turtle needs help

[ward1066]

found this little guy outside today and he doesnt look so hot. It has been raining a lot here and pretty cool. In the 50's. He seems pretty lethargic, I brought him in and put hin on my aquarium lights to warm him up. I dont know a lot about turtles. Any ideas?

 

[M|L]

I'm not sure if it's such a good idea to collect a wild hatchling... probably illegal as well.

It's a common snapping turtle it seems and it's probably better to let him go.

They get very big and re-releasing it later on (if you can save it) can have other repercussions.

 

[krazy4country]

its cute

 

[ward1066]

I'm not sure if it's such a good idea to collect a wild hatchling... probably illegal as well.

It's a common snapping turtle it seems and it's probably better to let him go.

They get very big and re-releasing it later on (if you can save it) can have other repercussions.

he was in my yard, I dont want him...just trying to save him

 

[ward1066]

hes warming up and more active now, I think ill wait till the sun comes out and let him go

 

[M|L]

they're a native species, very tolerable of cool weather, as long as it's not near freezing for anything.

I guess you can setup a temporary home with an empty tank or tub (clean it of course) and add some dechlorinated water (bottled water would do), a big flat rock or wood where it can bask, and a nice heat lamp above the rock/wood.

it'll eat anything, feed bugs, worms, what have you.

 

[ward1066]

I got a 5 gal bucket, how deep should the water be? I guees he cant drown?

 

[M|L]

they're pretty good swimmers, but you don't need it too deep. 3" would suffice.

 

[imcrystal]

he has a long tail..
thats a snapping turtle???

if you want to keep him who gives a crap if its illegal. are cops really going to come to your home, arrest and incarcerate you for trying to save a dying baby turtle??
highly unlikely....

good luck with it & let us know what you decide to do..

 

[Mike D]

common snapper.

quite a few people on here keep them