Can Turtles Sleep In The Dark? Quick Answer

Description: The red-eared slider’s common name comes from the small red stripe on each side of its head behind its eyes and its ability to quickly ‘slide’ off rocks and logs into the water. Their oval shell is divided into two sections: the olive-brown upper or dorsal carapace and the yellow lower or ventral plastron. The topside has numerous black and yellow lines and the underside has a large dark brown spot on each crevice. Their dark green head, tail and legs have narrow black and yellow irregular lines. The stripes and markings help in the camouflage of the turtles. They are webbed with claws and can retract their feet, tail and head into their shell.

Size: Red-eared sliders are medium-sized turtles, growing to around 30 cm. Males are smaller than females but their tails are longer.

Behaviour: They are cold blooded and need to leave the water to sunbathe to regulate their body temperature. Red-eared sliders are excellent swimmers. At night they sleep underwater, usually resting on the bottom or swimming at the surface, using their inflated throat as a buoyancy aid.

Diet: These turtles are omnivores – they eat a variety of aquatic plants, insects, snails, fish, carrion, and other small aquatic prey.

Senses: Sliders have poor hearing but are very sensitive to vibration. Their eyesight and sense of smell are well developed. Nerves throughout the carapace make it sensitive to touch.

Communication: During the mating season, the male’s courtship ritual consists of swimming around the female and flapping or vibrating his long claws around the female’s face or head.

Reproduction: Mating takes place under water. After mating, the female leaves the water and uses her hind legs to dig a nest hole in dirt or sand. She lays between 2-30 white round eggs and then covers them. Incubation lasts about 60-100 days. The hatchling uses its caruncle (egg tooth) to break open its shell. Soon after hatching, the canine disappears. Young turtles are born and have to fend for themselves.

Habitat/Range: Red-eared Sliders inhabit areas of still, warm water – streams, lakes, ponds, creeks, swamps, or slow-flowing rivers. They are native to the eastern and central United States and northern Mexico. They have established themselves in other locations because of the release of pets and are now an invasive species in many areas.

Status: Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Red-eared sliders are included in the list of the world’s 100 most invasive species published by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

If you’ve been lucky enough to come to the Sunshine State to relax during the summer, you may have noticed that the beach gets especially dark at night. Many hotels even leave a small note in each guest room asking you to close your blinds if your lights are on after sunset. So what’s the deal with the blackout? Well May 15th to October 31st is nesting season for sea turtles.

“That’s pretty cool, but so what?” You can ask. “Why do we have to turn off our lights during turtle breeding season?” It’s a good question with a pretty simple answer: to prevent the newly hatched baby sea turtles from becoming disoriented on their way back to the sea.

Baby sea turtles have enough to worry about when their cute little heads stick out of the sand for the first time. Before the little turtles can make it to the water’s edge, they must first take care of crossing the open sand and exposing them to a range of predators that love to eat them, such as birds, crabs, raccoons and even ants. If they don’t make it into the water fast enough, they could suffer from dehydration. The last thing they need to worry about is being disoriented and going in the wrong direction.

According to the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton, Florida, “Thousands of juveniles are killed each year when they become disoriented by lights visible from the beach, tree-covered dunes contrast starkly with the reflective glow of the ocean. In fact, the juveniles become so powerful.” Attracted to the light they have been known to walk straight into bonfires burning on the beach, undeterred by the heat of the flames. ”

What you can do to help baby sea turtles survive their way to the sea:

1. Turn off the light!

If visiting Florida (or living there) between May and October, turn off all outdoor and indoor lights in beach-facing rooms after sundown. If you need the light inside, make sure you have “blackout curtains” and close them to keep the light from shining out. If you must have outdoor lighting, replace the light bulb with a yellow incandescent bulb.

2. Spread the word!

Not everyone knows the effect their lights have on turtle nesting. Tell everyone you know about it so they are sure to follow the same rules.

3. Don’t touch!

If you are lucky enough to witness a sea turtle nest, please observe it from afar. They’ve fought their way to the ocean for centuries and don’t need your help. It takes time so be patient and just enjoy being present at such an amazing act of nature.

4. Plan or attend a beach cleanup!

Less rubbish on the beach makes it easier for small turtles to escape. Having to navigate over and around the junk makes their journey all the more difficult. Participate in a beach cleanup to ensure they don’t have to wrestle with trash once the nests hatch.

5. Stay up to date!

For more information about sea turtle nesting season or where you can join a sea turtle nesting expedition, visit these great Florida sea turtle conservation websites:

With Labor Day on the horizon, what better way to spend your long weekend than taking a trip to see one of nature’s most majestic creatures, the sea turtle. With two months left in the nesting season, give yourself plenty of time to witness an amazing feat: the female turtle returns to the same beach where she was born to dig her own nest, lay her eggs, and then the boys dig themselves up and run to the sea. Once you’re down there, you’ll also know why the beaches get dark after the sun goes down.

Little turtles are the cutest, but are they right for you? There are many benefits…

Turtles are interesting creatures with unique sleeping habits.

Turtle sleeping habits are variable and highly dependent on their environment. Some species of turtles sleep on land, while others sleep underwater and even hibernate!

In general, turtles sleep four to six hours a night and will choose a spot where they feel most secure. Turtles are also known to sleep during the day and can sleep for long periods when it is hibernation time. Aquatic turtles generally roost and hibernate underwater. Some may even sleep on land in their basking spots. Turtle owners don’t have to worry if their turtle is on the bottom of the tank as it’s natural for them to sleep and breathe underwater. Read on to learn more about the sleeping habits of many turtle species and to discover amazing turtle facts!

If you like this article, why not also read how to take care of a box turtle and why turtles live so long here at Kidadl.

Do turtles sleep in their shell?

Many turtle species can retreat into their shell to sleep. This allows them to hide from predators and protect themselves. Many pet tortoises also sleep this way, even when they are safe and no predators are around. It is believed that this makes them feel safe. It is perfectly normal for a turtle to sleep in its shell. Some species cannot retreat into their enclosure. Some turtles have soft shells, like sea turtles, and it wouldn’t do the turtles any good to go inside their shell.

Turtles will find a place to sleep, the most important factor being safety. A place to sleep is sought that can offer protection from their predators. This place is usually secluded and usually under cairns. Some turtles like to roost on tree branches or bush piles as their aquatic predators cannot reach them here, and neither can terrestrial predators. Sleeping on branches works as a great alarm system because when an animal approaches, the branches will vibrate, signaling danger to the turtle. Such spots are great as they keep the turtle safe. A turtle’s safe places also include holes in the ground, muddy and sandy banks near rivers, and tree stumps. All of these spots have one thing in common: protection from predators. If there are no holes or rocks, dense vegetation can be an alternative location. Such spots have limited visibility and a sleeping turtle cannot be easily spotted. When the turtle sleeps under the water surface, it finds structures to hide in. For example, the sea turtle sleeps under coral. Turtle sleep is very different from human sleep. Turtle sleep is like a state of hibernation. Several terrapins, turtles and tortoises have been observed sleeping in a cycle. The spot they choose will be at a constant temperature and safe from predators. They stop moving, stay in a certain position, and retreat into their shells.

Do turtles sleep underwater?

Yes, many turtles can sleep underwater, but some species cannot. Under the water surface, aquatic turtles such as colored turtles, terrapins, wood turtles, tortoises and red-eared sliders sleep. There are sea turtles that can sleep and live under the water surface. However, they have to come out after a while to get oxygen from the air like the rest of the tortoises. Tortoises, also known as tortoises, such as the Indian star tortoise, Greek tortoise, Hermann’s tortoise and Russian tortoise cannot breathe or sleep below the surface of the water.

The sleeping habits of pet tortoises and wild tortoises can change with a change in environment and temperature. A tortoise born and raised in captivity has not faced any predator and sleeps peacefully. However, the turtle still takes some steps to ensure its safety as such information was genetically transmitted to it from its ancestors. Pet turtles sleep in their own basking area. On the other hand, a tortoise born and raised in the wild is much more cautious, even when there is no danger around. A wild tortoise will do its best to find a safe place to sleep. These turtles do not sleep during the day.

How long do turtles sleep?

Turtles are known to sleep four to six hours a night. It has also been observed that some pet tortoises take short naps, which are an hour long, during the time they are basking. Turtle sleep times vary with age, size, species, and predators. Baby turtles are known to sleep similarly to adults; however, they sleep longer. Aquatic turtles can stay underwater for four to seven hours, sticking their heads out of the water to breathe. Tortoises sleep longer than they are awake, like the Galapagos tortoise which sleeps around 16-18 hours a day.

