i know i seem to sound retarded but i need some answers and the reseach i have looked up doesnt really help?

Question

my turtle is a baby and not much bigger than a quarter so
if anyone here has experience with turtles this young it would help me alot if i had some questions answered.

do turtles need there heaters on all the time or only when you feed them? and is it ok if i put my turtle outside in the sun with shade instead of purchasing a lighting device? and is it ok if i feed it a little bit of food each day instead of feeding it every other day. and how much food should i feed it.

Answer 1

You know, everyone saying "Let it go! It's illegal to own a turtle that young." is only half right. Yes, there are unenforced laws all over the place that you aren't supposed to buy sell or own turtles under four inches or whatever except for educational purposes. BUT my guess is NOT that this was a wild turtle, it's most likely a red eared slider, and it was most likely purchased in a manner that the asker -thought- was legal. Who enforces it anyway. Go call fish and wildlife in your state and report someone for selling these things... I'd love to see turtle-sellers on the sides of roads and at flea markets shut down... call and see what's done about it... if you get any shut down let me know. DO NOT RELEASE EXOTIC SPECIES INTO LOCAL WATERWAYS.

Reptiles need to stay within a certain temperature range at all times, not just when they're eating.

If you put your little turtle outside, here's a list of possible outcomes.....

A bird will eat it. A squirrel will eat it, it will overheat, that stray cat that poops in your yard will eat it, -or- that neighbor dog that can't stay in it's own yard will eat it.

Aquariums act as ovens, lose track of the time and how much that shade has moved.... nope, don't leave it outside until you can build an enclosure and the turtle is big enough for most predators to not be able to pick up. Get a light.

Answer 2

Turtles that small should eat small meals twice a day. Put out a variety of foods for about 30 minutes. Let him eat what he wants, then pick it up and toss it. Water turtles should have a "feeding station" where you can monitor what and how much is eaten.

They need their heaters on all the time.

They need 12-14 HOURS of UV light. Right now, he's too small to be outside alone. When he gets to be the size of a cereal bowl, you can move him to a secure pen in the backyard for sun and "play" time during warm days.
Lamps are NECESSARY. No matter the age of the turtle.

Answer 3

1. A really good information site for turtles, try http://www.austinsturtlepage.com

2. Heaters- an automatic heater in the water that kicks on when needed is a good idea. Preset it to about 75F. Overhead lamps make terrible heaters.

3. If your little turtle had a good, safe pond in the yard, great. Just out in the sun is bad.

4. Feed it a little every day. Babies should get about 1/4 teaspoon of food a day. Austins Turtle Page discusses good foods for babies.

5. I have this feeling your turtle's habitat is not what it should be to keep the little guy happy and healthy. Please check out this article: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Articles/newhatchling.htm

Answer 4

My suggestion to you is contact a veterinarian in your area that sees turtles. The veterinarian should be able to answer your questions. There are many different varieties of turtles and some require different care than others.
As for lighting, you do want to have a full spectrum light available at least 12 hours a day. The light should be about 12 inches above the turtle. Sunlight is good, but you do want to make sure its not too cold outside. Turtles can not control their body temperature and need it to be warm.
Make sure you supply water for swimming. Turtles differ from tortioses in that they are water creatures and need to have access to water for swimming and some land for rest.
I would offer food daily. You need to discuss with the veterinarian on diet, since you did not supply the type of turtle it is. Some turtle species like plants, some like meat such as insects or pinkies, and some require a balance between the 2.

Answer 5

They do need UVA/UVB light. If you can take it outside for a few hours a day that should be fine. I'd at least turn a basking light on him for a few hours a day. You do need to feed him every day until he's at least 4" I'd say. Feed him what he can eat in under 5 minutes. There isn't really a set amount.

a quick search gave me this site http://www.turtlecare.net/babycare.htm

In 1976 the FDA made it illegal to own a turtle under 4" in diameter, the law isn't always enforced though.

Please visit http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/wildlife_news/baby_turtles_and_children_a_dangerous_combination.html

I hope I have helped.

Answer 6

I personally do not have a pet turtle but I do know of a very useful website that may help you. It's called allturtles.com. I have provided a link to their home page for you. They have some very straight forward care sheets and an on-line community for turtle owners.
I hope this helps you!!
GOOD LUCK!!

http://www.allturtles.com/index.php

Answer 7

You should buy a heating lamp/rock for it. They need them all the time and not just when they are being fed. The sun won't be out all the time obviously so you are better off buying something to keep it warm. As for the feeding, they usually won't be hungry everyday because reptiles are cold blooded and don't need the extra food to keep their bodies warm like we do. As for the amount of food, it really depends on the age and type of turtle.

Answer 8

Let it be free, it can take care of itself in the wild much better than a human with no knowledge of turtles can. Turtle populations are decreasing, and this doesn't help.

Answer 9

How do you guys know the turtle is WC?! Stop saying that because this person didn't say that. and the guy above me has the answers....

Answer 10

Put the turtle back in the creek/river/lake where you found it, turltes under 4 inches are illegal to have