Normal Behavior: Summertime Hibernation

I have a Western Box Turtle who is approximately 10-15 years old. He has never been super active, but these past 4 summer months he rarely comes out of his house. He takes a bath once of twice a day in the small pool, but otherwise I don't see him. Is this normal in the Summer? We have a swamp cooler so the house is generally around 70 degrees and his basking light is set to proper temperatures.

He is a wild turtle. My previous bosses found him on the highway and thought it was a good idea to sell him. I've thought of returning him back to the wild as he almost seems depressed. I bought him because after I left that job I knew they weren't going to properly care for him (reported animal abuse) and I felt like it was my responsibility to try and give him a good life. Any ideas on what would be best for the little guy would be greatly appreciated!

I am also learning that this whole process of taking, selling, and buying Western Box Turtles is illegal in some states. I currently live in Colorado and purchased him while living in New Mexico. With this in mind, I've also considered getting in touch with a local wildlife organization.

Yes, it is very normal for torts to go into "deep sleep" in hot weather. It's like hibernation during Winter so do not worry. I live in Jordan (the Middle East) where Summer is BOILING HOT. Oli becomes very inactive and restless, And I came to know that this is more that normal. I give him up to THREE soaks a day, believe it or not!

Any pics?

Please read the "Beginners Mistakes" Thread, and care sheets and ask questions.

And a very warm welcome to the forum!

There can be a slow down in high temperatures (but it isn't hibernation). If he is eating and bathing everyday, I wouldn't worry. Since he has been in captivity for many months, you can't release him into the wild (but he should not have been removed in the first place). How are you housing this turtle?

Great, thank you so much for the responses!

Gillian, Do you have water right in his tank? Or do you take him out for a soak? We have water right in our guy's tank, but I do know for our Bearded Dragon we take her out.

Sarah, He is in a homemade wooden box, about 6' long by 4 feet wide and 1.5' tall. Then we have plastic bins that sit into the bottom and hang out. They are filled with soil or water. He's got a cardboard box and then rocks and wood that he can climb around on.

Kolbe

kolbe0612 said:

Great, thank you so much for the responses!

Gillian, Do you have water right in his tank? Or do you take him out for a soak? We have water right in our guy's tank, but I do know for our Bearded Dragon we take her out.

Sarah, He is in a homemade wooden box, about 6' long by 4 feet wide and 1.5' tall. Then we have plastic bins that sit into the bottom and hang out. They are filled with soil or water. He's got a cardboard box and then rocks and wood that he can climb around on.

Kolbe

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Hi! Both: water has to be in Oli's enclosure 24hours a day. However, I take him out of the enclosure so as to soak him. (He has a bowl for soaks). And I've seen him drink whilst being soaked.

Any pics?

Turtles and tortoises do not like weather extremes. In cold weather they hibernate and in hot weather they tend to slow down. I believe the term is called estivation but I will have to look it up. Most states have laws against releasing tortoises and turtles once removed from captivity so I wouldn't even consider that option.