Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My daughter found a baby box turtle in the mud behind her dad's shop. We are having trouble getting it to eat. Also need some tips on setting up the tank for it. We do have it in an aquarium, but with gravel which is maybe not so good. Any help is appreciated or point us in the right direction for info. We want to help the little guy survive, buy don't know what to do.

Thanks!

Hi, if you are in an area that is native to them you should return it to the wild ASAP in a safe area. They live a long time and are not the easiest to care for. They are definately not a child's pet. I am not saying that you will not care for it properly but it is a long term commitment. If you choose to keep it you need to do a lot of research. I have owned reptiles for 10 + years now and they have proven to me a challenge for me. Also depending on what kind of turtle it is it may be protected in your state.

Hope this helps
Linda

Are you sure it is a box turtle? Can you send us a picture? The reason I ask is because I have made the mistake of offering advice for caring for a baby box turtle, only to find out later it was a baby snapper and once even a tortoise someone told the family was a box turtle. It would be harmful to treat a baby snapper or tortoise like a box turtle.

In all cases, a large plastic tub with several inches of rinsed clean and moist coconut coir bedding, a medium size shallow dish or pan (pie pan or plant saucer)of water and a warm place is good until you know for sure what type of turtle you have.

A very small turtle may not eat for several weeks, and will not eat if the body temp is too low, or the food is unstatisfactory. Once we know what kind of turtle it is for sure-a list of appropriate foods can be listed-as well as proper housing.
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Tess Cook
www.boxturtlesite.info