How to Look After Baby Turtles

Determine what type of baby turtle you have. Turtles either live in water (aquatic) or on land (terrestrial). Care is similar in many aspects, but differs when it comes to habitat. The painted, mud, red-eared slider and yellow belly slider are common aquatic turtles while the box turtle is the most common land turtle.

Purchase an aquarium with a cover that is large enough for the turtle. The Michigan State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital recommends a 30-50 gallon tank. A good rule of thumb is to find out how long the turtle will be once full grown and base the tank size off that measurement. The aquarium should hold 10 gallons of water for every inch of the turtle. You can purchase a smaller aquarium for the baby turtle and a larger aquarium as it grows.

Equip the aquarium according to the type of baby turtle. Land turtles only need a shallow dish of water for drinking and floating. Include a slope to allow the turtle to easily get in and out of the dish. For the bottom of the aquarium, lay down mulch or a moss-like substance. If the turtle begins eating it, switch to paper or cage carpet. Provide a shaded space for the land turtle to hide as well as a basking area.

An aquatic turtle needs at least enough water for swimming. The water should be as deep as the turtle's shell is long, but deeper water is even better. There is no need to put any material on the bottom of the tank, but slate, rock or large gravel pieces that cannot be eaten may be used. Aquatic turtles also need a separate land or basking area. Include a slope to allow the turtle to easily get in and out of the water to the basking area. Be sure the tank also includes a water filtration system.

Provide proper lighting for the turtle. Turtles are cold-blood animals and need help making Vitamin D to survive. Place a full spectrum, 50-watt UV-B light bulb 12 inches off the basking area. The light cannot penetrate through glass and should not be positioned outside the tank. Replace the bulb every five to seven months. Use a timer and schedule the light to remain on for 12-14 hours a day for land turtles and 10-12 hours a day for aquatic turtles.

Regulate the temperature in the aquarium. For aquatic turtles, the ideal water temperature is 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. To maintain the correct water temperature, use a submersible heater or a heating pad under the tank. In the basking area, the temperature for aquatic and land turtles should be 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a 60-watt incandescent or basking light on top of the aquarium cover and over the land area for heat.

Feed the baby turtle two to three times a day. Add a vitamin supplement two times a week. Aquatic and land turtles have similar diets. The only difference is that aquatic turtles only eat their food in water. Consider feeding it in a separate container to help with clean up.

Baby turtles can be fed pellets, but need other food as well. The turtle's diet should be 25% pellets or commercial food, 25% animal protein and 50% plant matter. Babies can eat small feeder fish, earthworms and mealworms, crickets and snails. They can also be given leafy green vegetables like romaine lettuce or kale. Shredded carrots and squash are additional options. Amphibian Care recommends staying away from spinach and iceberg lettuce.

Change the baby turtle's water once a week. Clean the tank thoroughly once a month. Move the turtle to a temporary enclosure like a rubber storage unit. Wash the tank, preferably outdoors, with warm, soapy water and a 3 percent bleach solution. Let the tank dry. Replace the water, flooring and bulb. Move the turtle back into its home, and rinse and disinfect the temporary holding place.

Minimize handling of the baby turtle, especially by children. Turtles generally do not like to be picked up. They can bite and scratch. If you need to pick up the turtle, hold it on either side of the shell, between the front and hind legs. Turtles are also known to carry disease like salmonella. Anytime you handle the turtle, wash your hands immediately and disinfect any area it touched.