How do i care for a turtle I found in my backyard?

Answer 1

First of all, find out the species. Some are illegal to keep as pets (the endangered/threatened ones)- 6 months plus in jail plus a huge fine. If you are a minor, your parents will get the fine.

As for care: it all depends on the species, if a water turtle, you need water, a bit of land ti sun itself on, and crickets/worms/minnows as food.

If a land tortoise- pick it some grass and see what it eats. They usually love dandelions. If you want to buy food, romaine (not iceberg) lettuce is good, along with some fruits and veggies.

Answer 2

I found a turtle in the middle of the street. I found out that it was a water turtle, but big. I got a fish tank and put 1/4 of water in the tank with lots of rocks so the turtle can dry off when want to. You get a heat lamp on the side where the turtle dries off at and don't forget the filter, they have small filters for turtle tanks at Pet Smart

Answer 3

Sadly, wild turtles do not do well in captivity. I generally recommend not keeping them (other than maybe for a weekend to enjoy).

The stress of suddenly having their lives changed means they won't eat right, and that and parasites or diseases they have will affect them much, much worse than normal.

If you DO decide to keep it (and it is legal for you to keep), then the basic cares would depend on the species.

If, for example, it is a typical pond turtle, such as a Painted turtle, you would need:

- Tank or tub that allows 10 gallons per inch of turtle, with plans for it as a baby, mid-size, and full-size turtle. Painted hit about 8", so an adult would like 80 gallons of swimming space.
- A way to heat the water to about 75-80F 24/7. use thermometers to KNOW what the temps are.
- A good filtration system to save you from nearly daily water changes. A good filter will be a cannister type rated for about 3 times the amount of tank you are using- if a 20 gallon tank, the filter should be rated for a 60 gallon. Again, plan ahead so you only buy this once- get one rated for the adult size tank (times 3) if possible.
- Lighting offers 3 things- light, basking site heat (aim for 90F) and UVB rays the turtle needs, but cannot get from light that passes through glass or plastic. You can find an all-in-one bulb (mercury vapor) or get a heat or basking lamp and a UVB lamp. Putting these on a timer makes your job easier.
- Turtles like this need a good basking site- logs, docks, ramps, etc. work, Part of a ceramic pot or some rocks will work if needed.
- At the bottom of the tank is your choice, just avoid colorful pebbles- many turtles (and a lot of fish) think they look like food. A tank vacuum system will help both clean the bottom and change about 1/4th of the water every week, even with a good filter.

Finally- diet. Here is another place knowing the species makes a difference- and so does the size.

Young pond turtles eat live or frozen/thawed 'fish foods' like worms, snails, crickets, shrimp, krill, etc. You can serve them good quality pellets as well. As they get older- nearing adult size, add some dark leafy greens and other veggies as well.

You can learn what you need for most turtles at http://www.austinsturtlepage.com

Answer 4

You should get like a 25 gal. long and fill it up with a little water, but enough so he can swim. If he is big enough get him feeder fish. also get him turtle food. I suggest getting him a couple of rocks and a light. We found a turtle at my old school someone brung their turtle to school in the morning and at night my dad found a turtle in the schoolyard so I was guessing he let him go that morning and we kept he for about a year than gave him to my neighbors cousins.

A$H!

Answer 5

It depends on what kind. If it is a box turtle and you want to keep it, Get a big plastic box and pack dirt on to the bottum and then put leaves and grass clippings and stuff in it and keep a section about the size of a hand on the bottum dirtless and put water in it and to feed it, put lettuce leaves or chopped carrots and maybe a little strawberry piece. If it is a mud slider, then put it in a tank almost full to the top with water and get something that will let it get out of the water like a large rock.

Answer 6

You dont, if its a box turtle, take it to the woods, or if its a water take it to a nice pond or lake, dont keep the poor thing, wild animals need to stay WILD

Answer 7

You leave it exactly where you found it. If you want a pet turtle, go purchase one. Don't swipe one up from outdoors and stick him in a cage.

Answer 8

Let it go somewhere away from houses and human threats, such as polluted water and kids who think it would make a cool pet.

Answer 9

You let it go in a nearby lake/pond where it likely came from.

Answer 10

give her lettuce every day and water. don't wake her up when it is winter.

be careful if you have a dog! lol

good luck