Reptile & Amphibian Forums

started out finding a single hatchling in our enclosure last october, then nearly 5 months later found a 2nd of the same size.
well last week after some good rain I came across #3. they were all hanging out under the water pans. I have now witnessed 2 of the three taking small redworms that i presented to them. the other one is extremely shy.

I have a few questions that maybe some of you more experienced keepers can help me with. 1. I'd like to mark each of the hatchlings with some non-toxic marker so that I could keep track of there whereabouts and also monitor there feedings--- any thoughts or suggestions for marking??? 2.I am thinking about segregating them from adults so that i my more closely monitor there feeding ( they are hard to locate, never mind feed in the large pen) but it seems to me that these little guys must be feeding on their own. The fact that have overwintered and now look pretty healthy tells me that they must be doing reasonably well without my interference ----maybe I should just leave well enough alone??? there are some isopods and some worms in there. 3.finally, is prededation a real concern @ this point??? the hatchlings are slightly larger than a quarter. Thanks again for any input.

JOE

Predation from the adults is most definitely a concern. Whether accidental or on purpose, I wouldn't risk it. If you can make a smaller pen within the larger pen, they would probably do well. You would still have to supplement their diets, as you are restricting their feeding area. I wouldn't rely on the worms and isopods only.

No, there is no good way to mark hatchling turtles. There have been some promising results from microchipping them, but you'd have to find someone trained in the procedure and purchase the equipment. I spoke with a very well known Bog turtle researcher on one occasion about marking hatchling Bog turtles. Well placed microchips seem to be the only way. Anything else is either toxic, disturbs their growth, or grows out.

After a small amount of growth, you'll be amazed at how different they will look. You should be able to tell them apart very soon. Look for some distinguishing character. It sometimes helps to look at the side of the head. Even hatchlings will usually have a muted pattern. You can make a sketch of anything that stands out.

I hope this helps.

My desert tortoises came from a research project and were marked as hatchlings with a written number covered with a dab of epoxy. The tag was about 1/4 x 1/8 inch but quite readable. When I got the tortoises at three years of age, some in the group had very legible tags, others had worn/fallen off. But it might work for you for a temporary measure until you can easily tell the hatchlings apart.

Nanci
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*****
1.0 Classic Corn, 0.1 Lavender, 0.0.1 Cali King, 0.1 Nelson's Milk
1.0 Tricolor Hog, 0.1 Eastern Hog, 1.0 Florida King
0.1 Eastern Box Turtle, 1.0 Florida Box Turtle
0.0.2 Desert Torts, 2.0 Feral Pigeons

Thanks Nanci,
I appreciate your input and I'll let you know how I end up distinguishing these 3.

JOE

Kensopher,
Thanks again for your input, Much appreciated. I have put the 3 amigos in a recycling bin with some leaf mold and covered with some chicken wire. i'm going try and find some more small red worms this week---see if we can't get them on some regular feedings.

Joe

My hatchling I keep outside all year. This was the fist year that I hibernated the new hatchlings but they all came through the winter with no problems so I will again hibernate any new hatchling this winter. I have built a separate pen next to the regular pen. It’s about 8 feet long but only 18 inches wide. I do have it separated in the middle. The 2005 hatchling on one side the 2006 hatchling on the other side. Most mornings I will take the garden hose and wet down the main pen and also the hatchling pen. Keeping it moist attracts lots of bugs that they eat on their own. When I do feed them a worm I will dust it with calcium powder. This past week they eat some wild mushrooms and some mulberries.

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Jack