Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hello All,
spent this afternoon digging hibernarium as described on this board. It went well and I thank all who respnded to my first post.
While raking leaves over the hibernarium, I made a wonderful discovery--- a little Guy!!!
He was in the moist leaves at the bottom of the pile. He is beautiful, a little larger than a quarter. I took a quick photo and then covered him back up. I'll try to post photo here tomorrow. Is there anything special I need to do to for him?? I ASSUME he's been eating but I don't know for sure. Today was relatively warm and he was appeared to be pretty active. Thanks again.

Joe

if he's from your turtles and in the same pen with adults you will want to remove him and bring him in, if he's a wild turtle then leave him be.

hatchling boxies dont usually last their first winter because they cannot dig down deep enough and freeze, if he's in the same pen as the adults and manages to live the winter they will eat him should they find him next spring/summer.

great find though!

He's a product of my turtles (2)_which are essentially wild. we acquired them after the lot next to us was clearcut last spring. Very high probability of perishing in the road, so bulit enclosure for them. If i bring junior in I guess I'll place in a large bin with some leaf litter ???????????

a rubbermaid tote/bin or an aquarium with paper taped around it so the little one cannot see out, I use sphagnum moss with my hatchlings, but you can use soil from your yard, I wouldn't put leaves in until you know it's eatting good.

just be on the look out for more, in a clutch there can be as many as 9 eggs.

Great point about looking for more!

If you scroll down the forum page, and even onto subsequent pages, you'll find tons of hatchling care posts. There are some great links available...I'd make the time to read them all if you can. Raising hatchlings can be tricky at times.

Let me just say congratulations on your discovery!
Please do let us know if any more are found.
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PHRatz