eHow Logo

Discover the expert in you.

  • home
  • style
  • food
  • money
  • health
  • mom
  • tech
  • More eHow
Featured:
Allergies
Grilling Guide
eHow Now Blog
  1. eHow
  2. Pets & Animals
  3. Turtles & Tortoises
  4. Care for Baby Turtles

Care for Baby Turtles

RSS
  • How to Take Care of Baby Turtles That Hibernate

    Given the proper outdoor environment, American box turtles and aquatic turtles, such as red-eared sliders and cooters, will lay viable eggs, and when inclimate weather comes, those hatchlings need a suitable place to overwinter. Similar to mammalian hibernation, brumation in turtles is the hibernation-like state that reptiles utilize when temperatures drop, resulting in a lowered body metabolism rate. While baby turtles kept indoors in temperature-regulated tanks or enclosures will not brumate, small turtles living outside need special environmental conditions and care to ensure they'll safely hibernate until warmer weather arrives.

  • How to Build a Walk-in Turtle Dish

    A walk-in turtle dish is an essential feature to include in your pet turtle's habitat. It creates a diverse living space for your turtle and gives it the ability to soak and sunbathe as the turtle would in its natural setting. A walk in turtle-dish is a simple project and gives you a lot of freedom in both design and appearance.

  • How to Take Care of a Soft Shell Turtle Hatchling

    Soft shell turtles are aquatic turtles that have soft, fleshy skin rather than outer shells. There are many different subspecies of soft shell turtles, and they can be found in North America, Asia and Africa. They live in cold, brackish water in river and lake bottoms. The various subspecies range in length from 12 to 36 inches, and are olive, tan or brown in color. Soft shell turtles are uncommon in the pet trade because they do best as display animals rather than as companionship animals and because they require a great deal of care. Hatchlings are even more difficult…

  • How to Maintain a Singaporean Turtle

    Singaporean turtles, more commonly referred to as red-eared sliders or Singapore turtles, are small turtles that are often domesticated and kept as pets. The red-eared slider, or Trachemys scripta elegans, is a popular pet due to its small size and good temperament. There are several things you can do to maintain the health of your red-eared slider.

  • How to Care for a Hatchling Box Turtle

    Box turtles are typically small and hatchlings are even smaller. Like many other turtle breeds, box turtle hatchlings do not survive well in the wild. Hatchlings are susceptible to sickness and are sensitive to cold temperatures. However, by preparing yourself and knowing how to care for your new hatchling, you can avoid a sick or unhealthy turtle.

  • How to Care for Hatchling Florida Box Turtles

    Florida box turtles are just one species of North American box turtle. Each type of box turtle requires similar care, and differs mostly in size and appearance. Florida box turtles stay small, growing to only between 4 and 6 ½ inches long. These pets require a lot of work, but can live for many years and are fascinating to watch. Florida box turtle hatchlings also require specific care since they are more prone to health threats such as disease and dehydration. Although much time and energy must be spent caring for them, raising Florida box turtles can be a rewarding…

  • How to Breed Red-Bellied Short-Necked Turtles

    Red-bellied side-necked turtles, also known as Jardine river turtles, are an Australian species of aquatic turtle. They lay their eggs on land and must be given a dry, sunny spot on which to bask. These turtles are prolific breeders and will mate without human intervention during the breeding season, which begins in early spring and continues into the summer. Their eggs must be incubated to be viable. Before breeding your turtles, you must be certain that you have enough space for the babies. These turtles lay anywhere from seven to 15 eggs, and hatchlings grow quickly.

  • Endangered Soft-Shell Turtles

    Turtles come in a variety of breeds, though the nature of some can expose them to the realities of endangerment and possible extinction. Soft shell turtles are an example of this; unlike usual turtles, soft shell turtles aren't protected by a hand outer shell, making them more vulnerable to predators and harsh environments. As a consequence, many breeds are endangered and are in need of human intervention to prevent them from becoming extinct.

  • How to Estimate Tank Size for a Turtle

    Turtles, such as red-eared sliders and cooters, are frequently sold when they are young and small. These turtles grow quickly, and owners must have a plan for housing them when they are full grown. Water turtles frequently grow to be 12 to 15 inches long, so plan to save enough money and set aside enough space for a turtle that will ultimately be quite large. Turtle health is directly affected by the size of the enclosure and turtles in cramped tanks will quickly become ill. To estimate the necessary tank size for your turtle, you need to know how large…

  • Care Guide for Baby Yellow-Bellied Turtles

    According to Turtlecare.net, baby yellow-bellied turtles have a 99 percent mortality rate in the wild. Those that become pets have a better chance at survival. But these baby turtles are delicate and must be handled with care. The yellow-bellied turtles or "sliders" are a good choice for inexperienced turtle keepers. They are reptiles that will provide lots of entertainment for over a quarter century.

