Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello. My name is Timothy Gould, a.k.a. "T.J." by friends and family, from western MA.

Today, my Father, niece, and newphew went to a local park in the center of our small, 3x4 mile suburban town and caught a baby/newborn Painted Turtle, definitely born this year. They only plan on keeping it for a week; they will release it next weekend when they visit again.

Currently, they have it set up in one of those small plastic containers (for tiny critters) you buy from Petco or any pet store for that matter, with about an inch or two of water and a rock for it to climb on and dry itself. I need to know what to feed it exactly, though, and anything else we may need to know to properly and safely keep it (only for one week remember).

I will have kept snakes for 14 years come this November and have been specializing in rare and unusual species, especially ones with odd/interesting eating habits, for about the past 5 years, and though I have background knowledge on other herps, I would not like to trust it with this cute, precious baby turtle. (Coincidentally enough, my girlfriend just acquired an adult Painted Turtle from her sister on her past birthday, May 26, which I have been helping taking care of and providing tips; I had one several years ago--like, 15 years, I believe, to be precise--and so I suppose being an adult, I have more confidence in my knowledge. Still, though...please help ASAP.

Thanks in advance.
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T.J. Gould

Ok feeding a baby painted is a cinch. They will readily accept turtle sticks.

>>Ok feeding a baby painted is a cinch. They will readily accept turtle sticks.
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T.J. Gould

You are quite welcome. Good luck with your new pet.

Feeding and caring for a baby turtle is NOT easy. They are delicate creatures. The best thing would be to return it to it's natural home now. If you can't you can try (chopped) earthworms, mealworms, small crickets, some non-citrus fruits, dark leafy greens. If you do give it anything from your yard or garden make sure that it is chemical free (fertilizers, pesticides, weed killers, etc).

>>Feeding and caring for a baby turtle is NOT easy. They are delicate creatures. The best thing would be to return it to it's natural home now. If you can't you can try (chopped) earthworms, mealworms, small crickets, some non-citrus fruits, dark leafy greens. If you do give it anything from your yard or garden make sure that it is chemical free (fertilizers, pesticides, weed killers, etc).

Ah, well then...I will print out your reply and forward it to my niece and nephew. I would say let it go now, too, but it's too late. This weekend, though. Thanks much!
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T.J. Gould

Baby painters will be most responsive to live food. As previously mentioned, things like earthworms, mealworms, crickets. If it is very small cutting up the food into small pieces would be recommended because they swallow their food whole for the most part. Sometimes they may try to shred it into small pieces themselves with their claws. Leafy greens should be offered too, but most turtles wont end up eatting them.

I imagine that the little turtle will probably become a pet as well. They are cute and hard to let go.

If they end up keeping it I can offer some better advice then.

Good luck!