General Care Discussion :: Poorly cared for hatchlings... help?

[sundae_era]

Okay, so a family member bought two hatchling turtles. Very small, not sure what exactly they are... I don't think RES as they had a lot of yellow and less green. And now they're moving out of state, and not taking them with them. So, since I have a six year old Eastern box turtle I am lucky enough to inherit them... sigh. I have seen them once previously and though I sent over a thermometer and heat lamp (and a lecture) don't think they used them, so they've been in a filterless five gallon (?) aquarium for the last couple of months probably at room temp.I assume they're eating commercial pellets but I really don't know at this point.

My main concern is this: Since I'm pretty sure he bought these like... off the street while on vacation and I have no idea what shape they're in currently (I plan on giving them a good inspection ASAP) how concerned should I be with them transmitting something to my box turtle? I never planned on adding more turtles and particularly not aquatics. They might end up going to a rescue once I find one, since I'm not too keen on this whole situation but in the meantime they need to stay at my apartment. Obviously they wouldn't have any direct contact with my boxie, but is it safe to even keep them in the same room? Or household? I don't want to expose my turtle to any weird respiratory thing they might have. I would love to take them to a herp vert but there aren't any nearby, I have no idea how long I'd have to wait to get them in once I find one, and I didn't exactly plan for this financially.

I may be getting them tomorrow, if so I'll try to put up a picture so I can at least figure out what species I've got. I really appreciate any words of wisdom!

[Jeremiah]

It's perfectly safe to have them in the same apartment/room. It's a good idea to wash your hands between handling the sliders and the EBT (as well as their food/water), and if you're really concerned, you could even buy a box of examination gloves (to switch pairs between enclosures).

[josephkr]

I'd keep them separate, but I think you could have them in the same room. If you're just caring for them for a bit and need a safe habitat, a rubbermaid tub can make a great turtle tank, just provide some way for them to climb out of the water, bask, and dry off whenever they need. Give them a heat lamp, and change half the water out every day or every other day to keep it clean. If it is several weeks you'll need to get a UVB to give them UV rays they need, and you'll probably want a filter for the water. If I'm reading your post right it sounds like you want to pass these on as soon as possible, and that would be cheapest way to provide safe care for these turtles.

[steve]

I would expect them to be sliders, especially if they got them off the street.