Habitat - Indoor :: Brand-new Baby Turtle!

[sleepsinrain]

Hi everyone. I'm a complete noob when it comes to reptiles so any tips or advice will be greatly appreciated. I just got a hatchling RES and don't really have everything she (I checked and am pretty convinced it's a she, at least) needs. So far I have a 2 gal. tank with some water and flat rocks sitting overnight to condition the water, but nothing else. Since she's a baby, can anyone provide some good tips for caring for a young turtle? Yes, I have read through the site's information but would like some advice from actual owners as well.

Also, she's not eating either. I put in a few bloodworms and some pellets but nothing...

[Raphulk]

for one it sounds like what you have your turtle in is the "take home" container for turtles.

you should immediately transfer him to a bigger container. at least 10 gallons or something. a rubbermaid storage bin do great, just make sure you stabalize the sides because they are not made for water.

next, just keep at feeding with pellets. consider baby turtles as a human baby, it takes a while but they will get it eventually, because its instinct.

what pellets are you feeding him? try reptomin baby sticks, they are perfect. they are small, soft, and have the correct nutrients and such for baby turts.

also, you said you read the main site. so you should look into the correct lighting (heat and UVB) the correct filtration, and some type of filter and basking area.

[sleepsinrain]

Thanks, Raphulk. =^_^=

[untsmurf]

I agree 100% with Raphulk.

First off, try to resist the urge to go out and get a second turtle. A lot of people think their little turts need some friends or that 2 turts are just as easy as one, but they aren't. So stick with the one.

That being said, go out and get as big of a container as you can afford. Whether it's a rubbermaid, stock tank, or aquarium doesn't matter. Then you need to get a filter that is rated for twice the size of the tank. Then you need to get the heat and uvb bulbs (and lamps to hold them, of course). Then get a basking area and an underwater hide. You can get decoration (i.e. plants, a few river rocks or marbles, etc) but it's up to you and your wallet. Do not waste your time purchasing gravel. Your turtle will ingest it and could die from impaction.

As for the not eating issue, you want to give your little guy a day or two to get used to his new home. After that offer some food. He should be settled enough by then to realize that he's hungry. If he's not reacting to the floating food, try holding a pellet just under the surface of the water in front of his face. This should help him to realize that what you have is food and that you are the food bringer, which will better your relationship. As a hatchling he can't hurt you, but you can use tongs if you're afraid of being bitten.

[sleepsinrain]

Yeah I'd never buy another one anyway. I don't think turtles really need "company" like some other critters. And yes, as soon as I can I'm going to get all these things for it. Thanks for all the detail, untsmurf.

[mzkitty23]

welcome!

[sleepsinrain]

Such a cute avatar, mzkitty23 And thanks! I never imagined I'd end up owning a turtle, but here I am, like a new parent or something.