Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So, tonight I acquired a baby box turtle, we think it's a 3-toed. I assume it's less than 2 weeks old, because it still has the egg tooth and yolk sack.

I currently keeping it in a show box in my room with a good 3 inches of cocofiber, a hide, and a water bowl with some rocks in it for better footing.

I read in Tess Cook's book that it is okay to leave them outside for periods of time, but i'm not sure how long this period of time would be. Is an 8 hour day too long, or should I limit it to a few hours on days when i'm off of work? Should I leave it out for the extent of the daylight every day?

Got tips? Hook me up. I live in Southern California.
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Just make sure they have enough space to hide and cover themselves. Time is not an issue as much as them being able to constantly regulate their temps however they want. the bigger the area, and the more hiding places, etc... the better.

If you are talking about putting a small tub or aquarium outside in full California sun, I would think that 3 inches of coco would dry out and overheat very quickly, especially an noon time.
You might just put them out for a couple hours when you are home and can check the temps. and moisture. A hatchling with less UV exposure is still heathier than a cooked one.
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Jeff Benfer
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Baby box turtles in the wild are never seen because they hide under leaf litter for mostly the first year of their life. If they didn't they would be someones food. Being that it still has an egg tooth, it probably won't eat or need to until it is gone. It needs alot of humidity. I wouldn't put it outside at all, especially if you are going to work and won't be home to check on it. Look at the pictures of the set ups for baby box turtles on this site. He will answer any questions that you have about your little boxie. Good luck.
http://turtle_tails.tripod.com/raisingbabyturtles/tour1.htm

I haven't read the other replies but I would never leave a baby turtle outside without protection from above and below. Ravens have learned to eat hatchlings and even chipmunks have been known to kill baby turtles. So no-unless you can supervise it or build it a hatchling outdoor pen-I would not leave the turtle outside. A hatchling pen is like a box with wooden framework and sides with a chicken wire top. Nothing should be able to get in or out. Marty LaPress has a picture of one on her website. Check it out via a search on her name or Indiana Turtle Care. Tess