  • How to Care for Boxer Turtles

    Boxer turtles, most commonly known as box turtles, are turtles with a hinged shell. This allows the box turtle to completely retract into its shell when it feels threatened. Box turtles are often found in forests or meadows. Unlike other turtles, box turtles don't spend as much of their time in water. However, they do need a place to soak. There are several different types of box turtles, and each type requires slightly different care. However, most box turtles require the same basic care, and are relatively easy to keep as pets.

  • Vets That Care for Turtles

    Finding a vet to treat a pet turtle is vital to ensure the animal's quality of life, as well as to treat the turtle in an emergency. Exotics veterinarians are trained to treat reptiles, fish, birds and rodents, although many specialize as well. A reptile vet can inform turtle owners on husbandry, feeding and other aspects of turtle care. It's always a good idea to find a local vet willing to treat the turtle before an emergency arises.

  • How to Raise Soft Shell Turtles

    Soft-shelled turtles are a type of aquatic turtle found on nearly every continent. This group of turtles has many different varieties, so care differs according to the needs of the individual type of soft-shelled turtle. The mature size of the soft-shelled turtle ranges between 8 and 80 inches, depending on the variety of turtle. This type of turtle may be difficult to care for and is known to bite caregivers who are not cautious when working with their turtles.

  • Care for Water Turtles

    Turtles are reptiles present in a variety of habitats, including ponds, rivers, lakes and swamps, in all countries of the world. They can live on land or in water. Several common water turtles that people successfully keep as pets are red-eared sliders, painted, snapping and musk turtles. If you buy them from a reputable dealer and care for them properly, water turtles make good pets. The basic needs of water turtles include a balanced diet, a place to bask and get out of the water, a warm, humid environment and enough clean water in which to drink, swim and feed.

  • How to Look After Baby Turtles

    Baby turtles seem like effortless pets. These tiny creatures typically live in one space and do not require walks or playtime like other animals. Yet the decision to bring home a baby turtle should not be taken lightly. Turtles can live up to 30 to 40 years with proper care that includes a very specific habitat and diet. Looking after a baby turtle requires daily feeding and consistent clean up. Whether an aquatic or land species, turtles can make enjoyable pets for those who are willing to put in the time and effort for their care.

  • How Do You Take Care of Baby Turtles?

    Turtles are reptiles and while some, like the musk turtle, live mostly in water, others such as box turtles live on land. Turtles are a strong species and have existed for more than 200 million years. However, keeping the baby turtle's environment clean and healthy is vital for its survival. Turtles have specific needs based on the type of turtle you have and the rate at which it will grow.

  • How to Care for Baby Water Turtles in an Aquarium

    In the 1970s, a popular pet emerged on the scene. Baby water turtles seemed the perfect pet for children at the time. Usually, the turtle, about the size of a quarter when purchased, came with a small plastic kidney-shaped bowl that had a plastic palm tree in it. Legally, baby water turtles such as red-eared sliders, map turtles and cooters, make acceptable pets, but you cannot sell them. Keep in mind that water turtles require more than a small plastic dish to live in, but if cared for properly, they can live up to 40 years in captivity and provide…

  • How to Take Care of a Baby Painter Turtle

    Chrysemys picta, more commonly known as painted turtles, or painter turtles, are a species of small aquatic turtles that are commonly kept as pets. Painted turtles are hardy, resilient pets that become quite tame over time, even learning to recognize their owners. Like most baby animals, baby painted turtles have specific requirements that must be met in order for the animal to thrive. Though caring for a baby painted turtle is a big commitment, it is also enjoyable and rewarding.

  • How to Take Care of Baby Painted Turtle

    Painted turtles can be found throughout the lakes, rivers and streams of North America. Female painted turtles can grow to be 11 to 12 inches, while the diminutive males generally only reach lengths of 5 to 6 inches. The ideal time to catch a baby painted turtle is in the morning when the cold-blooded aquatic creatures are more sluggish and cannot run away as quickly. Check with your state's department of natural resources to ensure it is legal to catch a painted turtle in a local stream.

  • Facts About Red Baby Red Bellied Turtles

    The Animal Diversity website says that the scientific name for the Eastern or American red-bellied turtle is Pseudemys rubriventris. This species can be found around the Mid-Atlantic regions as far north as New Jersey and as far south as North Carolina. They are considered endangered in Massachusetts because of animal predators, loss of habitat, pollution and pesticides. Outside of Massachusetts they are listed as threatened, according to the National Heritage Endangered Species Program.

  • How to Care for My New Baby Alligator Snapping Turtle

    Baby alligator snapping turtles are freshwater turtles that grow up to be 155 to 175 pounds. They are omnivore reptiles that can live from 20 to 70 years. Baby alligator snapping turtles start out with a furry or fuzzy shell. This is perfectly normal as the shell slowly starts to harden as they grow. They spend most of their time in the water coming up to the surface to breathe every 40 to 50 minutes.

  • How to Take Care of Baby Map Turtles

    Map turtles are freshwater basking turtles that are also called sawback turtles. The map-like design on their shells is how they got their name. Map turtles require plenty of space to swim and bask, but are easy to care for. They can live up to 20 years with the proper care.

