I am looking for info on baby (common) mud turtles. I found one that was only the size of a dime, very small. Is this a normal hatchling size? It has a orange belly and black shell on the side of its head are light trace of white lines. Any info welcome. Thanks.
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Baby Mud Turtle
Sportster
Jun 03, 2003 11:48 AM
Replies (3)
mayday
Jun 03, 2003 01:27 PM
Sounds like it could be and hatchling stinkpot but I don't recall them having an orange belly. Could be a mud turtle too (Kinosternon sp.).
Anyway they both are hatched at just under an inch.
What state did you find it? That would help with the ID.
Releasing in the nearest body (relative to where it was found) of permanant water in some aqautic vegetation is the thing to do if you are not going to keep it. Anyway, there are many breeders who produce captive hatched ones if you really want one.
Still, a wild caught hatchling makes a great turtle if you are prepared to care for it properly.
Sportster
Jun 03, 2003 01:33 PM
I am starting to think it is a baby musk too. The only thing is the orange belly and around the edge of the shell is a little color. The bottom shell (plastron ?) does not cover it well, like a musk.
Oh, I found it in Maryland.
mayday
Jun 03, 2003 01:53 PM
Maryland? Well then it is either a common musk turtle or an eastern mud. Care is the same.
www.chelonia.org has some great caresheets and info.
