All Turtles Message Board

TSBD · Guest Joined: 25 Sep 2006 Posts: 2

Oh.... 2 things I forgot to ask.

1. With my having an outdoor concrete pond, and the water of the pond being approx 65-70 degrees year round (maybe colder during the winter), and the outdoors getting as cold at high 30's in the winter, not typical but it can happen in San Diego....... do I really need to have some kind of heating devise for my turtle? Can he go year round just on the natural heat he may get from sun bathing?

2. How long can water turtles stay completely out of water before it is harmful for them?

Thanks again! ~ Christine

turtle_grl77 · Level 4 Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Posts: 986 Location: Florida

With RES if you keep them out of water, to help heal wounds, you would need to soak them couple hours daily, and feed them at the same time. And if you feel like keeping them out side in the pond year round you would need to prep them for hibernating. I personally wouldnt do it but the colder the temp the less active the get and the more chances of them getting sick. I dont understand hiberating them yet, as I am still new to the turtle life. There is a section you can read up on that will explain it.