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my brother and i took the hatchlings out to play in the grass since it's a beautiful sunny day. how long should i keep them outside before i bring them back in? we supervised them of course while they were exploring.

Hatchlings can easily become chilled or overheated. Although it's been a long time since I've had a hatchling, I'd say limit it to about half an hour to 45 mins at a time.

Also, don't take your eyes off of them for a second! They're super quick, and can disappear into the smallest spaces.

indeed! they went so far below the grass my brother couldn't see them. i'll post a video of them digging into the grass in a bit

war-to Turtles do not like to be played with. They are reptiles and are in a survival mode when you pick them up. Hiding in the grass is normal. Since the hatchling is so small they cool off and heat up very quickley and that is not good for them. It has a tendency to iniciate RI.

@mike hill, yep i rarely pick them up(once when i changed the setup and second when i took them outside).

It really depends on the setup. If you are watching them (don't underestimate their camouflage ability), then do keep an eye on their basking or hiding time and the temps outside.

One thing I forgot to mention is make sure they have a place to get out of the sun too. If they start looking for a place to hide or burrowing themselves into the ground, it's time to go in.

steve wrote:It really depends on the setup. If you are watching them (don't underestimate their camouflage ability), then do keep an eye on their basking or hiding time and the temps outside.

Yeah, those little ones hide well.

This is a very informative thread. I actually never knew hatchlings could only be in sunlight for such a short time. Not that I ever took them outdoors, I was afraid of losing them, or of them taking in parasites.