Many pet turtle owners believe that if their turtle stays under the water for hours, they will drown. However, the pet turtle can stay underwater for many hours while sleeping and not breathing during that time. It comes to the surface by itself when it needs air. Drowning can only occur if the turtle is trapped somewhere and cannot find a way out. Baby turtles are inexperienced and can easily drown; therefore the water level must not be high. The most common reason a turtle sleeps for a long time is because the water temperature is too low. Although turtles can survive in difficult conditions, they are very sensitive to changes in water temperature. They are also very sensitive to changes in water quality. Pet turtles also fall asleep for short periods of time while basking. They have been observed to close their eyes, stretch their legs, and remain still while basking. However, some species are much more active and energetic than other turtle species. Age also affects turtle activity. Older tortoises tend to be less active than baby tortoises and hatchlings. However, a tortoise that sleeps non-stop throughout the day could indicate a problem. Many turtle species are nocturnal, meaning nocturnal. However, these nocturnal species become diurnal when kept in captivity. This shift occurs because there is no threat from predators in captivity. But in the wild, predators move around at night, which makes the turtle active. Many tortoise species can also become diurnal because indoor activities can be stimulating during the day when people come around and are fed during the day. So when a turtle is young, the winters are far away and it sleeps all day and even during feeding time, it means the turtle is facing a problem. However, by the time winter is upon us and the tortoise is an adult, it’s possible that the tortoise has started to hum. Brumation is synonymous with hibernation. Hibernation is the time of year when animals go into their annual deep sleep. Turtles in the wild dig up dirt and mud underwater before entering a long hibernation phase where they are dormant until the change of season. Wild tortoises do not eat anything during this time. Turtles in captivity also try to buzz in their tank at the onset of winter.

How do turtles breathe when they sleep?

Turtles sleep in their basking spots, on the surface of the water, at the bottom of the body of water, or somewhere in the middle of the bottom and surface of the water. Turtles have the ability to breathe when submerged in water and you don’t have to worry if your turtle is sleeping on the bottom of the tank. However, a tortoise that sleeps continuously throughout the day could indicate a problem when a tortoise is young and winters are far away.

There are some turtles who choose not to sleep in the water. However, some species such as the colored turtle and red-eared slider can stay underwater for up to five hours without breathing. Painted turtles, mud turtles, musk turtles, and sliders are some species that can roost beneath the water’s surface. Sea turtles also have the ability to roost beneath the surface of the water. Many aquatic turtles can sleep four to seven hours underwater. They have been known to resurface to get some air and return underwater to continue sleeping. Freshwater turtles, such as kartoises, have been known to roost at the bottom of a pond by burying themselves in mud or sand. Freshwater turtles are known to breathe oxygen from the water while they sleep. Both the Japanese pond turtle and the painted turtle can breathe underwater using their specialized muscles located in their buttocks. During brumation, this type of breathing offers many advantages. The prerequisite, however, is that the water contains sufficient oxygen. This type of breathing that uses these muscles is called cloacal breathing. White musk turtles are known to breathe using the muscles present under the neck.

Did you know…

Some turtle species have the ability to hold their breath for up to 30 minutes. Sea turtles can hold their breath underwater for about five hours!

Turtles can stay underwater for long periods due to the low water temperature, which is generally between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21.1 to 23.8 degrees Celsius). Such low temperatures cause the turtle’s metabolic rate to decrease, resulting in reduced oxygen requirements.

Turtles are not mute and can speak! They can’t speak as loudly as a lion or a cat, but they can make sounds that are somewhere between cackling, similar to chickens, and barking, similar to dogs. The sounds vary between species.

A turtle can be fed fish food if turtle food is not available. Turtles can eat fish food, but one must not feed your turtle fish food alone, as this would not meet the turtle’s nutritional needs.

Depending on the temperature, a male or a female will hatch from the eggs of some species. At low temperatures, males hatch, at high temperatures, females hatch.

Here at Kidadl we have carefully compiled lots of fun family friendly facts for everyone! If you enjoyed our suggestions on where tortoises sleep, why not take a look at the so-called groups of turtles or the facts about the Indian roofed turtle!

Understand that your pet turtle will likely dislike you, be uninterested in you, and will likely only come near you willingly at feeding time. If you still want one, you’re well on your way to becoming a responsible turtle owner. You can’t just keep a turtle in a box with a bowl of water. Each species has specific needs. They all need warmth because they are cold-blooded. They also need ultraviolet light. Some need a tank so they can swim. You need to find out what kind of diet your turtle needs. Some turtles are carnivores, others are herbivores. If you don’t provide the right environment and food, your tortoise probably won’t survive.

Turtles like to sleep a lot. But did you know that if your turtle is always sleeping, something is wrong with either your habitat or your turtle?

Why is my turtle always sleeping?

The short answer is that the most common reason a turtle always seems to be sleeping is because the water temperature is too cold. Although turtles are hardy, they are very sensitive to changes in water temperature as well as changes in quality.

You should definitely have a heater in your tank to maintain a healthy water temperature. Below is a list of my favorite turtle tank heaters.

Do turtles sleep?

For starters, yes, turtles sleep. This may come as a surprise to many, but most turtle species sleep a few hours a day. However, they do not achieve deep sleep like humans. Instead, their sleep resembles a rest phase and resembles our lighter sleep phases.

Where do turtles sleep?

Turtles roost in a variety of areas including their basking spots, under rocks, or in small hidden areas next to a pond or lake. Sea turtles are known to roost on the water and also in small areas wedged under coral or rocks.

How long do turtles sleep?

Turtles sleep between 1 and 10 hours a day. How long they sleep depends on the turtle species and the environment. Aquatic turtles that are more aquatic and can hold their breath longer typically sleep longer than less aquatic turtles. Also, turtles tend to sleep longer in colder environments.

How do turtles sleep?

Now you might be wondering how exactly turtles sleep. Turtle sleep is a little different than human sleep. Turtles experience an intense state of rest as opposed to achieving complete deep sleep. While turtles sleep, their heart rate and metabolism slow down.

This actually allows some species to sleep underwater as they require less oxygen. Other tortoises prefer to roost in small secluded nests or under a bush. While turtles are asleep, they still have high sensitivity to light and temperature, allowing them to wake up quickly when their environment changes.

Are turtles nocturnal?

Most turtles are nocturnal and sleep during the day. This is because they need to be awake at night since most of their predators are nocturnal.

I often see people worrying that their turtle is always sleeping. It doesn’t matter when they glance over at the turtle or when they enter the room it’s in, the little guy (or girl) always catches a few Zs.

Although turtles love to sleep, too much sleep is sometimes bad.

But how do you judge too much?

For example, certain species tend to be slightly more active than others. Your turtle’s age also greatly affects its activity level, as baby and juvenile turtles are often much more active than mature, older turtles (consequently, this makes it easier to assess if something is wrong with a baby turtle, since it won’t be all the time sleep).

Here’s a good way to tell.

If your turtle sleeps all day, that’s too much.

Most turtle species are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and are active at night. Typically, the reason for this is to avoid increasingly larger predators by moving at night.

However, during captivity, most turtle species become diurnal, meaning they sleep at night and are active during the day.

This happens because:

Indoor living spaces are often very stimulating.

People come by often.

They are fed during the day.

And if your turtle is cold every time you look over, even when it’s time to eat, that indicates a problem.

However, there is an important caveat here.

This is assuming your tortoise is no older and winter is NOT approaching. When your tortoise is a bit older and winter is approaching, it’s entirely possible (and likely) that your tortoise will simply start growling.

Brumation is essentially another word for hibernation. In the wild, turtles often burrow under water, mud, and dirt and go into extended periods of inactivity to wait out winter. During this time they rarely eat. It’s perfectly normal. To learn more, read my article on What Do Turtles Do In Winter?

Even in captivity, many turtles will either try to growl or, more likely, become much more inactive and eat quite a bit less. My red-eared slider gets very lethargic each winter and then only eats every few weeks.

This is completely normal and to be expected.

Now back to changing the water temperature.

While this is often the main culprit, it’s not the only reason a turtle sleeps way too much.

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Why do turtles sleep so much?

One reason is that water that is too cold will force your turtle to become much more lethargic and likely to sleep more often.

Why is this?

There are 2 main reasons:

It signals to the tortoise that winter is coming and they should slow down.

