Yes. I agree. Outside is the best way to go. Just watch out for ants. Their food will definitely attract ants.

In fact, I would recommend leaving them in the nest if possible until spring. I have terrible luck getting them to feed their first fall. In Texas other turtle species (Texas Sliders for example) don't even come out of the nest until the spring rains allow them their freedom.

There is almost no instinct to feed at that age, before one hibernation/brumation period. After that, they really chow down.

If artificially incubated indoors, I would attempt a 30 day artificial/simulated cool down/brumation period (55F - 65F) for yolk absorption before attempting to feed. Just my thoughts.

Maintaining them at activity temperatures all winter long is hard to do. They either die, become ill, or have physiological developmental problems. My experience.

jsc

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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

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