I would like to hibernate my two RES that are about 5 years old and 5 inches long. They have lived inside until this summer when I built them a pond out back. It is an above ground pond that is 8' long 4' wide and 2' tall. It holds about 350 gallons.
I live in Southeastern Pennsylvania and its definitely starting to get cold, into the 30's at night. I know turtles hibernate under water. Am I OK just leaving them in the pond for the winter? I am planning on buying a floating pond heater so the water doesn't freeze over the winter, but I wanted to check and see what everyone thought.
Here's a couple pics of the pond:
I live in Southeastern Pennsylvania and its definitely starting to get cold, into the 30's at night. I know turtles hibernate under water. Am I OK just leaving them in the pond for the winter? I am planning on buying a floating pond heater so the water doesn't freeze over the winter, but I wanted to check and see what everyone thought.
Here's a couple pics of the pond: