pet is safe and ready for brumation.

By learning these lesser-known facts about turtle brumation, you’ll be better equipped to keep your pet turtle healthy and safe during this crucial time.

Remember, not all turtles need to brumate, and those that do require special care.

Always consult with a reptile-savvy vet to ensure you’re making the best decisions for your turtle’s well-being. Whether they brumate in water or mud—or in your refrigerator!—being prepared makes all the difference.