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red-earred sliders

22 16:30:09

Question
I have 2 red-earred sliders.  Their shell is 2 inches long and we purchased them in June of 2007.  We live in W.V and since the colder weather has set in the turtles do not seem as active.  Do they know the temperature is changing outside, even when the temperature of the tank stays the same or is something else wrong?  Also, the smaller turtle will sit on the rock basking and make a chirping sound.  I have never heard this before, is it normal?

Answer
Shortening day lengths also trigger hibernation responses, or it could be some issues with the basic cares, housing, or diet that are catching up with them. Things like cool water temps, crowding, etc. can take a while to show up as a problem.

I would suggest making sure the water is warm (75-80F), the lighting is kept to summery photoperiods, and reviewing the basic cares, etc. at a good site like http://www.redearslider.com

Good luck!