Hurt Turtle

[IluvePiggies]

I've seen a Turtle(that I nicknamed Tilly) come to our backyard often and its got this long back scratch on its shell. It hasn't come back for some day now and I'm worried that it may have been eaten. But if the turtle does come back, what should I do? I want to keep it for a few days and feed it some of my piggies lettuce just cause. Here are some facts about it:

• Its a Snapping Turtle
• All I have for it is a cardboard box

What should I do if it comes back and its even more hurt? What should I feed it?

[Kipsie]

At first I thought "Animal Care and Control", but don't they kill animals eventually?
And i'm not sure if snappers like lettuce. o_O

I googled it and people say they love crickets.
Turtle Homes - Snapping Turtles

There you go. Hope that helps.

I still have no idea what you can do with it...


---EDIT---


Or a turtle rescue? o_O

[IluvePiggies]

LOL, turtle rescue, I dont' think we have one nearby but we do have a creak in our backyard. Would a Snapping Turtle be better off down in a creek?

[Kipsie]

I'd call the nearest rescue, regardless of state/city, and ask them what to do if it's hurt or sick for some reason. =/


Did you check Petfinder for rescues?


And whatever you do, don't put your finger in his/her mouth!

[IluvePiggies]

Originally Posted by Kipsie

I'd call the nearest rescue, regardless of state/city, and ask them what to do if it's hurt or sick for some reason. =/


Did you check Petfinder for rescues?


And whatever you do, don't put your finger in his/her mouth!

I knew that from the start when my cousin had a snapping turtle and it bit him. Tilly was picked up by my Dad cause she was getting close to being cut by the weed-eater but now she hasn't come back So now I'm sad and I hope that another turtle or Tilly comes to our backyard again.

[akstrohm]

Is it injured other than having a scratch on its shell? If not, I would just leave it alone.

[VoodooJoint]

Please leave the turtle alone. A scratch on it's shell is not a big deal. If the animal does needs medical attention you need to call wildlife rescue/rehab. Almost every area has one. You can call your local exotic vets or even the zoo to find out their contact info. DO NOT try to help the animal by yourself. You are likely to do more harm then good.