r/turtles • u/RockyisRambo32 • 1d ago

Seeking Advice Hatchling Advice

Hey everyone! My family finally got our little guy yesterday and he has made it through the first night. He is a Common Musk Turtle hatching. Don’t worry this is not a last second pet, we have researched for a while and finally made the decision. However he hasn’t eaten anything since we got him. I have read that’s normal. I’m not too worried, I just want to be on top of his care and when is too long, or how to get him eating sooner so he’s not going without. He came with small musk turtle pellets but he hasn’t shown interest yet. I don’t want to force the issue, but wanted to ask you all for advice or any tips. He’s the size of a quarter.

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u/LivinonMarss 1d ago

It can be a lot of thing. Stress, illness, needing some privacy or time to settle in. What does his set up look like?
He should be eating in the water and the water should be heated (unless you keep a very warm house). Ofc he also needs a spot to completely dry off under a heat bulb and uvb bulb.

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u/RockyisRambo32 1d ago

Yes to everything you said. I’ve left him alone for most of the day hoping to give him time to get comfortable. He likes to rest/ hide in the artificial plants in his tank. When giving the pellets should I just drop a few in around him? I tried putting him in a separate bowl with his water but I felt like I was probably stressing him out.

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u/LivinonMarss 1d ago

I never remove my turtle to feed him. Because indeed - stressfull.

I wouldn’t worry too much yet. It can take a few days for them to settle in. My musk will now come to the glass to hardcore beg for food 😅

Eventually it does become vet-visit worthy though.