I agree with releasing them, but they're probably dehydrated. If you can GENTLY open their mouths and give them a drop or two of Gatorade it might perk them up before release. I mean DROPS. Do not squirt an eye dropper into their mouths. If you can gently open their mouths, pieces of grape (not the seeds) may help increase their energy. You could sit them in shallow water for a while. Put them in a shady place away from traffic (or by a pond). Wish them luck.
Unless you know what species you have, you have no hope of keeping them alive. Your instinct is right; put them back.
I found 2 quarter sized baby turtles right next to each other all alone while mowing the lawn. I know you're not supposed to "rescue" turtles but honestly they were so small that if I left them in that open feild they would have been eaten anyway. I made a little habitat for them with a wide tray and packed down dirt and found several ants and earthworms to put in, as well as a little pool of water because I'm not sure what species they are, if they're aquatic or not. They're both just laying there. One with its eyes closed and the other open. They're not walking or moving at all unless I give them a tap and they'll move their legs around. Does anyone have any advice? Put them back? Anything would be helpful.
