How to Care for Loggerhead Turtle Hatchlings

Loggerhead turtles are a water-dwelling species of the genus Sternotherus minor. Widely distributed throughout the southern United States, loggerheads gravitate to the warm, temperate regions of the Georgia, Florida and Tennessee. Loggerheads are a favorite among turtle owners because of their congenial personality and high activity level. Loggerheads are easy to raise as hatchlings, and because they live for up to 15 years in captivity, loggerhead turtles provide years of enjoyment for amphibian enthusiasts.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquatic enclosure
  • Basking space
  • Heat lamp
  • Aquarium substrate
  • Turtle pellets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Construct an appropriately sized aquatic enclosure for your loggerhead hatchlings, either in an outdoor pond or indoor aquarium. If you live in an area of temperate weather (in the low to mid 70s Fahrenheit), housing the hatchlings outdoors is preferable. Be sure to take appropriate steps to protect outdoor turtles from local predators. Because of their highly active nature, loggerheads require a larger enclosure than many other turtles. Plan for at least 30 gallons of water per hatchling.

    • 2

      Provide adequate basking space for the hatchlings. Although loggerheads do not frequently bask, they still require the space to do so occasionally. While older turtles will generally prefer a rock or log, hatchlings enjoy basking on the stems and leaves of aquatic plants. If indoors, providing a heat lamp above the basking area is essential.

    • 3

      Line the bottom of the enclosure with a medium-sized aquarium substrate. Loggerhead hatchlings enjoy foraging for food on the bottom of the aquarium or pond, and river rock provides them with ample fodder through which to forage.

    • 4

      Filter your loggerhead hatchlings' water aggressively and perform water changes often. Loggerhead hatchlings are particularly messy eaters, and ammonia can quickly build up in an improperly maintained tank.

    • 5

      Track the water temperature carefully. Loggerhead hatchlings are more temperature-intolerant than many other species of turtle, so maintaining a temperature in the mid 70s is critical.

    • 6

      Feed your loggerheads a standard turtle pellet in the amount recommended by the manufacturer. Liven up your turtle's diet with crickets, earthworms and other turtle-safe insects.

    • 7

      Separate your loggerhead hatchlings before they reach sexual maturity. Aggression between male loggerheads is common, particularly in captivity. Separating your adult loggerheads is critical to their health, safety and well-being.