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What to do if I find a baby turtle? Can I keep it? What do they eat?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

I found a baby turtle upside-down in a puddle about the size of a plate. He was barely moving, and there was no creek within a few miles. I took him in and got a 10 gallon tank. I went to a creek and got some water from that, and some little rocks and made a habitat. I got a best lamp as well. What should I do? Should I keep him and care for him? Also, what should I feed him? I sent some pics to tell size and type.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on March 19th, 2018

It looks like a juvenile slider. Ideally, a wild turtle should be returned to the area where found. They don't transition well to captivity
Since it is a juvenile , you may have a better chance though.
You can read about slider care here: http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

You can feed a commercial pellet or stick diet supplemented with fresh greens and some protein in the form of crickets, feeder fish or nightcrawlers. The water should be no deeper than twice the length of the shell and should be heated and filtered. Provide a heat lamp and UVB lighting.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on March 19th, 2018
Ideally, it should be returned to the location where it was found. It isn't harmful or dangerous to keep a wild slider but it may not transition well to captivity. If you plan on keeping it, use the article at the link below as a template for proper care and feeding.

http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on June 7th, 2019
What you have is a species of slider. It could be a Yellow Bellied Slider. First, be sure it is legal in your state/county to keep a wild caught slider.
You will need a tank large enough to provide swimming and basking areas. The general guideline is 10 gallons per inch of turtle. Choose a strong filter to help maintain water quality. It should be rated for at least twice the volume of the tank. You will likely need to perform partial water changes every few weeks though.
Other necessary items include: a heat lamp over a basking area, a basking area easily accessible from the water, UVB lighting and a submersible water heater.
Feed a balanced diet of animal protein (feeder fish, nightcrawlers, etc.), fresh greens and vegetables and commercial pellets. A multivitamin and a calcium supplement will also be needed.
Consider having the turtle examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to confirm good health or to diagnose and treat any pre-existing conditions. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites.
You can review slider care at the link below. Yes, the information is for red eared sliders, but the care is the same for yellow bellied sliders.

http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Found a baby turtle in NC. What kind is it and how do I care for it?

Those are a pair of yellow belly sliders. They are common throughout your state. Returning them to the spot you found them or to the nearest body of water would be recommended as well. If you plan on keeping them, check local, state and federal wildlife laws first. Care of this species is identical to its cousin, the red eared slider. You can review care at the link below. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

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How much and how often should I feed my baby red eared slider turtle?

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My red sliders only eat dried shrimp. How can I vary their diet?

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I just got small turtles. What do they need for tank, food, and care?

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Found a turtle outside. What kind is it and what care does it need?

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Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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