Wet Hatchling Dry Adaptation Method: 4 Steps to Improve Survival Rate of Newly Bought Turtle Hatchlings

In turtle hatchling trading, we mostly receive “wet hatchlings” that have already been put into water. These hatchlings are adapted to their original water and soil; when changing environments, they are prone to stress responses, lowering survival rates. Whereas “dry hatchlings” that have not been soaked in water for a long time have higher survival rates.

So now, many turtle enthusiasts (turtle keeping hobbyists) want “dry hatchlings” when buying. But for us hobbyists, “it’s not that easy”to buy real “dry hatchlings”.

“Wet Hatchling Dry Adaptation” Rearing Method

If “wet hatchlings” are received, some turtle enthusiasts have proposed a method to improve survival rates called “wet hatchling dry adaptation,” which implies removing their memory of the original water and soil and gradually adapting them to the new environment. This is the “universal rearing method.” The specific procedure is as follows:

Specific Steps for “Wet Hatchling Dry Adaptation”

• Use a fully dry mesh cage and leaves (such as Longan leaves, Osmanthus leaves) to avoid stress and slowly enrich the water.

• After dry rearing for 24 hours, add nutrient-rich aged water (water rich in microorganisms and minerals used for raising turtles); the water depth should not overflow the bottom holes, only providing humidity.
• After the hatchlings adapt, gradually add water, from covering the bottom board to covering their whole bodies.
• It is best if the added water is also nutrient-rich aged water.

The time for “wet hatchling dry adaptation” depends on the hatchling’s adaptation status. During this period, their behavior needs to be observed; after adaptation, start feeding and changing water until entering normal husbandry.

Practical Significance of “Wet Hatchling Dry Adaptation”

Following this process, the hatchling survival rate is high.

“Why not try these procedures”? Proposed by turtle enthusiasts, there is naturally some logic to it; sometimes, due to the hatchling’s maladaptation, quite a few die. It is also very distressing for us, after all, they are bought with “real money”. If the hatchlings can survive safely, it also adds enough confidence to our keeping.