Mmathis
TurtleMommy
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2011
- Messages
- 13,934
- Reaction score
- 8,107
- Location
- NW Louisiana -- zone 8b
- Hardiness Zone
- 8b
- Country
Spring is a highly anticipated time of the year for those of us who keep outdoor reptiles — in my case, box turtles. Boxies go into a form of hibernation (called brumation) in mid to late Fall. They find a nice, safe place to dig in for the next 4-6 months, and owners don’t see them again until it warms up in the Spring. And it’s not until Spring time that we know if they safely made it through the winter or not, as they are vulnerable during this time.
I’m sure that mine are weather and nature-confused by now! They were just beginning to emerge from their winter brumation — I have accounted for 4 of the 7 — when we suddenly get hit with a wet, cold spell! Now, personally, I am enjoying the weather since we don’t see much here in the way of winter as it is. We were already getting temps in the 80’s, so this cool spell was a refreshing way to begin Spring. Oh well, at least everything in their habitat is growing, so when they do finally come out, they’ll have plenty of natural cover for hiding and snacking. And as it warms back up, I can go back to being a proud and doting TurtleMommy again. I’ve already been working on getting their turtle-bog cleaned up (leaf removal, etc.) and ready for them. Silly turtles!
I’m sure that mine are weather and nature-confused by now! They were just beginning to emerge from their winter brumation — I have accounted for 4 of the 7 — when we suddenly get hit with a wet, cold spell! Now, personally, I am enjoying the weather since we don’t see much here in the way of winter as it is. We were already getting temps in the 80’s, so this cool spell was a refreshing way to begin Spring. Oh well, at least everything in their habitat is growing, so when they do finally come out, they’ll have plenty of natural cover for hiding and snacking. And as it warms back up, I can go back to being a proud and doting TurtleMommy again. I’ve already been working on getting their turtle-bog cleaned up (leaf removal, etc.) and ready for them. Silly turtles!