Creating Summer—Tips on Overwintering Turtles

Abstract

As autumn approaches, wildlife rehabilitators must make decisions concerning their turtle patients. All chelonians (turtles and tortoises) take a longer time to heal than birds and mammals, and many will need to remain in captivity over the winter to allow time to completely recover. Sick or injured turtles must not be hibernated during the overwintering process. They must be kept warm and active, and continue to receive optimum nutrition. The following are some techniques used by Turtle Rescue of New Jersey (TRONJ) to convince turtles that summer is endless.