Because turtles are cold-blooded, the speed of their metabolism is easily affected by their external environment.

Reptiles are sensitive to things like the drop in air pressure, humidity, and water and air temperature.

All of these are signals to them that winter is coming and they will soon start buzzing. This, combined with the fact that turtles are cold-blooded, will speed up or slow down their metabolism according to their environment, meaning that if the water temperature is too low, your turtle will eventually become much less active.

This usually happens when either:

You don’t have a water heater or it has been turned off.

You have not checked the water temperature.

This is actually one of the reasons you need a turtle water heater. Not for the summer, but for the winter to keep your turtles healthy and free from respiratory infections.

My favorite water heater is the Zoo Med Turtletherm Aquatic Turtle Heater. You can click the image below for more information.

There is another reason why low water temperature can affect your turtle.

If the water is too cold, your turtle will have a harder time processing the calcium it consumes (due to its lower metabolism). Eventually, this could lead to metabolic bone disease.

To make it short.

Make the water temperature reasonable.

Here are some general water recommendations for different species:

76 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit for red-eared sliders.

75-82 degrees Fahrenheit for painted turtles.

I recommend buying a digital thermometer, which is accurate and easy to read. I use this thermometer and it has worked great so far.

Because box turtles aren’t aquatic animals, don’t pay as much attention to water temperature as you do to their habitat or tank temperature.

Most species of box turtles can tolerate a slightly wider temperature range. Usually between 70 and 90 degrees is fine for most species. You should adjust the temperature depending on the species, for example:

Asian box turtles are a little better at handling heat, so 80-90 degrees is fine.

North American box turtles often like it a little cooler, between 70 and 80 degrees.

Basically, the first thing you should do is check the water temperature if you have an aquatic species, or the habitat/tank temperature if you have a box species, and make sure it’s not too cold. If so, this is probably why your tortoise is constantly sleeping.

If the temperature fails, I would advise you to check the following in the order given:

Check the UV light. Is it still working properly? Is the sunbathing area hot enough? UV light degrades over time, so if you’ve had your UV light for a long time, change it out and see if that makes a difference. Here you can buy cheap UV lamps. Check the habitat or tank itself. Have you added anything new recently? Especially anything the turtle might have eaten? If so, remove it and see if the turtle’s condition improves. What have you been feeding your turtle lately? Have you changed his diet? Added anything? Taken something? Remember to provide your tortoise with a balanced diet; as in protein pellets, other protein sources, as well as plenty of green leafy vegetables. If you have a substrate, check it out. Your turtle may have eaten and could be constipated.

If all of the above is true, your last resort should be to simply take your turtle to the vet. There is a chance that it is simply sick and needs antibiotics.

Is my turtle healthy?

Sometimes turtles can go through phases in their lives where they are less active than they were before. Sometimes it means nothing.

There is an easy way to check if your turtle is simply sleeping more, but is still perfectly healthy.

It’s going ok:

Offer some new food. And by offer I literally mean the food right in front of it. Wake up your turtle and put the food right where it can see and smell it.

Anything containing protein, or even better, insects or worms, will usually immediately pique the interest of a sleepy turtle.

Think of things like:

If your turtle wakes up and suddenly becomes active again, it probably means there’s nothing wrong with it.

I would still advise checking the water temperature anyway.

summary

Turtles, like any other animal, need to rest. Most pet tortoises are diurnal, so they sleep at night. So that the turtle sleeps well, turn off the light in the evening.

Try to maintain a day-night cycle. This means that the lights in the turtle’s tank must be on 10-12 hours each day and off 10-12 hours each day.

This follows the natural daily routine. This cycle must be followed every day.

In addition, water conditions must be right, as many turtles roost underwater (this applies to most North American pond turtles). A healthy turtle sleeps well.

A turtle that doesn’t sleep well will end up stressed. This can affect the turtle’s appetite and health.

Table of Contents

Turtle sleeping habits

Do turtles sleep underwater?

Can turtles sleep underwater? Pet tortoises sleep where they find it most comfortable.

Some turtles sleep on the water surface, some sleep in their basking spots, some sleep on the bottom of the tank, while some even sleep halfway between the water surface and the bottom of the tank while swimming.

Regardless of where your turtle sleeps, it will need to breathe every now and then.

As you may already know, some turtles, such as the red-eared slider and colored turtle, can go several hours (approximately 5 hours) without air.

So yes, turtles sleep underwater. Species such as painted turtles, tortoises, sliders, mud turtles and musk turtles all sleep underwater.

There are some species like the box turtle that do not sleep in the water. Box turtles are terrestrial and as such do not require an aquarium. Box turtles need a dry terrarium.

Sea turtles also sleep underwater. Overall, aquatic turtle sleeping patterns are very different from other pets.

Most sea turtles sleep underwater for 4 to 7 hours. During this time, the turtle emerges for a moment, refills its air supply, and resumes its sleep.

In the wild, like the tortoise, freshwater turtles burrow into a swampy patch of grass or moss to sleep.

In addition, North American turtles like the musk and painted turtles can even breathe underwater. They can remain perfectly still underwater while they sleep.

The painted turtle and Japanese pond turtle breathe underwater using specialized muscles on their hindquarters (this type of breathing is known as cloacal breathing), while musk turtles breathe using specialized muscles underneath their necks. When humming, many aquatic turtles rely on this breathing technique.

Since the oxygen level in the water is important, you should make sure that it is high enough.

If the tank is big enough and you use a water filter/water pump, you can be sure there is enough oxygen in the water for the turtles to sleep.

Where do sea turtles sleep?

Turtles usually find a specific spot that is comfortable and use it as their permanent roost.

As a result, you may find that your turtle sleeps in the same spot night after night. This is not always the case, as many tortoises also change roosting sites from time to time.

Do turtles sleep in the water?

Well, it depends on the species. While some sleep in the water, others sleep on land. Some turtles also sleep in and out of the water.

When do turtles sleep?

Most pet tortoises are diurnal, so they sleep at night.

Some species like the common snapping turtle and stinkpot (Sternotherus oderatus) are actually nocturnal.

As nocturnal turtles, they sleep during the day and are nocturnal. However, most pet turtle species, including sliders, tortoises, and cooters, are diurnal.

The main reason turtles are diurnal is because of their need for UVB. The only time UVB is received is during the day.

Even day turtles tend to nap during the day while they bask.

How long do turtles sleep?

Turtles do not experience deep sleep like humans. A tortoise’s sleep is more of a long lull in which they need to catch their breath several times a night.

Aquatic turtles can be underwater for 4 to 7 hours and only move their heads above the water to breathe.

Turtles can stay underwater for so long because of the low water temperature (about 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit).

Low temperatures slow down the turtle’s metabolism. With a slow metabolism, they need less oxygen.

Turtles, on the other hand, can sleep much longer. Several tortoise species, such as the Galapagos tortoise, can sleep 16 to 18 hours each day. They sleep more than they are awake.

Can sleeping turtles drown?

Don’t worry about your turtle drowning in its sleep as it can remain underwater for several minutes to hours without breathing.

When the turtle needs air, it will automatically resurface. The turtle will only drown if caught underwater. Make sure there are no obstacles to capture the turtle.

Some turtles can also breathe out of their butts.

For baby turtles, make sure the water level is not too high. The baby turtle should be able to resurface without completely leaving the bottom. Many experts recommend a water level about two and a half times that of the baby turtle.

Just make sure there are no objects for the turtle to catch and it won’t drown.

Why is my turtle always sleeping?

Turtles generally rest a lot, even when they’re not sleeping. However, excessive inactivity is often due to temperature.

So if the temperature in an aquarium is too low, your turtle may sleep more than usual.

In the wild, turtles sleep more as winter approaches and temperatures drop. If this is the case in your cage, increase the water temperature.

Water temp must be in the 70’s at all times. For adults, make sure the water temperature is 70F to 75F.

For baby turtles, keep the water temperature between 75 F and 80 F. To ensure the water temperature is rich, monitor the water temperature continuously.

There are thermometers, like the Jcreate Digital Touchscreen Fish Tank Thermometer, that monitor the water temperature from the outside of the glass pane.

If the water temperature is low, then get a water heater. The heater needs to be regulated with a thermostat so you don’t cook the turtle alive.

Submersible water heaters like the Orlushy Submersible Aquarium Heater are essential, especially during the colder months.

Even with reasonable temperatures, expect your tortoise to be more lethargic and eat less in the winter. Contact your herp vet if you are concerned.

