Turtles stay in their shell during time of hibernation. They do this to protect themselves because they are cold-blooded creatures. In cold weather and when their food and/or water is scarce they hibernate. Turtles often go into their shell when they have fear.
Hibernation affects the reproductive cycles in turtles. They hibernate to provide stimulation to breeding activity when temperature warm up. Turtles hibernate up to eight months out of the year. A lot of the time it depends on their location. The warmer the atmosphere all year, the less likely the turtle is to hibernate. The colder it gets, the longer the turtle hibernates.
Before the turtle hibernates it is necessary to treat any lesions on the turtle and its shell. Also, any eye infections must be treated. If the turtle hibernates when it is sick, it can be fatal to the turtle. It will be distressed during hibernation and could die. Any questions should be directed towards your reptile veterinarian, they will know what is best for your turtle.
When the turtles sense a predator near the pull all limbs and head into their shell to hide from the predator. This is their only defense. They sit and hide until they feel it is safe and clear to come out of their shell. The turtle’s shell is hard and is great for their protection and safety.
The turtles and also be in their shell in the water for five hours. The oxygen in their shell will hold them for a duration of time before needing more air.
The turtle is a reptile that with their hard shell can be protected by it and is able to sit in the water for five hours. Their shell also serves as a home during the time of hibernation. While they are hibernating, the unique shell serves as a guard or protector to the turtle as they sleep. The biggest part of the turtle’s body is the hard and body shell.
It is best to remember when your turtle goes into hibernation to make sure, for the life of your turtle, to check for cuts, abrasions, or infections. If your turtle has any of these, you are asking for bacteria to set in and if it goes untreated when the turtle hibernates, the turtle could die.
As the turtle is hiding from their predator they are hiding within their shell.
Your turtle’s shell is their home. Always make sure to check it for abrasions, parasites, fungus, or any type of infection. If there are you need to contact your veterinarian to find out how to care for it before it goes into hibernation or gets worse.
