Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi there...I usually hang around over on the box turtle forum, but I have a question about a mud turtle baby.
A friend of mine acquired the little guy yesterday (it had been found by a nursing home resident while gardening). the folks at the nursing home were trying to feed it lettuce (of course...why do people think all turtles eat lettuce?).
Anyway, my friend mistakenly thought it was a box turtle baby, and brought it to me, hoping that I would know what to do with it. Which I don't really, other than keep it in a damp environment.
My friend (or myself) will be taking the little guy back to the vicinity of where it was found and releasing it there, but neither of us can do that for a few days.

Soooo, my question is, what are some of the basics I need to provide to keep this little guy alive and healthy (and possibly get it to eat) for the few days I anticipate having it here?
I headstart Eastern box turtle hatchlings, so I have some supplies handy, such as small rubbermaid totes, UVA/UVB lighting, conditioned water, Reptomin. peat moss (its in moist peatmoss now).

Any suggestions? Its a feisty little one!

Thanks in advance
Stephanie

Hi Steph,
Gee I don't recognize you from the box turtle board.
LOL kidding of course..

My little mud does not like to leave the water very often so he stays under it 99 percent of the time.
He loves to eat a bug more than anything.. basically any bug you feed to a box will work for a mud.
Some of them will accept pellet food others won't.. won't hurt to try it.
They need the UV/B just like most turtles and darn it now I've forgotten what else you asked so I need to hit post & go look.
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PHRatz

>>>Soooo, my question is, what are some of the basics I need to provide to keep this little guy alive and healthy (and possibly get it to eat) for the few days I anticipate having it here?
>>I headstart Eastern box turtle hatchlings, so I have some supplies handy, such as small rubbermaid totes, UVA/UVB lighting, conditioned water, Reptomin. peat moss (its in moist peatmoss now).

I copied it this time so I won't forget.
Except for the fact that my mud loves to stay in the water basically I don't find the care for him all that different from a box. Muds, like other semi-aquatics do tend to want their food in the water,, they're not usually turtles that want to eat on a plate like boxies will. Drop food in the water & he's probably going to eat it for you.
As long as they are warm enough, have the right lighting & food, since you're only keeping it for a few days it should be just fine.
Good luck with him & if it's not too much trouble.. can you post a picture? They are sooo cute when they are little!
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PHRatz

Thanks, Ratz! I was thinking that I could probably get by with what I've got.

This guy is soooo little! I can't get over it. I'm definitely gonna get some pics.

yeah I'm sure you can get by with what you have already.

I can't wait to see the pics!!!
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PHRatz