Take Care of a Baby Turtle - Know what kind of baby turtle you have. There are turtles that can live in water and out of water, while others only live out of water. For example, red-eared slider turtles have red stripes on each side of their heads while snapping turtles have large heads. They both live in and out of water. Box turtles have bright yellow markings on the shell and are considered ground turtles since they live out of water.
Prepare a container or glass tank for the baby turtle to stay in. Box turtles can stay in a 10- to 20-gallon plastic tub without water. For red-eared sliders and snapping turtles, put no more than 2 inches of water inside the tank until the turtle is 4 months old. Situate a couple rocks around the tank so that the baby turtles can climb up on them to get out of the water. Spread out some soil on the bottom of the container so the baby turtles can hide when they feel the need to. Put out small food and water bowls for them to eat and drink from.
Take Care of a Baby Turtle
Place lamps over the container or glass tank. The lamp will provide heat for the baby turtles. Place one lamp at each end of the turtle's housing. The temperature needs to be at least 70 degrees in the turtle's living area.
Provide the baby turtle with food. Baby turtles will eat worms, insects, berries, mushrooms, bananas, tomatoes, lettuce and fish. You can also purchase dried ant eggs from the pet store to add to the baby turtle's diet. To feed box turtles, wet the food before placing it in their food bowl. Feed baby turtles three times a week with crickets, fish and other nutrient-rich foods. Feed baby turtles fresh fruits and vegetables daily.
Keep the baby turtle's living area clean at all times. Give fresh water daily, remove feces and food from the water, and wash off the baby turtle after it finishes eating to remove any excess food left on its body and shell.
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. - by eHow
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