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.
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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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
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 7th, 2019
What you have is a species of slider. It could be a Yellow Bellied Slider. First, be sure it is legal in your state/county to keep a wild caught slider. You will need a tank large enough to provide swimming and basking areas. The general guideline is 10 gallons per inch of turtle. Choose a strong filter to help maintain water quality. It should be rated for at least twice the volume of the tank. You will likely need to perform partial water changes every few weeks though. Other necessary items include: a heat lamp over a basking area, a basking area easily accessible from the water, UVB lighting and a submersible water heater. Feed a balanced diet of animal protein (feeder fish, nightcrawlers, etc.), fresh greens and vegetables and commercial pellets. A multivitamin and a calcium supplement will also be needed. Consider having the turtle examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to confirm good health or to diagnose and treat any pre-existing conditions. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites. You can review slider care at the link below. Yes, the information is for red eared sliders, but the care is the same for yellow bellied sliders. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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