When raising young turtles, the first and most important step is to choose a healthy species. When purchasing baby turtles, make sure they have a complete shell without any deformities, no signs of illness or injury, and are active and alert. It's best to select turtles that match the appropriate size and weight for their species. For example, Brazilian red-eared sliders should be at least 3 cm in carapace length and weigh 6 grams or more. For box turtles, the carapace length should be 2.6 cm or more, with a width of 2.2 cm or more, and a weight over 3.5 grams. Yellow-throated turtles should weigh more than 7 grams.
Next, prepare the water environment for the hatchlings. The turtle pool should ideally be a rectangular cement tank with a 2.5-degree slope on the bottom, which makes cleaning and drainage easier. It also allows the young turtles to choose different depths of water. A cement slab should be placed in the pool so that half is dry and half is wet, providing a place for the turtles to rest, hide, and eat. Before introducing the hatchlings, disinfect the pool thoroughly using bleach or lime. The water pH should be between 7 and 8, with a green, clear appearance and a transparency of about 25–30 cm.
For stocking, the density should be around 50–100 hatchlings per square meter. If the density is high, change the water more frequently. If it's lower, change it every five days. Before placing them in the pool, soak the hatchlings in a 4 ppm potassium permanganate solution for about 20 minutes or in saltwater to prevent disease.
Maintain the water level at 10–20 cm, gradually increasing it as the turtles grow. Keep the water temperature between 26°C and 30°C, ensuring the daily temperature difference doesn’t exceed 4°C. Add aquatic plants like water hyacinth or water lentils to help purify the water and provide hiding spots, creating a more natural and comfortable habitat.
Feeding is crucial during the early stages. Hatchlings should primarily eat animal-based food. Newly hatched turtles can rely on their yolk sac for the first day or two, then switch to cooked egg yolk, red worms, or finely chopped green leeks. After a week, introduce minced fish, quail meat, or organ meats. All food must be fresh, soft, and easy to digest. Avoid foods like cocoons or fatty organs that are hard to break down. Feed twice a day, offering 5–10% of their total body weight, and ensure they finish the meal within two hours.
Winter care depends on the method you choose. Some keepers warm the turtles through winter, while others let them hibernate naturally. However, young turtles often lack sufficient energy reserves and are vulnerable to cold. It’s safer to extend their growth period before winter. For natural hibernation, spread 20 cm of moist sand in the pool, allowing the turtles to burrow. Keep the sand slightly damp and cover it with straw for insulation. Avoid freezing the sand. If using temperature control, gradually reduce the temperature over 5–7 days to mimic natural conditions—sudden drops can lead to early death.
Disease prevention is key. Change the water regularly and treat it weekly with a 1:10,000 potassium permanganate solution or 2 ppm furazolidone. Mix antibiotics like terramycin or furazolidone into their food. Clean the feeding area with bleach or lime. If you notice sluggish or floating turtles, isolate and treat them immediately. Also, protect the hatchlings from predators like cats, dogs, rats, snakes, and ants. With proper care, your young turtles will thrive and grow strong.
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