The question of tortoises hibernating, why do tortoises hibernate

Whenever the climate gets colder and food is scarce, many animals go into hibernation. Therefore, the phenomenon of hibernation is a way for animals to adapt to the undesirable environment in the struggle for survival.

When animals hibernate, they don't starve to death if they don't eat for the winter. Because before hibernation, they have been preparing for hibernation for a long time, that is, from the summer, they gradually accumulate nutrients, especially fat, in their bodies. When the hibernation period comes, the body accumulates quite a lot of nutrients, so it becomes obese.

These nutrients are accumulated enough to meet the body's needs throughout hibernation.

Despite the accumulation of a large amount of nutrients in the body, how can the hibernation period last for several months? It turns out that during the hibernation period, the animal lies in the nest and does not eat or move, or rarely moves, the number of breaths decreases, the body temperature also decreases, the blood circulation slows down, the metabolism is very weak, and the nutrients consumed are relatively reduced, so the nutrients stored in the body are enough. When the nutrients stored in the body are about to be exhausted, the hibernation period will also end

nbsp;Before and after the beginning of winter, the turtles in the pond are about to go into hibernation. If the wintering place is not good, the turtle will not be able to overwinter normally, which will directly affect the growth and reproduction of the next year. Turtles mostly overwinter in the limestone cave with great humidity, the entrance of the cave is mostly in the east-west shelter from the wind and light, there is also a north to south, the breeding of adult turtles should be set up on the shore of the turtle pond to the sun and shelter before wintering, for the turtle to enter the cave freely to hibernate.

When the temperature drops below 13, it begins to gather in clusters to enter hibernation, and throughout the wintering period, the head and tail limbs are retracted into the shell, the eyes are closed, and they do not eat or excrete until they are stung. If the environment is not right, it is difficult to sting. A hibernation temperature of 1 10 is suitable for turtles.

Higher than 10 is likely to cause the turtle to wake up, thereby consuming physical strength, resulting in a decline in the turtle's physique, which is not conducive to the growth and reproduction of the turtle in the coming year. Repeated hibernation and awakening during a hibernation period can also cause the death of the turtle. Temperatures below 0 will frostbite the tortoise or even freeze it to death.

Therefore, when artificially setting up a hibernation site for turtles, it is necessary to consider possible temperature variations.

Why do turtles hibernate

Hibernation is a survival strategy adopted by many animals to avoid harsh cold weather and food shortages, and turtles are no exception. Here are four detailed explanations of why turtles need to hibernate.

1. Avoid extreme weather

In the cold winter months, the temperature plummets, and if the turtle does not hibernate, the body cannot move normally in the low temperature environment, even to a dangerous level. Before the turtle enters hibernation, the body will adjust its body temperature to a state that is compatible with the external environment, preventing the body from being damaged by low-temperature frostbite.

In addition, if the temperature is too high, the tortoise's body can also be injured due to overheating. Therefore, hibernation can help turtles avoid the effects of these extreme weather.

2. Save energy and food

During the winter months, turtles have a hard time foraging due to low temperatures and food shortages, so they need to conserve energy and food to survive. During hibernation, turtles' metabolism remains low, which means they can use less energy and reduce their need for food.

This is especially important for wild tortoises, as food shortages and exposure to natural predators are problems that most wild tortoises face every year.

3. Stay active and healthy

The optimal temperature for turtles is between 20-30, and if they are forced to cover themselves in a low temperature environment during the cold winter, it will not only consume physical energy, but also lead to problems such as decreased immunity and weakened body resistance. Hibernation during the winter can also help turtles stay alive and healthy.

Of course, after a long hibernation, the turtle needs moderate exercise to rejuvenate itself and prevent problems such as muscle atrophy and osteoporosis from occurring.

4. Control the reproductive cycle

The turtle's reproductive cycle usually starts in the spring, and hibernation can affect the turtle's reproductive cycle. If turtles do not experience normal hibernation, their reproductive cycle may be advanced, resulting in a lack of proper energy and physical strength to reproduce in the right season.

