we found a newlly hatched turtle

Question

Turtle Belly   QUESTION: My son Ben found a newly hatched box turtle. At least I think that's what it is, but its shell feels soft. At first, I thought it had been hurt because it looked like it had intestines hanging out of its underbelly and there was some blood and feces present, but after only 24 hours, it had receded mostly, with just a slight amount of tissue remaining in that spot (yolk sack remnant?). He seems OK otherwise, a little sluggish. We live in a busy subdivision and I really don't know how he ended up in my garden. Ben wants to keep him, but I have no clue how to care for him. Do their shells get harder as they age? I know they like to eat fruit and lettuce and insects when they are grown, and I know I can buy turtle food, but what should we do to feed this newborn? We have no clue where to start. What should we keep him in? I have heard aquariums are bad. We could build an outdoor enclosure, but is that OK for one so small and with cold weather coming? We live just south of St. Louis, MO. I would greatly appreciate any advice you have. The little thing looks pretty defenseless right now. Thanks! Jane and Ben

ANSWER: I cannot verify that it is a box turtle, but that is definitely a baby with the yolk sac. In general- it will not and should not eat until the sac is completely absorbed, and for about a week afterwards.

Now- if it IS a box turtle, and I think you are right, it is protected by law in most of its range and should be released soon. It is also tough to raise baby box turtles if you are not ready for it. I would release it as close to where you found it as possible after the yolk sac is healed over.

As for cares, try http://www.boxturtlesite.info or http://www.austinsturtlepage.com or even the forums at http://www.turtleforum.com

Good luck!



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So, it appears that the yolk sac is just about gone now, it's just a little nub. I have no idea where to release him because we are surrounded by houses. If I take him to nearby woods (at least a mile away) is that OK? I have heard turtles are quite territorial, will this upset his system? Another website reported that you should not release turtles if found in areas where development has taken over the natural habitat. I just want to do what is right.        Jane

Answer
With the yolk sac, it was found near its nest. If you just put it back under a plant or other semi-safe location by where it was found, it will be fine. It may wander a mile from the nest to its home- but it needs to get ready for the journey.

Releasing caught animals is tricky- there are a lot of variables involved to make it safe for the turtle. In this situation, however, the yolk sac makes it easy. Basically, we are going to put it back in the nest and let what will happen, happen.



Thanks for writing back. I need to clarify something- You asked a lot about cares and diet- and I was unable to answer that because I am not sure what the species is based on the photo. I thought I made that point, but apparently not. It must have gotten wiped in my editing.

It could be a mud or musk turtle, which needs completely different cares and diet than a box turtle needs- and the cares for one would easily kill the other.