I acquired a 6 inch+ red eared slider this year and would like to let it winter in the pond with the fish. I attended a turtle specific winterizing seminar several years ago through Colorado Reptile Humane Society (Corhs) but am now preparing for the new resident and am after practical advice from others who have successfully wintered their turtles. My pond is 9x10 with varying depths, deepest about 40 inches. I typically keep the aerator going all winter to release gases. We do get a solid 3 inch freeze on top of pond each winter (excluding opening from aerator). I have a shallow bog that's not very big, and a shallow gravel filled shelf that is about 8 inches below water level. I can easily create a mud filled area in the 2'x3' lowest hollow if that would be advisable. I'm still unclear about what a turtle needs to breath during hibernation. Are they after a shallow depth or a deep one and just don't surface during this time?
The Corhs offered two options and one included winterizing in a tote with air supply in the refrigerator. No thank you. I'd prefer the little guy stay outside.
Thanks.
The Corhs offered two options and one included winterizing in a tote with air supply in the refrigerator. No thank you. I'd prefer the little guy stay outside.
Thanks.