Therefore, the hibernation state of turtles can help them control their reproductive cycle and reproduce healthy offspring at the right time.

Summary

Turtles hibernate because they can adapt to the cold temperature, reduce physical exertion, maintain health and control their reproductive cycle. After hibernation, giving turtles plenty of food and exercise can help them recover quickly and have a healthy summer.

Turtles are cold-blooded animals, and the temperature is too low in winter, which makes it difficult for turtles to move and forage, so they need to reduce their metabolism to conserve energy, in addition, the weather is cold, the food ** is reduced, hibernation is a kind of self-protection, which can reduce physical exertion.

When the temperature drops rapidly from November to December each year, the turtle goes into hibernation. After stopping eating, it empties the stomach and intestines. When the white gel substance is expelled, it means that the intestines are cleaned and it can hibernate at any time.

If the temperature drops below 13 degrees, it can be put into the turtle's back water or wet sand to hibernate. The turtle wakes up at a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius to end its hibernation.

When do turtles hibernate?

Turtles are ectotherms, and their lives are greatly affected by the ambient temperature, so they need to hibernate. From November to March, when the temperature is below 10, the turtle lies in the silt at the bottom of the pond or lies in the loose soil covered with straw, and hibernates.

When do turtles hibernate?

Tortoises generally hibernate from early November to around May of the following year. Turtles love to hibernate in soft sand, so prepare sand for it.

Turtles are highly susceptible to death during hibernation.

The cause of his death:

One is that the water temperature is too low when the turtle starts hibernating;

Second, there is too much organic matter in the water, which produces harmful gases such as hydrogen sulfide and methane;

Third, the bait is fed too little before winter, and the nutrient accumulation in the soft-shelled turtle is insufficient, and the calories are excessively lacking;

Fourth, the turtle enters the hibernation period after being injured.

To prevent the death of turtles during hibernation, pay attention to the following:

1. Feed the turtle with adequate feed. During the spawning period and before hibernation, turtles should be fed with fresh, full-price compound feed with high nutritional value, and the amount of feeding should be increased appropriately.

2. If there is too much organic matter in the water, please change the water in time.

3. Don't let the turtle be frightened. During the hibernation period of the tortoise, do not let the animals walk around the fishing pond frequently, so as not to make the tortoise frightened by the outside and affect the normal hibernation of the tortoise.

Fourth, strengthen the management of tortoises. For turtles that have lost their ability to enter the water, they should choose a sunny and warm place to bask in the sun first, and then put them in the fish tank after they have regained their mobility.

Injured or small, emaciated turtles should not be allowed to hibernate, and should be warmed for the winter.

Hibernation: Hibernation is important for tortoises. When the temperature drops below around 12 degrees, they begin to hibernate. In the north, it probably starts from the end of October to March of the following year. It is best not to hibernate in the first year of newborn turtles, and it is best not to hibernate in weak and sick turtles.

Fat stickers to clear the stomach and intestines: In September, they began to supplement nutrients and stick to the fat. Feeding is stopped about two weeks before hibernation, and the last three or four days are soaked in warm water to defecate and empty the bowels. The above is very necessary, otherwise the food left in the intestines will ferment and cause their stomach wall and intestines to rupture, and they will die.

Arrangement of hibernation boxes: Use large plastic storage boxes with thick soil. They'll burrow into it themselves.

Leave it on for a few days and spray the soil with some water to keep it moist. 10--13 degrees is the optimal temperature for hibernation. Do not put it in the open air, it will freeze to death if it is below 8 degrees.

It is best placed in the corner of the balcony. Let the temperature drop slowly and don't let them suddenly feel cold.

Keep an eye on them at all times. Don't forget them! When the weather is warm, take the turtle out and put it back in its original habitat and do not feed it for three days. Start feeding again on the fourth or fifth day. They've definitely lost weight. Give them plenty to eat and make up for it.