Hibernating box turtle

Question
Hello,
My turtle went hibernating a few days ago. I'm concerned because I fed my turtle before it went hibernating. Should I take action? Also, is it normal for a turtle to shut his eyes glued at this time? He won't open his eyes at all, even when I pick him up and he is moving. I currently left him alone so he can hibernate the whole winter.

Answer
Joan,

Your turtle's gut should be empty, yes you should take action.

Your turtle won't open his eyes because he is hibernating.  That is normal.

Please read this information about hibernating turtles:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=17+1797&aid=3363

Now, you didn't specify whether you put your turtle into hibernation on purpose.  First you need to reverse his hibernation.  

Put him is a safe, quiet place indoors where the temperature is room temperature, about 72 degrees F.  It should take a couple of days for him to wake up and start moving around.

If you hibernated him on purpose, I would ask you why.  My vet does not recommend it.  It is dangerous and there is no significant benefit.

If your turtle went into hibernation, and he was indoors and you did not do it on purpose, he is probably too cold!  He must have heat.  Here is a care sheet:

http://www.turtlepuddle.org/american/boxcare.html

If you insist on hibernating him, please read the information in the first link I provided you.  Once he's hibernating, don't pick him up and move him around much - every time he moves more that he should he is using his valuable energy reserves and you increase the chance that he could starve to death.  Check him to make sure nothing looks really wrong (ie. sunken eyes) but don't make him move around.  

-Amanda