Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We "rescued" a laying of snapping turtles eggs last spring so they wouldn't be crushed by the new construction next door. One hatched in Sept. which we let go that day. This past week six more hatched out while it was 68 degrees. No opportunity to release them since we now have a blizzard going on. I bought feeder guppies and red worms to feed them. I have them housed with a bank of gravel/rocks on one end and just water on the other. I don't think they are eating. Any help to get them through the winter would be appreciated. Anyone I asked said they wouldn't survive a release into this cold at this time. (We live in Wisconsin)
Thanks in Advance

If your ultimate goal is to release these turtles at the first opportunity, I'd contact the Wisconsin DNR. They may have certain policies and procedures that they'd like you to follow.

http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/cs/ServiceCenter/locations.htm

In the meantime, yes I do believe that it's too cold to release them now. They wouldn't have enough time to seek out adequate cover for the winter, and their bodies may not be ready for brumation.

Try to keep their water and air temperatures in the mid to high 70's F, and a basking spot(approaching 90 F) is always good to offer even if they don't bask often. Provide lots of structure for hiding (anacharis bunches are fairly cheap at most pet stores). Feed them live bugs of all kinds; earthworms, superworms, waxworms, mealworms, crickets, roaches, etc.. If you feed fish, I'd freeze them first as they can carry parasites. Thaw them in warm water before feeding. You can also offer some of the floating food sticks offered for turtles. If kept warm enough, snapping turtles are ravenous and will eat you out of house and home in no time . They also grow VERY quickly. Good luck!