How to Raise Baby Turtles

According to the Humane Society of the United States, reptiles, including turtles, are not the best pet to have, especially around children. Turtles, even the baby ones found in pet stores, carry salmonella, which is dangerous for children. Salmonella can be transmitted even without direct contact. Furthermore, turtles outgrow their habitat quickly and live a long time. So be sure you have the time, money and experience to raise baby turtles because this is not a hobby for the mildly interested.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Water
  • Baby turtle food
  • Heat lamp
  • Soil
  • Stones
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Instructions

    • 1
      Back in the 50s and 60s, thousands of baby turtles were sold with a kidney-shaped bowl and a plastic palm tree.

      Set up an aquarium in which your baby turtles can live. Place your aquarium near a window so your baby turtles can get plenty of natural sunlight. The aquarium must be big enough for the turtles to move around in, swim and be able to get out of the water. Pet turtles require much more than a small, shallow bowl and a plastic palm tree. The tank should have a screened lid.

    • 2
      Turtles grow quickly, you will need to have a larger tank as they grow.

      Place a thin layer of soil, slate or rocks at the bottom of the aquarium so your baby turtles can dig or hide. Put some stones around the tank so that your baby turtles can climb and get air and bask in the sun. Decorative plants, either real or silk, provide an aesthetic as well as a place to hide.

    • 3
      It is illegal to buy or sell turtles with shells less than 4 inches in diameter.

      Add water to your aquarium. The amount of water that you add should not be higher than your baby turtle's shell when it is on it's side. Because this amount of water is too shallow for most pumps to clean, you will need to change your water pretty regularly as baby turtles require a clean environment in order to maintain good health. Turtles drink the water in which they swim, so it must be kept fresh and clean at all times.

    • 4

      Place a heat lamp over the aquarium. Because turtles are cold blooded, they will need the heat from the lamp to survive. You will notice that your baby turtles will spend much of their time taking in the heat. Use an automatic timer to turn the heat lamp on and off during the day and night.

    • 5
      Lettuces are great for baby turtles.

      Feed your baby turtles a wide variety of food. You can buy pellets or flakes specifically made for baby turtles. Lettuce is also good for your baby turtles. Purchase commercially available turtle pellets, and offer dark leafy vegetables such as romaine lettuce, endive or radicchio. Offer grated or thinly-sliced veggies such as zucchini and carrots. Insects can be given as treats.