Older tortoises are generally less active than juveniles. Expect your turtle to slow down and become more inactive as it grows.

Do pet turtles hibernate?

Hibernation (or brumation) is determined by the turtle’s ambient temperature.

Food is hard to come by in winter. Also, due to the cold, the turtle cannot actively forage/hunt for food.

It is important for wild tortoises to conserve their energy and hibernate during the cold months.

Both sea turtles and tortoises hibernate during the cold months. However, not all turtles hum.

Tortoises endemic to temperate zones of the world such as North America also brumate.

Pet turtles can also hibernate/hum if temperatures drop low enough.

Pet turtles do not need to conserve energy as the food is provided by their keepers. Because keepers regulate enclosure temperatures, pet tortoises don’t have to adjust to cold temperatures either.

Hibernating your turtle has benefits but comes with risks. If conditions are not properly monitored, the turtle can die.

If you don’t want your turtle to hibernate, keep temperatures high. The water temperature must be between 70 and 80 degrees F.

In winter you may need a water heater to achieve desired water temperatures.

The temperature of the basking spot needs to be 85 to 95 degrees F. During the cold months, bring turtles indoors outdoors where the temperature is high.

However, brumation increases the chances of breeding success and is the most important part of the chilling period, which usually occurs from November to February.

Unless you plan on breeding your tortoises, there is no need to force them into hibernation. If not done properly, it can result in starvation, drowning, or freezing to death.

Here are some steps you need to take if you plan on wintering your pet turtle.

Make sure your pet turtle’s species is brumate. Tropical freshwater turtles do not brumate.

Visit your herp vet. The vet can determine if the turtle is healthy enough to survive brumation.

Learn how and how long the species of turtle hibernates. For example, box turtles can hibernate from November to April and need to be kept in a dark, enclosed space. Some turtles can hibernate for 2 months, others 6 months.

Also determine your pet’s humming needs.

Prepare the hibernaculum (this is where the turtle hibernates). Some keepers are preparing a box for the turtle. Turtles can hibernate in the water. Outdoor aquatic turtles overwinter in their pond. Some keepers overwinter turtles in the refrigerator. But wherever the turtle hibernates, it needs to be cool (around 45 F) but not cold enough for the turtle to freeze.

If you choose to overwinter your turtle in a refrigerator, it’s a good idea to get a separate refrigerator for them, not the one you use to store food and drink. This is for hygiene reasons and is a safer choice for you and your turtle.

Place the turtle in a plastic box that fits snugly and has holes punched in it to allow the turtle to breathe. Weigh your turtle once a week and check on it every day without disturbing it.

Don’t forget to open the fridge door at least once a day to check on him. This also keeps fresh air circulating in the refrigerator, giving your turtle the daily dose of oxygen it needs.

When wintering a turtle for the first time, try to only overwinter them for three weeks, regardless of their age.

For aquatic turtles, make sure the oxygen levels in the pond where they overwinter are adequate. Improve oxygen levels by using air stones, filters, fountains and waterfalls. While most tanks have a system to pump oxygen into the water, make sure the oxygen system is working and change the water often.

Prepare your turtle for hibernation by feeding it well. Hibernating tortoises don’t expend a lot of energy, but since they do this for a long period of time, it’s important to feed and nourish them well.

Make sure you lower the temperature of the case gradually, rather than setting the temperature to a lower level immediately.

Fast your turtle the month before hibernation to eliminate undigested food. This prevents bacterial infection. Keep the turtle well hydrated anyway. That means you should provide them with adequate water but restrict access to food for a month.

Monitor the turtle’s health. If you see signs of stress, anxiety, or health problems, check the turtle’s environment to make sure it’s clean. If symptoms persist, go to a veterinarian and have your turtle checked out.

Weigh the turtle.

Check on the turtle regularly.

When your turtle has finished hibernating, place it in a warm source of light and heat to help it get used to being awake. Lukewarm water baths will also help him get used to waking up from hibernation.

Once again, pet turtles don’t need to hibernate. However, brumation/hibernation can be triggered when temperatures are below 50 degrees F.

If you want to breed your tortoises, they need to hibernate. Make sure the conditions are right and take any necessary precautions.

Conclusion

Turtles love to sleep. Tortoises and tortoises can spend most of the day sleeping. Aquatic turtles usually roost underwater, although some do roost on land (such as on the sun deck). Keep in mind that turtles can breathe underwater while they sleep, and it’s quite natural for them to sleep on the bottom of their tank.

Regardless of where your tortoise likes to sleep, expect them to pick a spot and stick to it. Turtles generally sleep about 4 to 7 hours a night. They may also sleep during the day or sleep for longer periods if they hibernate.

You can also rest for hours in their sunbathing area. Even when they are asleep, expect them to wake up frequently to breathe. If your turtle sleeps too much, it is usually due to the water temperature.

Cool water with temperatures near 50 F drastically reduces the turtle’s body temperature, forcing it to go into brumation mode. Keep temperatures at the optimum level and the tortoise should be resting as usual. Colder temperatures would make your turtle sleep more often and longer.

Also, the older the turtle gets, the more it sleeps. The lifespan of turtles is quite long compared to other pets. So if you’ve had a turtle for more than 10 years, it’s natural to expect it to sleep longer.

We hope this article has given you a good idea of ​​everything you need to know about a sleeping turtle. If you are a turtle enthusiast and want to learn more about different species of turtles, their lifestyle, habitat and eating habits, be sure to check out our other articles!

If you have any questions or would like to add additional information, please leave a comment. Many Thanks.

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In animal behavior, nocturnal activity describes sleeping during the day and being active at night. Many species that are otherwise diurnal show some nocturnal behavior; For example, many sea turtles visit breeding sites at night to reduce risk of predation (to themselves or their offspring), but are otherwise diurnal. In the wild, green turtles (Chelonia mydas) can also exhibit nocturnal activity in addition to their typical diurnal activity cycle.

Turtles and terrapins usually sleep with their eyes closed. They would also prefer to sleep in some sort of shelter, such as under a piece of driftwood. Some turtles just “go to sleep” like that, in whatever position they are in, some with their backs to the sky, some vertical (like holding onto another turtle). Pancake turtles, on the other hand, like to sleep sideways between rocks.

If we look at a turtle’s skeleton, we see that turtles have 5 phalanges, which essentially means they have 5 “fingers”. Physically, however, sea turtles’ limbs are called flippers, and turtles and terrapins have legs. River turtles have 4 front claws while painted terrapins have 5. However, both have 5 rear claws.

Turtles that live on land need to hear in order to avoid predators or find prey, but they don’t hear like humans. A person’s outer ear is shaped to help pull sound towards the outer ear, but turtles do not have an outer ear. They have thin flaps of skin covering the internal auditory ossicles. The flaps of skin allow vibrations and low-frequency sounds in the ear canal — so the turtles can hear to some extent, but their hearing is not sensitive. Turtle ears can sense air displacement when, say, a large predator is nearby, or detect vibrations coming from the ground, say, when a tasty frog jumps nearby. Turtles may never hear the higher-frequency sounds of birds chirping, but they would likely pick up the sounds of birds flying quickly out of a bush by sensing the vibrations and hearing the low-frequency sound of wing flaps. They use their ears in conjunction with more powerful senses such as smell to locate prey and avoid predators.

If you own a cat or dog, you probably love to cuddle and hug them as a gesture of love and affection. While most pet owners bond with their owners and vice versa, you may be wondering how that works with turtles. Do turtles feel the same way about their owners?

Remember that turtles have emotions and can feel a sense of affection for their owners. Once a turtle begins to recognize and trust its owners, it forms an emotional bond with them. However, this expression can appear very different compared to other pets.

Do turtles cling to their owners?

Yes, turtles are attached to their owners. They can sometimes express their emotions by exhibiting playful behavior when around their owners.

Turtles are often thought of as sluggish creatures, but if you show them a gesture of love and affection, you’ll find that they’re super friendly and can move much faster when asked.

Remember that turtles watch the person providing them with food, water and other basic amenities very closely. If you are the only person taking care of the turtles, they will feel very attached to you. If you just got a turtle, you should check out my article on how much to feed a turtle.

Will your turtle recognize you?

Recognition is the first step when it comes to bonding turtles to their owners. Obviously, no one can feel connected to someone he/she doesn’t know or doesn’t know.

Turtles can recognize their owners, but it can take time for them to understand who the main owner or carer is. For example, if you live in a household where different people take turns feeding the turtle, it may take some time for the turtle to distinguish a specific person.

