Reptile & Amphibian Forums

For starters, great forum! I found a snapper hatchling 6 days ago. egg tooth still on and a white spot in the middle of the plastron( i assume yolk sack leftovers?)He's been in a 20L w/ about 1.5 inches of water with plenty of rocks to bask on(which he is choosing not to do) He has been very shy and inactive, mostly hiding under things and/or buried in the gravel. I have a full spectrum basking light and the thermometers that I just put in read 85F on the side with the light, and 80F on the other side. I adjusted the light so the light wasnt shining straight down on the warm side. I figured those temps were too warm so we will see what happens in an hour or so. I've offered him food from the first day which has included a small nightcrawler(WC), a thawed piece of catfish fillet, baby turtle pellets, and freeze dried meal worms. He has completely ignored all of these. I understand they sometimes take a week to eat after hatching, but it would be safe to assume he's been out of the egg a few days before I found him right? should he be so shy and reclusive? How long should I be ok with him refusing food before I turn him loose? I was planning to let him go if he refuses food much longer. Thank you, sorry for the long post but I wanted to be detailed so I didn't get the usual answers I've already read.

Any luck yet? I just found one today and I'm hoping to be able to keep it alive. I've had baby snappers before but never this small.