Successful rehabilitation requires more than just good veterinary care. Adequate housing, good nutrition, and proper handling must be part of any rehabilitation effort. Water quality, water temperature, flow rate, facility design, and a high quality diet are important factors in supporting a quick recovery. Good husbandry and nursing care will facilitate the rehabilitation process whereas a lack of quality care can impede and complicate progress. This topic has been covered thoroughly in the Marine Turtle Trauma Response Procedures: A Husbandry Manual which is available online.

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Resources

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Holding Marine Turtles in Captivity PDF

United States Fish and Wildlife Service's Standard Permit Conditions for Care and Maintenance of Captive Sea Turtles PDF

Association of Zoos and Aquariums Nutrition Advisory Group Feeding Program Guidelines for AZA Institutions website

 

This chapter should be cited: Mettee, Nancy. 2014. Husbandry. Marine Turtle Trauma Response Procedures:  A Veterinary Guide. WIDECAST Technical Report No. 17. Accessed online [date].

Updated 2/2014