How Do You Care For Painted Turtle Hatchlings?
Painted turtles, or chrysemys picta, are the most widely distributed turtles in North America. They resemble red-eared sliders, which many people remember as the “dime-store turtles” sold as pets in the 1960s, but painted turtles lack the distinctive red tags on the sides of their heads. They instead feature yellow and red markings on their heads, tails and legs, as well as red markings on the margins of their shells. Their bottom shells, or plastrons, are either bright yellow or red. With their cheerful colors and gentle natures, painted turtles make appealing pets, but they do need proper care to remain happy and healthy in a home aquarium. Since they breed readily in captivity, you may find yourself with hatchlings. Baby painted turtles are not difficult to raise to maturity. By following a few guidelines, you can help the hatchlings thrive. Set up a tank for your painted turtle hatchlings by treating tap water with turtle conditioner, dechlorinator and aquarium salt, following labe
