Help with Hibernation pls

[turtledude]

Hi, we have 4 red earred turtles that have lived inside in very large tanks for 17 years (oldest ones).  We have finally moved to a place that we could build them a pond.  They have been outside (and loving it) since November.  However now we are heading into winter we are concerned about hibernation, as we dont want to lose any over winter.  We are in Hamilton.  Can anyone give us some advise.  I have heard about barley straw - but dont really know much about it.  We dont really have a layer of mud at the bottom, so am concerned about what they could burrow into.  We just worry as they have been indoors all their lives, so would appreciate any help.  We have thought about bringing them back inside for the winter months, but I would really rather not, depending what advise we get from you all

[livingart]

Mine usually dig into the ground under a plant or grass, some just sit on the bottom of the pond, i used to think they were dead.

i make a pile of leaflitter and grass clippings now and it acts like a compost heap and they dig under it

[turtledude]

cool thanks - I assume with the grass clippings you mean next to the pond, I guess that gives them the option of hibernating out of the water as well.

Also is it a good idea to turn the waterfall off during winter?  Thought it might make it colder, but also I know it is good for oxygenation??

[livingart]

I usually put the pile in a corner saves them dragging it into the pond

you can turn waterfall off if you want to, if you have fish it would be good to keep it going though