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What to do if I find a baby turtle? Can I keep it? What do they eat?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

I found a baby turtle upside-down in a puddle about the size of a plate. He was barely moving, and there was no creek within a few miles. I took him in and got a 10 gallon tank. I went to a creek and got some water from that, and some little rocks and made a habitat. I got a best lamp as well. What should I do? Should I keep him and care for him? Also, what should I feed him? I sent some pics to tell size and type.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on March 19th, 2018

It looks like a juvenile slider. Ideally, a wild turtle should be returned to the area where found. They don't transition well to captivity Since it is a juvenile , you may have a better chance though. You can read about slider care here: http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html You can feed a commercial pellet or stick diet supplemented with fresh greens and some protein in the form of crickets, feeder fish or nightcrawlers. The water should be no deeper than twice the length of the shell and should be heated and filtered. Provide a heat lamp and UVB lighting.

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  • Image profile

    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on March 19th, 2018

    Ideally, it should be returned to the location where it was found. It isn't harmful or dangerous to keep a wild slider but it may not transition well to captivity. If you plan on keeping it, use the article at the link below as a template for proper care and feeding. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

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