Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Yesterday I found a baby turtle in my garage. He looked tired, parched. I have two RES and I put him in the aquarium with them under duress!! I don't even know if the turtle is aquatic? I think maybe it's a box turtle from what I can view online of hatchling photos. I want to do what is best for the little thing. It's smaller than a penny. What should I do with it?

What you have is a hatchling Striped Mud Turtle (Kinosternon bauri). I'm guessing you are from Florida, Georgia, or southern South Carolina? I would highly recommend releasing this hatchling in the nearest wetland, pond, slough, etc. with lots of vegetation near your house. The reason I say to release this particular individual is that hatchling Striped Mud Turtles are best suited for advanced hobbyists. They are quite delicate, have specialized and challenging to meet needs, and can be problematic with captive mortality rates higher than your average hatchling chelonian. Good find, and good luck!

-JG

I forgot to mention the most important thing...remove the hatchling from the Red Eared Slider enclosure immediately. It is recommended that hatchlings of this species be kept in warm water only 1/4 in. deep, they are prone to drowning in deeper water. I would release it ASAP, but if you need a couple days, I would recommend letting it hydrate in some warm water 1/4 in. deep for a half hour and then placing it in a small tupperware container containing warm, moist crumpled paper towels with a lid and a couple air holes. Repeat this 30 min. shallow warm soak daily for however long you have the turtle until its release. Hope this all helps

-JG