If you are interested in getting a pet turtle, you should check out my list of essential turtle tank accessories.

How do turtles perceive their owners?

Turtles use their senses to perceive and recognize their owners.

sight

Turtles try to memorize their size and shape and use the power of sight to identify their owners. The visual turtle is very similar to that of humans, so they can see very clearly who is taking care of them.

sense of smell

Nature has endowed turtles with the remarkable ability to recognize owners by their scent. Turtles can pick up your smell if you put your hand in the aquarium.

sense of hearing

Turtles also have a very keen sense of hearing. They may be able to hear you speaking from another room. The life of a pet turtle can be quite boring at times, so they love to listen and take in all the sounds around them.

How do turtles show affection?

The way turtles express love and affection is very different from that of cats and dogs. Like other pets, they never run up to you or give you a warm hug. Turtles usually show affection for their owner by following them with their eyes or head. As you enter the room, a loving turtle will immediately follow you with its eyes.

For example, if you approach your turtle tank from one side, your turtle will likely swim to that side or walk towards you to meet you. They do this to show affection and some do this to beg for food.

Turtles also show affection by rubbing their heads and necks on their owners. This is a natural behavior of turtles in the wild. When a turtle rubs its head against you, it means it trusts you and wants to show you its affection.

A tortoise that feels affection for its owner will also be happy to follow them. For example, if you put them on the ground, they may get closer and closer to you.

Oddly enough, some turtles will also enjoy their owner petting their shell. However, not all turtles like this, so you should be careful. Start by gently stroking her shell and if she doesn’t go away, you can continue.

If your turtle doesn’t show you affection, don’t worry. Most turtles are solitary and will not get lonely, so they will be happy as long as you keep their tank clean and feed them.

How to get your pet turtle to like you?

The key to getting your pet tortoise to like you is consistency. One of the most important things is to feed them consistently. This is the quickest way to get your tortoise to respect you and your presence. This is because they will start associating your presence with a positive action.

Similarly, turtles absolutely love treats. Between feeding times you can give your turtle a treat or give it a treat. This will surely help your turtle like you.

If you want your turtle to like you, you should also try to play with it at least every day. I would recommend taking them out of the tank. Turtles love to be outside and open and appreciate every moment they can escape their tank. When you take your turtle out of the tank, make sure all other pets are cordoned off. Your turtle will likely roam around the room and may even follow you.

Another way you can get your tortoise to like you is by not being too loud around them. As I mentioned earlier, turtles have a very strong sense of hearing. Making a lot of noise in or around their tank can cause them to become very stressed.

Final Verdict

The discussion above clearly demonstrated that turtles bond with their owners and have a very unique way of expressing their love and gratitude.

Turtles may not be the most expressive of pets, so it can be difficult for new turtle owners to figure out how to tell if a turtle is happy. Learning about typical turtle behavior and health can provide clues about your turtle’s mental state. As with other living organisms, each turtle is different and has its own way of life. Making a mental note — or jotting down on paper — of your turtle’s normal behavior can help identify when something is wrong with her.

Eating Behavior of a Happy Turtle A happy turtle is a turtle that will eagerly go about its meal when it’s time to feed. As they begin to get to know you and associate you with food, they may even move over to you and “beg” like a puppy craving treats. A tortoise that is refusing food and not eating regularly is most likely suffering from stress or illness.

Hunting Behavior Another diet-related behavior is hunting and chasing. Providing your turtle with some live food that it has to actively seek is good for its mental and physical needs. If you put live insects, fish, or small amphibians in their tank, a happy turtle will “hunt” them as part of their meal. If the turtle ignores you completely, it is a sign that it is depressed or unhealthy.

Turtles or semi-aquatic turtles will splash when excited, e.g. B. when their owner enters the room. This can be combined with begging behavior.

Normal Bodily Functions You should monitor your turtle regularly to ensure that it is defecating on a normal schedule. You also want to make sure the poop looks normal. A turtle showing normal bodily functions is a sign of a healthy and happy turtle.

Basking A happy turtle will bask under its heat lamps. Not seeing your turtle basking on a daily basis is a sign that they may not be healthy and exposure to UVA and UVB light is important to their health.

Agreeable to be with Many species of tortoises do not like being handled at all, so this sign is relative to your individual tortoise and species. Some tortoises are comfortable with people and will allow you to pet them on the head or under the chin. A tortoise that doesn’t shy away from this type of interaction and seeks it out is definitely a happy tortoise.

Playing with Toys Some turtle owners place toys in the tank for the turtle to “play” with. This could be a small ball that floats like a ping pong ball that the turtle pushes around in the water. Not every turtle will do this, and some you will need to interact with to teach them the game, but for those that do, it is a sign that a turtle is mentally stimulated and happy. Another commonly used turtle toy is empty seashells, which turtles love to use to interact with.

Burrowing turtles are natural foragers and a common behavior is burrowing. If you see your turtle digging in the gravel at the bottom of its tank, that’s a sign of a happy turtle. They should also regularly explore their surroundings, which can mean swimming around decorations and plants.

Clear Eyes and Breathing A healthy and happy turtle should have clear eyes with no discharge. They should also show no signs of breathing difficulties. Puffy, cloudy, or “watery” eyes with discharge are all signs your turtle is ill. Another very common sign is mouth breathing or respiratory effort. If your turtle looks healthy and is breathing normally, that’s a good indicator that it’s happy.

Out and About Another sign of a healthy and happy turtle is when you can see them moving around their tank, sunning themselves, and generally exploring their habitat. If he hides all the time, that’s a sign of a stressed or sick turtle. It is normal for turtles to hide at times, especially when they are brand new to a tank, but continued hiding is a sign that something is wrong with your turtle.

Thinkstock

As a rule of thumb, turtles should live in tanks that are five times the size and contain water that is two and a half times the depth of the turtle’s length.

Turtles are very popular pets and can be great for people who want a fascinating animal to look at and appreciate – but maybe not necessarily to cuddle. Turtles can be great for families with children of primary school age and older, but not ideal for families with very young children who drop them, forget to feed them, or forget to wash their hands after handling them (there is a very important reason for this – read on!). If you are thinking of getting a pet turtle, here are some interesting facts about them that you may not know.

1. Not all turtles swim

Tortoises, unlike turtles, all live on land, but did you know that not all turtles live in water? Some turtles, such as B. several species of box turtles, need access to water to stay hydrated but spend most of their time on land. People tend to use the terms “turtle” and “tortoise” interchangeably, but they’re actually very different animals. Turtles, which swim mostly in water, are usually webbed, while turtles have defined toes. Also, many tortoises are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter, while the majority of tortoises are vegetarian.

2. Turtles are long-lived

Many turtles can live for decades if kept at the right temperature and humidity, exposed to ultraviolet light, and given a diet appropriate to their species. In fact, many of my patients with tortoises (another word for tortoise) outlive their original owners and are passed down within families from generation to generation. Their longevity is certainly something a potential owner should consider before bringing a tortoise into the home.

3. All turtles carry salmonella

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that many reptiles, especially turtles, can carry normally in their intestinal tract and are unaffected. They temporarily shed these bacteria in their stool. In humans and other mammals like cats and dogs, these bacteria can cause terrible gastrointestinal problems like severe vomiting and diarrhea. That’s why it’s important that anyone who handles a turtle, its droppings, or the items in its tank wash their hands afterwards. This is especially important when handling reptiles with children, who often put their hands in their mouths. This is also the main reason turtles are not recommended as pets for families with very young children. In addition to rigorously washing hands, I remind all families whose turtles I treat to keep a pump bottle of hand sanitizer right next to the tank.

4. You can tell apart boy and girl turtles

With many exotic pets, it’s not always easy to know if you’re having a boy or girl, but with turtles there are several options. A good rule of thumb to tell the difference between males and females is that males have longer tails and their rectal opening — called the vent — is further down the length of their tail than females. In nymph tortoises, the opening is much closer to the shell. Some species of turtles also exhibit other male-female differences, such as being brighter red than the females’ brown eyes). Some male turtles also have longer claws than females.

5. Females can lay eggs without males

Like chickens, female tortoises can lay eggs without a male tortoise being around to fertilize them—although those unfertilized eggs don’t hatch. Many wild tortoises lay eggs in spring in response to temperature and light cycle changes; That’s why we see so many turtles on the streets in warmer weather. They are looking for sandy or soft soil in which to dig and bury their eggs. However, pet turtles often don’t follow these seasonal rules because their environment doesn’t change much and they can lay eggs year-round.

