Can Turtles Survive in Cold Weather? How You Help Them

When it comes to the resilience of wildlife, turtles are remarkable creatures. They have been around for millions of years, adapting to various environmental conditions. One common question that arises is, “Can turtles survive in cold weather?

The answer is yes. Turtles can survive in cold weather. They are ectotherms or cold-blooded. They rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. When the temperature drops, their metabolism slows down, and they become less active. 

In this article, we will explore the depth of their survival in the freezing weather. Also, we will talk about how you can take care of their needs. 

Can Turtles Survive In Cold Weather?

Turtles are ectotherms, also known as cold-blooded animals. They need external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. They cannot produce their own body heat like mammals or birds. 

Therefore, they are vulnerable to extreme cold weather (below 10 degrees Celsius). Thus, it can cause serious health problems or even death.

Some turtles spend the winter burrowing in the muck at the bottom of ponds or lakes. Others spend the winter on land, like under leaf litter or in burrows. 

Aquatic turtles may survive in ice-covered water as long as the temperature is above freezing (above 3 degrees Celsius).

In the wild, turtles soak in the sun to warm up. They also use UVB radiation from the sun to generate vitamin D3. It is required for calcium absorption and shell health.

Nevertheless, in freezing weather or temperature, turtles can become cold-stunned. This condition causes turtles to become sluggish and unable to swim. A cold-stunned turtle might drown or die from exposure if it is not rescued.

So, do turtles need sunlight? Well, they do to survive. Without enough light, they cannot produce vitamin D, essential for bone growth. But sunlight for extreme cold? Then, not exactly. In fact, if you have one, it is best to keep turtles indoors during freezing weather. 

Apart from that, if turtles are kept in outdoor cages, they do need a heat light at night. It will keep the turtle warm in its habitat and prevent it from being cold-stunned.

How Cold Is Too Cold For A Turtle?

How cold is too cold for a turtle depends on the species and natural habitat of turtles. Some turtles, such as the painted turtle, are extremely resilient and may survive in temperatures as low as 37 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius). 

Other turtles, like the sea turtle, are more susceptible to cold temperatures and must travel to warmer seas throughout the winter.

Furthermore, some turtles, such as box turtles and tortoises, can tolerate lower temperatures than aquatic turtles, like red-eared sliders. However, even terrestrial turtles require a warm and dry place to hibernate during the winter.

Generally speaking, the water temperature in a turtle tank should not drop below 70 °F (21 °C) for any turtle species. 

If the water temperature falls below this threshold, the turtle’s metabolism will slow down significantly. As a result, it will be difficult for them to digest food, fight infections, and heal wounds. 

Some of you may be wondering where turtles live. How do they cope with cold weather? Well, most turtle species are found in southeastern North America and South Asia. There, they experience different climatic conditions and have different adaptations to survive the winter. 

Watch this video and see how turtles and tortoises handle extreme fluctuation and conditions outdoors.

Personal Experience About Turtle Survival in Cold Weather

I’ve had the privilege of observing turtles in their natural habitats during winter. They have a remarkable way of surviving the cold. They bury themselves in the mud at the bottom of ponds or lakes, creating a cozy shell. Likewise, they stay there until the spring comes back with warmth and life.

Expert Insights

To gain a deeper understanding of how turtles survive in cold weather, I reached out to Dr. Sarah Williams, a renowned herpetologist. Dr. Williams emphasized that turtles’ ability to adapt to cold conditions is a testament to their evolutionary history. 

Their unique physiological adaptations, such as their ability to slow their metabolism, play a crucial role in their survival.

Dr. Williams also highlighted the importance of preserving turtle habitats. Human activities and climate change can threaten these incredible creatures. By protecting their environments, we can ensure their survival during cold weather and beyond.

How Do You Keep Turtles In the Winter?

Keeping turtles in the winter can be challenging, especially if you live in a cold climate. If the water temperature drops too low, turtles can become sluggish, stop eating, and even hibernate. 

Watch this video on how Turtles Hibernate.

Therefore, if you want to keep your turtle active and healthy during the winter, you need to provide it with a suitable tank. The tank must be capable of maintaining a constant and optimal temperature range. Follow these steps:

1. Get a large glass tank with enough water and space for your turtle. Use 10 to 15 gallons (38 L to 57 L) of tank size per 1 inch (2.5 cm) of turtle.
2. Make a basking area with a platform, rocks, or a tank topper. It should cover 25% of the tank and be easy to reach.
3. Use a water heater to keep the water between 72 and 77 °F (22 and 25 °C). Baby turtles need an extra 5 °F (-15 °C). The heater should be sturdy, adjustable, and powerful.
4. Use a filter to remove waste and bacteria from the water. The filter should be suitable for turtle tanks and your tank size.
5. Use a lamp with UVA and UVB bulbs to provide light and heat for your turtle. The lamp should shine on the basking area. 

The basking area should be between 85  °F and 95 °F (29 °C and 35 °C). You can use a ceramic heat emitter or an incandescent bulb.

6. Add decorations and plants to make your tank look natural. Use rocks, driftwood, artificial plants, or live plants. Make sure the plants are safe for turtles.

If you keep your turtle outdoors, follow the steps below. 

• Place the turtle in a heated enclosure. The enclosure should be large enough for the turtle to move around comfortably and should have a basking area.
• Make sure that the enclosure is well-insulated to protect the turtle from the cold.
• Monitor the water temperature closely and make sure that it does not drop below 75 degrees Fahrenheit ( 24 °C).
• If the temperature drops too low, you can use a water heater to keep the water warm.

By following these tips, you can help your adult turtle stay safe and healthy during the winter months.

However, you can place a thermometer in the tank to monitor the water temperature. Make sure you put the tank in a warm location in your home.

These steps will help you set up a baby turtle tank for the winter. Your turtle will be happy and comfortable in its new home. 

Watch this video on how a turtle owner creates a captivating tank paludarium for his baby turtle-

FAQs

Let’s have a look at the frequently asked questions related to the turtles and their survival in cold weather-

Can I put turtles in the water during winter?

Yes, you can put turtles in water during winter, but you need to keep the water temperature within the ideal range for your turtle species. You also need to provide a basking area, a filter, and a lamp for your turtle.

What do turtles eat in the winter?

Turtles eat less in the winter than in the summer as their metabolism slows down. Turtles that are active in the winter need a balanced diet of fresh vegetables, fruits, insects, worms, and commercial pellets. Some turtles may stop eating altogether and hibernate.

How long do turtles live?

Turtles can live for a long time, depending on their species and care. Some turtles can live for more than 100 years, such as the Galápagos tortoise and the Aldabra giant tortoise. Other turtles can live for 20 to 50 years, such as the box turtle and the red-eared slider. 

Wrapping Up

While turtles have evolved remarkable strategies to survive in cold weather, they are not invincible. Their ability to endure the cold depends on various factors, including species, habitat, and available resources. 

As we navigate the challenges of climate change, preserving the habitats of these unique reptiles is essential.