If you’re looking for an intriguing aquatic turtle with distinct features, the **Baby Saw Shelled Turtle** (*Myuchelys latisternum*) is a fantastic choice. This species, native to Australia, stands out due to its saw-like shell edges, making it an eye-catching reptile for enthusiasts and hobbyists alike. With its engaging behavior and relatively easy care requirements, the baby saw shelled turtle is an ideal pet for both beginner and experienced reptile keepers.

This guide provides an in-depth look into the characteristics, habitat, care requirements, and how to **buy baby saw shelled turtles**, ensuring a smooth and successful experience as you welcome this extraordinary turtle into your home.

The **baby saw shelled turtle** is a freshwater species found primarily in the rivers, streams, and lakes of eastern and northern Australia. Known for the distinctive serrations along the edges of its carapace (top shell), this turtle has a truly prehistoric appearance, making it a popular choice for collectors and reptile enthusiasts.

Despite their fierce look, these turtles are generally peaceful and can adapt well to captivity when provided with the right conditions. Their manageable size as babies, combined with their engaging personalities, makes them an attractive option for turtle lovers.

The most notable characteristic of the baby saw shelled turtle is its saw-like carapace, which is more pronounced in younger turtles. As they age, these serrations may become less visible but will always give the turtle a rugged appearance. The shell is typically dark green or brown, with a plastron (underside) that’s a lighter, yellowish color.

Their long necks are another fascinating feature, as they use these to strike out at prey with precision. Despite their seemingly aggressive hunting methods, they’re relatively calm creatures when properly handled in captivity.

These turtles are highly aquatic and spend most of their time in water, although they occasionally bask on rocks or logs to absorb warmth. They are known for their exceptional swimming abilities and active nature, making them a fun species to observe in an aquarium or outdoor pond setup.

In the wild, saw shelled turtles inhabit freshwater rivers, streams, and swamps throughout Australia. They prefer areas with clean, slow-moving water, and their natural habitat is often densely vegetated, providing plenty of hiding spots and access to both water and basking areas.

Understanding their natural environment is key to replicating these conditions in captivity. If you plan to **buy baby saw shelled turtles**, it’s important to create a suitable enclosure that mimics their natural habitat to keep them healthy and comfortable.

Before purchasing a **baby saw shelled turtle**, it’s crucial to prepare an appropriate enclosure. These turtles thrive in environments that closely resemble their natural freshwater habitat.

### 1. **Aquarium Size**

Baby saw shelled turtles require an aquarium that provides ample space for swimming and basking. A 40-gallon tank is sufficient for a single baby turtle, but as they grow, you’ll need to upgrade to a larger tank—ideally around 75 gallons or more to accommodate their size and activity level.

Make sure the tank is long and shallow rather than tall, as these turtles prefer to swim in horizontal spaces. If you plan on keeping more than one turtle, ensure the enclosure is large enough to prevent overcrowding and stress.

### 2. **Water Quality**

Good water quality is essential for the health of your baby saw shelled turtle. Invest in a high-quality filtration system that keeps the water clean and free of waste, as poor water quality can lead to infections and diseases.

The water should be deep enough for the turtle to swim freely, but shallow enough for it to easily reach the surface to breathe. It’s recommended to maintain a water depth of around 6-8 inches for baby turtles and adjust accordingly as they grow.

### 3. **Basking Area**

Like most aquatic turtles, baby saw shelled turtles need access to a dry basking area where they can rest and absorb UVB light. A rock or platform positioned above the water level works well. The basking area should be equipped with a heat lamp to maintain a temperature of 90-95°F.

### 4. **Temperature and Lighting**

Maintaining the right temperature is crucial for the overall health of your baby saw shelled turtle. The water temperature should be kept between 75-80°F, while the basking area should be warmer to allow the turtle to thermoregulate. Use a submersible water heater to regulate water temperatures.

In addition to heat, UVB lighting is essential for calcium absorption and shell health. Install a UVB light above the tank and ensure it’s on for 10-12 hours a day, mimicking the natural daylight cycle.

### 5. **Substrate and Decorations**

While a bare-bottom tank is easier to clean, many turtle owners prefer adding substrate for a more natural appearance. Smooth river rocks or sand can be used as substrate, but ensure the materials are large enough that they can’t be ingested by the turtle.

You can also add decorations like driftwood, aquatic plants, and rocks to provide hiding spots and create a stimulating environment. Just be sure that any decorations are turtle-safe and won’t harm the turtle if they try to nibble or climb on them.

The **baby saw shelled turtle** is an omnivore, meaning it eats both animal and plant matter. In the wild, these turtles hunt small fish, insects, and other aquatic creatures, while also grazing on algae and aquatic plants. In captivity, you can offer them a varied diet that mimics what they would eat in the wild.

### 1. **Protein Sources**

Since baby turtles require more protein for growth, their diet should include plenty of animal-based food. You can feed them small feeder fish, earthworms, crickets, and mealworms. High-quality commercial turtle pellets are also a great source of protein and essential nutrients.

### 2. **Vegetables and Greens**

As they grow, you should introduce more plant-based foods into their diet. Offer leafy greens like dandelion greens, romaine lettuce, and collard greens. You can also include aquatic plants like duckweed or water lettuce, which they would naturally forage on in the wild.

### 3. **Calcium Supplements**

To promote healthy shell development, dust their food with a calcium supplement a few times a week. A lack of calcium can lead to metabolic bone disease, which weakens the shell and bones.

By providing a balanced and varied diet, you’ll ensure your baby saw shelled turtle stays healthy and active.

Baby saw shelled turtles are active, curious, and engaging creatures. They are known for their strong swimming abilities and often explore every corner of their enclosure. Despite their active nature, these turtles are generally peaceful and get along well with other turtles and fish, provided the tank is large enough and they are properly introduced.

It’s important to note that while baby saw shelled turtles are relatively easygoing, they can be shy at first, especially when introduced to a new environment. Over time, they may become more comfortable with handling, though they are not typically a species that enjoys excessive handling.

When properly cared for, baby saw shelled turtles are hardy creatures. However, like all reptiles, they are prone to certain health issues if their environment and diet are not carefully managed.

### 1. **Shell Rot**

Shell rot is a bacterial or fungal infection that can occur if the turtle’s shell is damaged or if they are kept in unsanitary conditions. Ensure that their enclosure is clean and that their basking area is dry to prevent shell rot.

### 2. **Respiratory Infections**

Respiratory infections are common in aquatic turtles when they are exposed to cold or drafty environments. If your turtle exhibits symptoms like lethargy, wheezing, or bubbling at the nose, consult a reptile veterinarian immediately.

### 3. **Metabolic Bone Disease**

A lack of UVB lighting or calcium in the diet can lead to metabolic bone disease, which weakens the shell and bones. Always provide adequate lighting and calcium supplements to prevent this condition.

If you’re ready to bring a baby saw shelled turtle into your home, finding a reputable source is essential. Buying from a trusted breeder or retailer ensures that the turtle you receive is healthy and properly cared for. At **NewYorkReptiles.com**, we offer **baby saw shelled turtles** that are raised in optimal conditions, ensuring they are healthy and ready to thrive in your care.

The **baby saw shelled turtle** is a unique and fascinating species, perfect for reptile enthusiasts looking to expand their collection. With its distinct appearance and active nature, this turtle makes an engaging and rewarding pet. By providing the right environment, diet, and care, you can ensure your baby saw shelled turtle grows into a healthy, happy adult.

If you’re ready to welcome one of these incredible creatures into your home, visit **NewYorkReptiles.com** to **buy baby saw shelled turtles** and get all the necessary supplies to ensure their well-being.