6. Turtles still need dry land

Turtles usually live in rectangular tanks filled with water as they swim most of the time. But even turtles have to dry off sometimes. Therefore, all tortoises should have a basking area in their tank – usually a large rock – where they can climb up and hang out. But also remember that turtles love to eat rocks, so make sure any rocks in the tank (including gravel at the bottom or for basking) are larger than your turtle’s head to prevent accidental snacking. Stones can cause blockage in the gastrointestinal tract.

7.Even small turtles need big spaces

Most turtle breeders will tell you that as a rule of thumb, turtle tanks must be five times the length of an adult turtle and contain water two and a half times the depth of the turtle’s length. The larger the turtle, the larger the tank and the larger the amount of water needed. A powerful filter is also needed to keep all that water clean, since turtles both eat and defecate where they live. The filter will need to be changed regularly depending on the size of the tank and the number of turtles it houses (your vet should be able to advise on a preferred schedule).

8. Turtles need vegetables too

Turtles have a high requirement for vitamin A in their diet as they do not store this vitamin in their bodies. So they have to get it from their food. Good dietary sources of vitamin A for turtles include dark green leafy vegetables and red, orange, or yellow vegetables such as bell peppers and squash, depending on the species. Without enough vitamin A, many turtles develop swollen eyelids and have trouble seeing. If your turtle develops these signs, be sure to have it checked out by a turtle-experienced veterinarian.

9. Turtles know their owners!

Most people don’t know this, but many turtles recognize the sights and sounds of their owners! In fact, many owners comment on how their pets swim right to the surface of the water to greet them as they enter the room. You may not be expecting it, but your turtle may actually come to you when you call it!

Turtles can make phenomenal pets if you’re willing to take the time to properly set up and care for their environment and feed them according to their species-specific needs. And remember, turtles, like our furry friends, need routine veterinary care. Most importantly, if you find that a pet turtle is not for you, please do not release them into the wild. Many pet tortoise species are not meant to live in the wild and will die without care or may introduce diseases that can make wild tortoises ill. There are many animal shelters or turtle rescues that will take in an unwanted pet.

While not every owner wants to have a pet that is as labor intensive as a turtle, as you can see from these fascinating facts, turtles can be incredibly awesome when they are healthy!

More about Vetstreet:

Turtles are interesting creatures with unique sleeping habits.

Turtle sleeping habits are variable and highly dependent on their environment. Some species of turtles sleep on land, while others sleep underwater and even hibernate!

In general, turtles sleep four to six hours a night and will choose a spot where they feel most secure. Turtles are also known to sleep during the day and can sleep for long periods when it is hibernation time. Aquatic turtles generally roost and hibernate underwater. Some may even sleep on land in their basking spots. Turtle owners don’t have to worry if their turtle is on the bottom of the tank as it’s natural for them to sleep and breathe underwater. Read on to learn more about the sleeping habits of many turtle species and to discover amazing turtle facts!

If you like this article, why not also read how to take care of a box turtle and why turtles live so long here at Kidadl.

Do turtles sleep in their shell?

Many turtle species can retreat into their shell to sleep. This allows them to hide from predators and protect themselves. Many pet tortoises also sleep this way, even when they are safe and no predators are around. It is believed that this makes them feel safe. It is perfectly normal for a turtle to sleep in its shell. Some species cannot retreat into their enclosure. Some turtles have soft shells, like sea turtles, and it wouldn’t do the turtles any good to go inside their shell.

Turtles will find a place to sleep, the most important factor being safety. A place to sleep is sought that can offer protection from their predators. This place is usually secluded and usually under cairns. Some turtles like to roost on tree branches or bush piles as their aquatic predators cannot reach them here, and neither can terrestrial predators. Sleeping on branches works as a great alarm system because when an animal approaches, the branches will vibrate, signaling danger to the turtle. Such spots are great as they keep the turtle safe. A turtle’s safe places also include holes in the ground, muddy and sandy banks near rivers, and tree stumps. All of these spots have one thing in common: protection from predators. If there are no holes or rocks, dense vegetation can be an alternative location. Such spots have limited visibility and a sleeping turtle cannot be easily spotted. When the turtle sleeps under the water surface, it finds structures to hide in. For example, the sea turtle sleeps under coral. Turtle sleep is very different from human sleep. Turtle sleep is like a state of hibernation. Several terrapins, turtles and tortoises have been observed sleeping in a cycle. The spot they choose will be at a constant temperature and safe from predators. They stop moving, stay in a certain position, and retreat into their shells.

Do turtles sleep underwater?

Yes, many turtles can sleep underwater, but some species cannot. Under the water surface, aquatic turtles such as colored turtles, terrapins, wood turtles, tortoises and red-eared sliders sleep. There are sea turtles that can sleep and live under the water surface. However, they have to come out after a while to get oxygen from the air like the rest of the tortoises. Tortoises, also known as tortoises, such as the Indian star tortoise, Greek tortoise, Hermann’s tortoise and Russian tortoise cannot breathe or sleep below the surface of the water.

The sleeping habits of pet tortoises and wild tortoises can change with a change in environment and temperature. A tortoise born and raised in captivity has not faced any predator and sleeps peacefully. However, the turtle still takes some steps to ensure its safety as such information was genetically transmitted to it from its ancestors. Pet turtles sleep in their own basking area. On the other hand, a tortoise born and raised in the wild is much more cautious, even when there is no danger around. A wild tortoise will do its best to find a safe place to sleep. These turtles do not sleep during the day.

How long do turtles sleep?

Turtles are known to sleep four to six hours a night. It has also been observed that some pet tortoises take short naps, which are an hour long, during the time they are basking. Turtle sleep times vary with age, size, species, and predators. Baby turtles are known to sleep similarly to adults; however, they sleep longer. Aquatic turtles can stay underwater for four to seven hours, sticking their heads out of the water to breathe. Tortoises sleep longer than they are awake, like the Galapagos tortoise which sleeps around 16-18 hours a day.

Many pet turtle owners believe that if their turtle stays under the water for hours, they will drown. However, the pet turtle can stay underwater for many hours while sleeping and not breathing during that time. It comes to the surface by itself when it needs air. Drowning can only occur if the turtle is trapped somewhere and cannot find a way out. Baby turtles are inexperienced and can easily drown; therefore the water level must not be high. The most common reason a turtle sleeps for a long time is because the water temperature is too low. Although turtles can survive in difficult conditions, they are very sensitive to changes in water temperature. They are also very sensitive to changes in water quality. Pet turtles also fall asleep for short periods of time while basking. They have been observed to close their eyes, stretch their legs, and remain still while basking. However, some species are much more active and energetic than other turtle species. Age also affects turtle activity. Older tortoises tend to be less active than baby tortoises and hatchlings. However, a tortoise that sleeps non-stop throughout the day could indicate a problem. Many turtle species are nocturnal, meaning nocturnal. However, these nocturnal species become diurnal when kept in captivity. This shift occurs because there is no threat from predators in captivity. But in the wild, predators move around at night, which makes the turtle active. Many tortoise species can also become diurnal because indoor activities can be stimulating during the day when people come around and are fed during the day. So when a turtle is young, the winters are far away and it sleeps all day and even during feeding time, it means the turtle is facing a problem. However, by the time winter is upon us and the tortoise is an adult, it’s possible that the tortoise has started to hum. Brumation is synonymous with hibernation. Hibernation is the time of year when animals go into their annual deep sleep. Turtles in the wild dig up dirt and mud underwater before entering a long hibernation phase where they are dormant until the change of season. Wild tortoises do not eat anything during this time. Turtles in captivity also try to buzz in their tank at the onset of winter.

How do turtles breathe when they sleep?

Turtles sleep in their basking spots, on the surface of the water, at the bottom of the body of water, or somewhere in the middle of the bottom and surface of the water. Turtles have the ability to breathe when submerged in water and you don’t have to worry if your turtle is sleeping on the bottom of the tank. However, a tortoise that sleeps continuously throughout the day could indicate a problem when a tortoise is young and winters are far away.

