Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey guys,

I just received 5 baby turtles from a captive breeder. Now normally I don't mix species but these guys are just hatchlings from the same guy who I assume breed tons of turtles under good conditions. They've kinda been thru a rough ride from TExas to Philly...being shoved around (cuz the box didn't say "Fragile" or "This End Up". Anyway they are so far housed in a 10 gallon aquarium. The species are: western painted, florida red-bellied, florida softshell, Mississippi Map, and a Texas Map. I will separate them as soon as they get bigger but for now each is about the size of a quarter.

They haven't eaten yet (probably still stressed from the trip) so I'm trying to keep them warm (80s) and clean. What else should I do in the next following days in order to help them get settled in? They're not even responding to earthworms yet...except one of the map turtles who's eaten one. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.

Johnny & Chi

I could not tell you about keeping them all together because i have no clue. I would think that you would need a bigger tank. I know they are tiny but there are 5 of them. I would suggest at least a 20 long. If you keep them in a small tank they won't grow as fast as they should. Maybe someone else will reply with better advice.

The little guys started eating now...and they bask a lot. And I haven't noticed any aggression...so for now it seems ok. Except for the painted that died (refer to above posts). Thanks for the advice!

Johnny