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Is my indoor turtle hibernating or dead? How to know for sure?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

How can i tell my painted male turtle in hibernation or dead?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on November 21st, 2016

First of all if he is in the house, then he is most likely dead as it is too warm to go into hibernation. If he is outside it's not easy to tell, at least not in the beginning, eventually you will know as you will see him start to decompose after a few days of being dead, it will start smelling as well.

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