Should grass turtles be kept dry or in water during the winter? Professional analysis of hibernation

The Chinese tortoise (Mauremys sinensis), also known as the Chinese tortoise or turtle, is an aquatic turtle widely distributed in East Asia. Many turtle lovers face a question in winter: Should the tortoise be kept dry or in water during the winter?  This question is related to the health and survival rate of the tortoise, and must be determined based on the ambient temperature, individual health status, and feeding methods. This article will discuss the winter feeding strategy of the tortoise from the aspects of the hibernation mechanism of the tortoise, the advantages and disadvantages of dry and water feeding, and scientific management methods.

1. Hibernation habits of the tortoise

1.1 Do tortoises need to hibernate?

The tortoise is a cold-blooded animal, and its physiological activities are affected by the ambient temperature. When the temperature is below 15°C, their metabolic rate decreases and their food intake decreases. When the temperature drops below 10°C, the grass tortoise enters a hibernation state.

However, in an artificial breeding environment, whether to let the grass tortoise hibernate depends on the situation. The main considerations include:

• Temperature factor: If the winter temperature is below 10°C for a long time, the grass tortoise may hibernate naturally.

• Individual health status: Tortoises with poor health are not recommended to hibernate and should be kept warm.

• Housing environment: Tortoises raised outdoors usually hibernate naturally, while those raised indoors can adjust the temperature to avoid hibernation.

1.2 Hibernation of Grass Tortoises

In the wild, grass turtles usually lurk in the mud and sand at the bottom of the water, or hide in moist caves on the shore to reduce energy consumption. Therefore, in artificial breeding, you can choose water hibernation or dry hibernation, but the specific method to be used needs to be determined according to different situations.

2. Two ways of hibernation for grass turtles: dry breeding vs. water breeding

2.1 Dry breeding hibernation (terrestrial hibernation)

2.1.1 Conditions for dry breeding hibernation

Dry breeding hibernation is usually suitable for environments with low temperature (5-10°C) and suitable humidity, especially when it is kept indoors and a stable water environment cannot be provided, dry breeding is safer.

2.1.2 Advantages of dry breeding hibernation

✅ Reduce the risk of frostbite: In a low temperature environment, water is easy to freeze, and dry breeding can prevent the turtle body from being damaged by water freezing.
✅ Reduce the possibility of infection: Water quality is prone to deterioration in winter, and dry breeding can reduce the risk of bacterial growth and skin infection.
✅ Easy to monitor: When dry breeding, the grass turtle is in a controllable environment, and the owner can observe its status at any time.

2.1.3 Operation steps for dry breeding hibernation

1. Prepare a hibernation box: Choose a plastic box or wooden box with good air permeability, and lay moist moss, coconut soil or cotton cloth inside to maintain moderate humidity.

2. Adjust humidity: Humidity should be maintained at 60%-80% during hibernation, and regular spraying can be used to prevent dehydration of the turtle body.

3. Control temperature: Place the hibernation box in a stable environment of 5-10°C, such as a basement, balcony enclosure, or indoor light-proof area.

4. Regular inspection: Check the condition of the tortoise every 2-3 weeks, touch it gently to observe whether it reacts, and ensure that there are no abnormalities (such as sunken eyes, obvious weight loss).

2.1.4 Potential risks of dry hibernation

⚠ Dehydration of the tortoise due to low humidity: If the environment is too dry, the grass tortoise may fail to hibernate due to water loss.
⚠ Excessive temperature fluctuations: Unstable temperature may cause the grass tortoise to wake up early, and it may not be able to metabolize and eat normally due to the cold environment.

2.2 Aquatic hibernation (hibernation in water)

2.2.1 Conditions for aquatic hibernation

Aquatic hibernation is suitable for environments with a stable water temperature of 4-10°C and good water quality management. For example:

• Outdoor ponds, natural lakes and other waters with low temperatures but no ice.

• Constant temperature water bodies (such as indoor fish tanks, covered and insulated pools).

2.2.2 Advantages of hibernation in water

✅ More in line with the natural habits of grass turtles: Wild grass turtles usually hibernate at the bottom of the water or in mud and sand, so water culture is more in line with their physiological needs.
✅ Reduce the risk of dehydration: Water culture can ensure that the turtle body always maintains moisture and will not dehydrate due to dry environment.

2.2.3 Operation steps of hibernation in water

1. Choose a suitable container: Use a larger aquarium or pond with a water depth that can at least completely submerge the turtle body, but not too deep, so that the turtle can always poke its head out to breathe.

2. Control water temperature: Make sure the water temperature is stable at 4-10°C and avoid drastic changes.

3. Provide a hiding environment: Place sinking wood, stones or soft substrate (such as mud and sand) at the bottom of the water to give the turtle a place to hide.

4. Keep the water clean: Change the water before hibernation to reduce organic pollutants, and reduce water changes during hibernation to prevent temperature fluctuations.

5. Observe the status: Check the turtle's breathing and activity status regularly to ensure that there is no abnormal floating or loss of consciousness.

2.2.4 Potential risks of hibernation in water

⚠ Risk of freezing at low temperature: If the water surface freezes, the turtle may not be able to breathe, leading to suffocation and death.
⚠ Water pollution: During hibernation in water, the turtle will not eat, but will still excrete. If the water quality deteriorates, it may cause disease.

Three, which method is more suitable for your grass turtle?

Recommended choice

✅ If the temperature of the breeding environment is low (below 5°C), dry breeding and hibernation are recommended to reduce the risk of frostbite.
✅ If the water temperature can be maintained at 4-10°C and the water quality is stable, hibernation in water is a more natural choice.
✅ If the grass turtle is weak or has a history of disease, hibernation is not recommended, and heated breeding should be adopted.

Fourth, Summary: Scientific Management of Hibernation of Grass Tortoises

• Grass turtles can choose dry breeding or water breeding for hibernation, and the specific method depends on the environmental temperature, individual health status and breeding conditions.

• Dry hibernation is suitable for low temperature and dry environment, which is easy to manage, but attention should be paid to humidity control.

• Water hibernation is more in line with the natural habits of grass turtles, but the water temperature needs to be stable and the water quality should be prevented from deteriorating.

• For weak or sick turtles, hibernation is not recommended, but they should continue to be raised in an environment of 15-25°C to ensure a healthy winter.

Scientific and reasonable management of grass turtle hibernation can effectively improve their survival rate and ensure that they will be rejuvenated in the spring.

animal tags： Tortoise