There are some turtles who choose not to sleep in the water. However, some species such as the colored turtle and red-eared slider can stay underwater for up to five hours without breathing. Painted turtles, mud turtles, musk turtles, and sliders are some species that can roost beneath the water’s surface. Sea turtles also have the ability to roost beneath the surface of the water. Many aquatic turtles can sleep four to seven hours underwater. They have been known to resurface to get some air and return underwater to continue sleeping. Freshwater turtles, such as kartoises, have been known to roost at the bottom of a pond by burying themselves in mud or sand. Freshwater turtles are known to breathe oxygen from the water while they sleep. Both the Japanese pond turtle and the painted turtle can breathe underwater using their specialized muscles located in their buttocks. During brumation, this type of breathing offers many advantages. The prerequisite, however, is that the water contains sufficient oxygen. This type of breathing that uses these muscles is called cloacal breathing. White musk turtles are known to breathe using the muscles present under the neck.

Did you know…

Some turtle species have the ability to hold their breath for up to 30 minutes. Sea turtles can hold their breath underwater for about five hours!

Turtles can stay underwater for long periods due to the low water temperature, which is generally between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21.1 to 23.8 degrees Celsius). Such low temperatures cause the turtle’s metabolic rate to decrease, resulting in reduced oxygen requirements.

Turtles are not mute and can speak! They can’t speak as loudly as a lion or a cat, but they can make sounds that are somewhere between cackling, similar to chickens, and barking, similar to dogs. The sounds vary between species.

A turtle can be fed fish food if turtle food is not available. Turtles can eat fish food, but one must not feed your turtle fish food alone, as this would not meet the turtle’s nutritional needs.

Depending on the temperature, a male or a female will hatch from the eggs of some species. At low temperatures, males hatch, at high temperatures, females hatch.

Here at Kidadl we have carefully compiled lots of fun family friendly facts for everyone! If you enjoyed our suggestions on where tortoises sleep, why not take a look at the so-called groups of turtles or the facts about the Indian roofed turtle!

Learn more about heat, UVA light, and UVB light in our Turtle Heat and Lighting Guide.

Turtles need very specific conditions to stay happy and healthy. One of the most important considerations is the amount of heat and light that tortoises have access to. Failure to comply with the correct conditions can lead to illness and, in severe cases, death. To help you, we’ve put together this tortoise heat and lighting guide, which talks about heat, UVA light and UVB light and why it’s so important.

Why is turtle heat and lighting so important?

It’s simple: heat and light are important to turtles because they need them to survive.

Light helps regulate turtles’ circadian rhythms. This means that like us, they need times of day and night to function properly. If their circadian rhythm is disrupted, your turtle will not be able to sleep properly and will become stressed. This affects their immune system and overall health, just like it does in humans. It is recommended to leave the light on for 8-10 hours a day and turn it off for 10-12 hours. The easiest way to achieve this is to use a timer.

Turtles are also cold-blooded, so they rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. Wild turtles can easily do this by spending time in the water and then coming ashore to bask in natural sunlight.

As a turtle owner, you have a responsibility to recreate the natural conditions your pet would have in the wild. This is why it’s so important to make sure your tortoise’s home is set up properly with a swimming area, a basking area, and the right heat and lighting.

Why do turtles need to sunbathe?

Turtles need to sunbathe to dry off, warm up, absorb essential nutrients, and regulate their metabolism.

Although they spend much of their time in the water, turtles need the opportunity to dry out completely. If your turtle cannot do this, it will become too cold and algae and fungal growth may occur on its shell. Left untreated, this can lead to shell rot.

Sunbathing also allows turtles to absorb UVA and UVB rays, both of which are essential for healthy development.

Why do turtles need UVA and UVB light?

Turtles need UVA and UVB light to stay healthy.

There are different views on the importance of UVA light. Some people believe it’s not as important as UVB light, but it’s known to help with breeding and activity levels. In addition, turtles living in the wild would be exposed to UVA rays on a daily basis. So if you want to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible, we recommend providing UVA light.

Turtle keepers agree that all turtles need access to UVB light.

Calcium is an essential mineral for turtles and forms an important part of their diet. It helps them maintain strong bones, keep their armor strong and healthy, and perform many important bodily functions.

In order for turtles to process and utilize calcium, they need a vitamin called D3. When the skin absorbs UVB rays, the body makes vitamin D and converts it into vitamin D3. Only when vitamin D3 is present can a turtle begin to utilize the calcium ingested through food.

Without absorbing UVB rays, turtles cannot produce vitamin D3 and utilize calcium.

What happens if my turtle doesn’t get enough UVB light?

If your turtle doesn’t get enough UVB light, it will develop serious health problems. In severe deficiency, death is an unfortunate but likely consequence.

Without the ability to absorb the essential calcium, their bones and armor become weak. This means they are more easily damaged, leading to infection and eventual death.

How do I provide my turtle with UVA, UVB and heat?

UVA, UVB and heat can be provided to your tortoise by specialized and specific reptile lamps.

This is where it is important to do your research. While many sunlamps provide UVA light and heat, they do not emit UVB light. You must purchase and set up a separate UVB light.

Different sun and UVB lamps also have different strengths and wattages. Before making a purchase, we strongly recommend speaking to your turtle specialist about your turtle and aquarium configuration.

Tortoises and turtles are popular pet reptiles, but their behavior can be mysterious. Sleep is one of those mysterious behaviors, as it’s hard to tell when a turtle is awake unless it’s walking around or eating. Sleep patterns and ideal environments for sleeping vary from species to species, but regardless of what type of tortoise you care for, they all rest at some point. If you know how a turtle normally sleeps, you can spot the signs that something is wrong with your turtle when these sleep patterns change.

turtle sleep

Both tortoises and sea turtles sleep, but it can be difficult to tell when they are resting. Some research has been done on the sleep state of turtles, but it varies by species and outcome, so we still don’t know much about sleep in turtles. What we do know, however, is that turtles are dormant, but the difference between their waking and sleeping states may not be as dramatic as in other animals and humans.

Pet tortoises typically sleep in short bursts throughout the day, but they can sleep for several hours at a time. Aquatic turtles may sleep for hours on a dry dock or with their heads out of the water, but they can also sleep underwater for shorter periods, surfacing to breathe when necessary. Tortoises do not swim like aquatic turtles, so they can sleep anytime, anywhere.

Sleeping Environments for Turtles

Many environmental factors can alter your turtle’s sleep pattern. If your turtle’s environment is not ideal, your turtle may sleep more or less often than it should, and it could even develop an illness. Ensuring the following factors are appropriate for your specific type of turtle can help promote a normal sleep cycle.

lighting

Both tortoises and turtles are more likely to have consistent sleeping patterns when they have a regular white light cycle. It is important to note that a white bulb is different from bulbs that emit red or purple light that reptiles cannot see. Most turtles, including colored turtles, red-eared sliders, coots, box turtles and tortoises are diurnal, so they are more active during the day and sleep more at night. The regular light cycle is important as they spend their waking hours basking in the sun. So if your turtle doesn’t have consistent lighting, its sleep cycle may be abnormal.

shelters and platforms

While different tortoises have different preferences for how and where they like to sleep, you should always provide a tortoise with a shelter and an aquatic turtle with a platform. Tortoises need a place to hide and aquatic turtles need a dock to dry off. These hideouts and docks often become favorite roosting spots. Plastic containers with the opening cut out, half a log, piles of rocks to form a burrow, and store-bought shelters for pet reptiles can all be used for tortoises. Homemade floating docks made from PVC pipes, cairns, and store-bought floating turtle platforms are ideal options for aquatic turtles to rest on. Whether your turtle lives on land or in the water, make sure it fits easily in or on the shelter or platform you provide.

temperature

Besides the white light, the temperature of your turtle’s environment can be the biggest factor in your turtle’s sleep pattern. Turtles are cold-blooded or cold-blooded, so they rely on the ambient temperature to regulate their body temperature. If their environment is too cold for too long, they may sleep more. Different turtle species have different ideal temperatures, so make sure your turtle’s environment isn’t too cold.

Sleep vs Brumation

Brumation is a form of hibernation that occurs in reptiles. Turtles kept in a controlled, warm environment year-round can still hum, but the consistency of their environment reduces the likelihood of this occurring. Brumation is similar to sleeping, but with brumation, body temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate decrease for a longer period of time. Tortoises in Brumation may not wake up for days.

turtle eyes

As many turtle keepers know, turtles have good eyesight and turtles are even capable of tracking down and snapping fast prey underwater. As well as skillful maneuvering around objects.

However, there is still a lot that most of us don’t know about turtle eyes. While we may never know exactly how colors appear on turtles, there are many questions that we can easily answer with the evidence at our disposal.

