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.

Things You'll Need

  • 10-gallon aquarium
  • Potting soil
  • Sphagnum moss
  • Aquarium light
  • 60-watt bulb
  • 40-watt bulb
  • Medium-sized shallow dish
  • Large flat rock
  • Spray bottle
  • Large plastic box
  • Mild soap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make a hatchling-safe habitat. Turtle hatchlings need a warm, safe place to live. A day after the eggs hatch, set up a 10-gallon aquarium. Place a thick layer of potted soil at the bottom of the aquarium. Place a layer of sphagnum moss on top of the potted soil. Add a large flat rock to the aquarium. Put a hiding house in the aquarium, as well.

    • 2

      Set up an aquarium lamp. Use a 60-watt bulb during the winter and a 40-watt bulb during warmer months. Keep the light on at all times.

    • 3

      Move the hatchling to the aquarium. Mist the soil and moss with tepid water before gently placing the turtle hatchling in the aquarium. Avoid the underside of the hatchling. Too much handling will rupture the yolk sack attached to the underside.

    • 4

      Place a shallow dish 1/3 full of water in the aquarium. Turn on the aquarium light. Leave the hatchling alone.

    • 5

      Feed the hatchling. Place a small dish of wet cat food in the aquarium. After an hour, remove the food. Attempt feeding every other day. Typically, during the first week, turtle hatchlings live off of the remainder of their yolk sack and will not eat. Begin incorporating other foods into the hatchling's diet once it begins eating. Incorporate foods such as small worms, slugs and fruit into the cat food. Continue feeding the hatchling every other day.

    • 6

      Mist the soil and the moss every day. Keep the aquarium moist by keeping the soil and moss damp.

    • 7

      Change the dish of water several times a day. Hatchlings enjoy soaking in water and frequently soak in the water dish. Keep the water fresh to avoid risk of disease.

    • 8

      Take the hatchling outside. Once a day, place the hatchling in a shallow, plastic box filled with moist potting soil and sphagnum moss. Take the box outside and place it in a warm, sunny area. Return the hatchling to the aquarium after an hour.

    • 9

      Clean the cage once a month. Place the hatchling in a temporary cage. Remove everything in the aquarium. Thoroughly clean the aquarium with mild soap and warm water. Clean the house with mild soap and warm water, as well. Thoroughly rinse the aquarium and house. Rinse the basking rock with warm water. Place fresh, damp soil and moss in the aquarium. Put the house and the rock back in the aquarium. Turn the aquarium light on. Place the hatchling back in the aquarium once it is warm.