Instructions
Distinguish the habitat in which you found the baby turtle. Different species prefer different habitats and you can differentiate habitats as "pond," "marsh," "river," "woods" or similar.
Take note of any distinguishing characteristics of the turtle. This might include markings and the color of the plastron (bottom shell) and carapace (upper shell).
Borrow a reptile or turtle field guide from your local library. For best results, try to find one that mentions only local species. Many field guides have detailed pictures that can help you visually identify the turtle, along with a detailed written description.
Call your local extension office for a university and ask to speak with a herpetology expert, or call the herpetology department of a local university. Discussing the turtle with an expert can yield better results, and you may be able to take the turtle to the expert. You can also take the baby turtle to a vet who specializes in reptiles or exotic pets.
How to Find Out What Kind of Turtle My Baby Turtle Is
Trying to distinguish which species of baby turtle you have may be difficult, considering many turtle species look very similar. If you purchased the turtle, finding out the species could be as simple as making a phone call to the store where you purchased it. If you found the baby turtle, it gets more difficult. Many baby turtles resemble the adults of their species, although sometimes they are much more brightly colored. If it is a wild turtle, you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator for more information and set it free.