Questions like “Can turtles see colors?”, “How far can turtles see?”, “Can turtles see in the dark?”, “Can turtles see in the dark?”, and “Can turtles see ultraviolet light?”.

To understand how turtles see, we must first look at how humans see so that we can make relatable comparisons that will help us understand how turtles see.

quick reference section

Humans see in the wavelength range from about 400nm to 740nm. While different species of turtles perceive different ranges of visual wavelengths, turtles are also sensitive to wavelengths from 400nm to 740nm, but they appear to be more sensitive to shorter wavelengths such as about 300nm to 370nm (which is is in the wavelength range of ultraviolet light). ).

In fact, turtle eyes have UV receptors and turtles are able to see colors that humans cannot imagine.

Can turtles see colors?

It was once thought that turtles couldn’t see color and probably saw the world in shades of grey.

This theory has been proven wrong. According to research conducted, turtles can distinguish between several different colors.

They are particularly sensitive to red tones and can distinguish between different shades of red better than humans.

Owners have noticed that their turtles respond differently to different colors. This is generally noticed in colors like red, orange, and yellow, which seem to be their favorite colors.

Not only can turtles see color, but research suggests they are likely able to see a wider spectrum of colors than humans.

Red

According to a study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, reptiles like turtles and even birds see red differently than humans.

In fact, a gene (CYP2J19) that can be traced back to dinosaurs allows birds and turtles to see more shades of red than humans. As such, animals can pick up shades between crimson and scarlet.

yellow orange

Several turtle keepers have noticed that their turtles have an odd attraction to the colors red, yellow, and orange. When they see objects of these colors, they often examine the object. According to Animal Planet, when turtles do this, they want to find out if the object is edible.

Can turtles see in the dark?

While turtles can see in the dark just like humans, they don’t have excellent night vision. As in humans, the iris narrows and the pupil narrows during the day.

This lets in less light and ensures our eyes aren’t overwhelmed by the amount of light they receive. When it’s dark/less light, the turtle’s pupils enlarge to let in more light.

This allows turtles to see in the dark. While turtles can see in the dark, their eyes need time to adjust when it suddenly gets dark. After that, the turtle can see pretty well. So don’t be surprised if you see your turtle moving around in its tank at night.

Turtles like humans lack tapetum lucidum. This is a layer of tissue in the eyes of several vertebrates such as dogs, cats, lemurs, deer, and many more.

The tapetum lucidum reflects incoming light back onto the retina, allowing nocturnal animals such as owls, wolves, cats and many more to see better in the dark.

The tapetum lucidum allows animals like cats to be 44% more sensitive to light and therefore allows them to see light so faint that it is imperceptible to humans.

Turtle vision underwater and on land

Green turtle close-up of the head at night

Most turtles are either semi-aquatic or aquatic. Aquatic turtles spend most of their lives underwater. They only come out of the water to breathe, sunbathe on rocks and logs in the water or, in the case of sea turtles, watch the shoreline.

It is therefore important that they see underwater. Because they need to breathe and sunbathe, they also need to be able to see out of the water. The turtle’s eyes are well adapted to see both in water and in the air.

How do turtles see underwater? (Turtle Eye Anatomy)

The curvature of the human cornea refracts light and allows us to see perfectly in the air. Under water, however, the cornea is unable to refract light.

Because of this, our underwater vision is cloudy and blurry. Aquatic animals like fish rely solely on their lenses to refract light, with their cornea merely acting as a protective barrier.

Unlike humans and fish, turtles need to be able to see clearly both under and out of the water. They achieve this by having flat corneas and spherical lenses. As such, they have perfect vision underwater and can see fairly well out of the water.

Turtles have an even distribution of rods and cones. This makes their eyes best suited to bright light. No wonder, then, that turtles are primarily diurnal.

However, research and studies have shown that sea turtles can see bioluminescence in their prey. This ensures they can locate bioluminescent prey deep underwater.

How far can turtles see?

Turtles are farsighted underwater but nearsighted out of the water. Most turtles are aquatic species and as such hunt underwater. This requires excellent underwater vision.

Which in turn means that turtles have flat corneas and spherical lenses. These characteristics ensure that aquatic turtles can see far underwater. These same traits mean that turtles are short-sighted when out of the water.

However, since turtles only come out of the water to breathe air and sunbathe, it’s perfectly fine for them to be short-sighted when out of the water.

turtle eye problems

Being able to recognize and treat eye diseases in turtles is necessary. In addition, if you know the causes of eye problems, you can reduce the likelihood of eye problems because you can correct the factors that cause them.

The two main eye problems that pet turtles suffer from are eye infections and puffy eyes. Untreated eye infections can lead to a respiratory infection because the bacteria that cause the eye infection can easily enter the nasal passages.

Respiratory infections can lead to death. As you can see, an eye infection is a serious condition that can be fatal if left untreated. Puffy eyes make it difficult for the turtle to see or eat. This too can lead to starvation and death.

Swollen eyes

Puffy eyes typically occur with an eye infection and are an early sign of vitamin A deficiency. First of all, this deficiency causes the Harderian glands to swell.

That is why the eyes become swollen. If left untreated, the eyelids become so swollen that the affected turtle can no longer open its eyes. At this point the turtle is practically blind.

symptoms

There are some symptoms of puffy eyes. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian.

The eyes may appear more puffy than they normally are.

The conjunctiva and the tear ducts turn red.

Swollen Eyelids – The eyelids can become so swollen that the turtle is practically blind as it cannot see through the swollen eyelids.

Excessive tear production/crying

difficulty breathing

Turtles can stop eating and starve.

weight loss

causes

The main cause of swollen eyes is a vitamin A deficiency, also known as hypovitaminosis A. Vitamin A deficiency is due to an unbalanced diet. Feed turtles plenty of green, leafy vegetables.

In addition, you can offer commercial turtle foods that contain all the necessary nutrients, including vitamin A, in the right proportions. Other problems caused by vitamin A deficiency include swollen feet and kidney damage.

prevention

It’s important to make sure your turtle is getting the right diet. Research your turtle’s nutritional needs and feed them properly. A mix of commercial turtle diet and green leafy vegetables is the way to go.

Offer foods like spinach, parsley, kale, dandelion leaves, romaine lettuce, coleslaw, squash, and zucchini.

In addition, you can supplement the turtle’s diet.

treatment

You must see a herp vet for a prescribed treatment. Vitamin A injections and prescription vitamin A drops are typically used to treat puffy eyes. Also, the turtle owner needs to improve the turtle’s diet.

Since swollen eyes are often associated with eye infections, the vet may also need to treat bacterial eye infections.

Bacterial eye infection

Bacterial eye infections are closely related to respiratory tract infections because the same bacteria that cause eye infections also cause RTI (Respiratory Tract Infection). As you may already know, respiratory infections can be fatal. The bacteria usually responsible for eye infections are Pseudomonas and Aeromonas.

symptoms

Some symptoms of eye infections are –

reddening of the conjunctiva.

Swollen eyes

discharge from the eyes

The turtle scratches and rubs its eye frequently.

Because eye infections are linked to respiratory infections, be on the lookout for RTI symptoms such as:

Discharge from mouth, nose

Loss of balance while swimming

Sneeze

wheezing/difficulty breathing

causes

There are many causes of eye infections. However, the most common causes include

Unhygienic living conditions such as polluted aquarium water.

vitamin A deficiency.

Bad temperature control.

prevention

Make sure that the aquarium water is always clean. Install a heavy-duty aquarium filter labeled for an aquarium twice the size of the turtle’s current aquarium. This is because turtles produce more waste than fish.

Also, change about a third to a half of the water in the aquarium every week. Also run tests for nitrite and ammonia levels in the water. If the levels remain below the recommended levels, the turtle is safe

Related articles you can read are:

treatment

As with puffy eyes, you will need to see a veterinarian for treatment. Systemic antibiotics are used to treat eye infections.

Pet owners must also improve living conditions in the turtle’s enclosure to prevent the disease from recurring.

Conclusion

Turtle eyes are perfectly adapted to the turtle’s environment. As such, they have excellent underwater vision and can see colors. Turtles can even see in the UV spectrum. Something humans can’t do.

Their excellent eyesight ensures they can identify food, navigate their surroundings and even locate mates. Turtles also suffer from eye problems, the most common being eye infections and swollen eyes.

If left unchecked, these problems can lead to death. Prevention is always the best policy. To avoid eye infections and swollen eyes, make sure the enclosure and aquarium water are clean and feed the turtle a balanced diet.

If you have any questions or information, please leave a comment.

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