res and winter temps?

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dmopar74

Peacock Bass
MFK Member
Mar 24, 2006
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Tri cities washington
im going to be running a 300g unheated pond in my garage where water temps are bout 50f during winter, could i put the slider in the pond?

would he brumate? some info off wiki, is this accurate?-
Reptiles do not hibernate but actually brumate, becoming less active but occasionally rising for food or water. Brumation can occur in varying degrees. Red-eared Sliders brumate over the winter at the bottom of ponds or shallow lakes and they become inactive, generally, in October, when temperatures fall below 50 °F (10 °C). Individuals usually brumate underwater. They have also been found under banks and hollow stumps and rocks. In warmer winter climates they can become active and come to the surface for basking. When the temperature begins to drop again, however, they will quickly return to a brumation state. Sliders will generally come up for food in early March to as late as the end of April. Red Eared Sliders kept captive indoors should not hibernate. To prevent attempted hibernation/brumation in an aquarium, lights should be on for 12–14 hours per day and the water temperature should be maintained between 76–80 °F (24–27 °C). Water temperatures must be under 55 °F (13 °C) in order for aquatic turtles to brumate properly.[6] Controlling temperature changes to simulate natural seasonal fluctuations encourages mating behavior.
 
if you did put him in there, I would at least provide an area for him to bury himself on dry land but I think you would be better off wintering him inside and then moving him out when it warms up.
 
In which state do you live in? 50ies for 2 to 3 months are no problem for sliders, but if spring and autumn are too cold, they will die. Maybe not instantly, but after some years.

The securest way to get your slider over the winter is controlled hibernation either in a room with constant 4-8°C or in a modified fridge.
 
What size and age is your turtle, has he ever hibernated before? Your turtle must be both at least 12 cm long and heavy to survive hirbenation without problems, if you dont know better dont risk it.
 
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