  • How to Take Care of Baby Box Turtles

    Raising baby box turtles is a challenging project best suited to an experienced reptile owner. Box turtle hatchlings in the wild are unlikely to survive their first year of life. They are susceptible to predators, parasites, environmental hazards and more. In captivity, a skilled owner can expect a relatively high survival rate for hatchlings that receive excellent care. Even for an experienced turtle enthusiast, raising hatchlings is time-consuming and difficult.

  • How to Take Care of an Aquatic Baby Turtle

    Because of their inherent cuteness, baby turtles are often sought-after pets for young children. However, it should be known that they are very delicate animals that require the utmost care and responsibility, and even then, keeping one healthy can be a difficult task. Before deciding to keep a baby turtle, whether one you've purchased or have found at a park (as is often the case), make sure you're up for the challenge of keeping it, as its life depends on the level of care you can provide.

  • How to Care for Baby Desert Box Turtles

    Baby desert box turtles are delicate creatures that need time to develop. They need a stable environment in which to develop but it doesn't take long before you'll see tiny turtles moving about. With the right materials and some special attention, you'll have happy, healthy turtles in no time.

  • How to Care for a Wild Baby Turtle

    With urban areas increasing in size and encroaching on more land than ever before, it is becoming common to have direct interaction with local wildlife. It is normal and accepted to see bird's nests and rabbit burrows in the backyard. More recently, however, home owners are discovering wild turtle eggs in their yard. Because reptiles lay their eggs and leave them to hatch on their own, wild baby turtles require the care and assistance of humans to remain safe while maturing enough to survive in the city.

  • How to Take Care of Baby Snapping Turtles

    Snapping turtles are a big responsibility, and shouldn't be thought of as anything less. They can live 30 to 40 years and can be aggressive, stinky, and can get as large as 12 inches long. They need lots of room to roam, they're messy, and it can cost hundreds of dollars for the initial investment. So please don't think that the cute little snapping turtle you found is going to be an easy pet to take care of.

  • How to Take Care of a Baby Turtle

    Turtles are reptiles and have been around for more than 200 million years. Many turtles such as musk turtles live mostly in water, but go on land as well, while other turtles such as box turtles live only on land. Taking care of baby turtles is a 24-hour responsibility. It is important to keep the baby turtles' environment as healthy and clean as possible for them to live for many years to come.

  • How to Care for a Baby Turtle

    When you pick your baby turtle out at the pet store or breeder, ask for care information specific to its species. If you discover a turtle in the wild, leave him in his natural habitat. However, if you wish to rescue a baby turtle from an unsafe location, you can identify some of the more common species and know how to care for each type.

  • How to Take Care of a Baby Snapping Turtle

    Baby snapping turtles need specific care, especially during the first few years of their life. Your turtle may be just two inches long now, but he will double in size every year until he reaches his adult size, which will be anywhere from 12 to 18 inches. If you take care of him during his first few years of growth, your turtle will be happy and healthy when he reaches adulthood.

  • Caring for Baby Painted Turtles

    The scientific name for a painted turtle is Chrysemys picta. Some states do not allow pet stores to sell turtles, but do allow you to keep any turtles you find in nature. This means you can find food for your turtles at your local pet store, even though they can't sell you a turtle. Painted turtles are some of the most common turtles kept as pets.

  • Care for Baby Water Turtles

    Turtles make excellent pets. They are slow moving, quiet, calm and easy to care for. Turtles make good pets for anyone who is a beginner in handling reptiles, and they are fairly inexpensive pets to own. Water turtles require more work to care for because they are more active than land turtles. Turtles can carry disease, so you should make sure you always wash your hands after handling them and young children should never handle water turtles, or any animal, alone.

  • Caring for Baby Snapping Turtles

    If you've decided to adopt a baby snapping turtle, you've adopted a challenging pet. Within two years, your baby snapper will be about 7 inches long. He will keep growing until he weighs about 40 or 50 pounds, so you'll definitely need an outdoor enclosure eventually. However, baby snappers do well inside---until they get too big for an aquarium and too big for you to safely handle.

  • How to Care for Baby Snapping Turtles

    A baby snapping turtle can be hard to resist, but keep in mind that it will grow quite large and can be destructive. Perhaps the most important thing to remember, however, is how long it will live: about 40 years with the right care. This is a huge commitment, so prepare yourself from the start.

  • How to Care for Baby Turtles

    Baby turtles can make lovely pets, but it takes work to make sure their environment is perfect. Luckily, many of the materials you need to make a home for a turtle are inexpensive and might already be in your home.

  • How to Care for Baby Painted Turtles

    Painted turtles are resilient and can become quite tame, which makes baby painted turtles appropriate pets. Baby turtles need special care, however. A well-designed habitat and nutritious foods are key to raising a healthy turtle. Follow the steps below to care for your baby painted turtle properly, so it will thrive for many years.

ehow.com
  • About eHow
  • How to by Topic
  • How to Videos
  • Sitemap

Copyright © 1999-2012 Demand Media, Inc.
Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Ad Choices en-US

Lifestyle Home Garden Pets
Verisign seal