Box Turtle Care Guide
Box Turtles live mostly on land, and keeping them as pets can be somewhat challenging. Moreover, their environment can be difficult to configure correctly. These need long-term commitment, as they have a lifespan of several periods. There are various box turtle species, each with multiple habitats and dietary requirements.
Some prefer more humid environments, some require higher temperatures, some like to sit in the sun, and some even prefer slightly salty water. Native to North America, the common box turtle has a more rounded upper surface, mainly gray, with yellow or orange spots. It has a relatively small head, with a curved upper jaw, and is an interesting pet with a unique personality.
Overview About Box Turtle:
- Common Name: Common box turtle
- Scientific Name: Terrapene Carolina
- Age: 20 to 40 years
- Adult Size: 4 to 7 inches
Physical Appearance Of Box Turtle:
Box Turtle are small-sized reptiles, only up to six inches long and weighing less than a pound. Its elevated upper shell, or carapace, appears box-shaped. The carapace is gray with orange and yellow markings. Its hinged lower shell, or plastron, allows the turtle to hide its entire body, which is completely protected by the shell. They are usually dark brown. Males are usually larger than females.
Temperament of Box Turtle:
They are not considered suitable for young children or new pet owners. This is due to their complex care requirements and the effects of stress, which can negatively impact the turtle’s health. You need to spend time cleaning their box at least once a week and feeding them every day or two.
They prefer consistency in their environment, and most people do not like to touch them. They usually don’t bite, but some can bruise because of the discomfort caused by excessive handling.
The Housing of Box Turtle:
They can be kept indoors or outdoors, but the pin must be secured so it can protect it from predators and other pets. Consult a specialist about different accommodations. A 20-gallon aquarium is sufficient if you keep it indoors, but as the turtle grows, a 60- to 100-gallon aquarium may be needed. The pin should be well ventilated and not covered at the top, unless necessary.
Enclosure Size:
Big- 8’L x 4’W x 2.5’H
Turtles need open range for movement, exploration and natural behaviors while also including a variety of sensory enrichment features. With this height, you are able to include climbing elements or basking platforms which creates a more enriching habitat. In general, these parameters all add up to a more enriching and habitable setting for box turtles.
Humidity:
They like humidity levels around 60%. Spraying grows humidity in the environment, which is necessary for turtle health and well-being. Also, when you select a material that can absorb moisture, such as Kumaki stone or cypress mulch, it makes the environment more comfortable and natural.
Regular spraying is an efficient way to preserve this moisture level, as well as using a substrate that retains some moisture.
Substrate:
The substrate is the material that is placed under their fins. This helps retain moisture and satisfies the turtle’s urge to dig. Plus, it gives the pin a more natural look and feel. Therefore, try to use a substrate that reflects the turtle’s natural environment. Many owners choose chemical-free topsoil, leaves, and moss. Lay it at least 4 inches deep so your turtle can dig easily.
Lighting:
Sufficient lighting is very important for them, as it directly affects their calcium metabolism and general health. They need about 12 hours of UVB light per day to prevent metabolic bone disease. Using special UVB lamps helps mimic natural light in an indoor environment. Turning off lights at night is essential to maintaining the natural day-night cycle. Meeting these light requirements is critical to the long and healthy life of box turtles.
Heating:
The daytime temperature required by them is approximately 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and hatching temperatures are from 85 to about 90ºF. At night, it may even cool down to 65 -75 degrees F. To preserve the temperature needed use scatter lamps, they are also ceramic heat emitters or other temperatures.
Food and Diet:
They have sharp eyesight and a very good sense of smell. Mature turtles generally eat meat, while young box turtles between 4 and 6 years of age are generally plants. As a guideline, your box turtle’s diet should contain almost 50% plant material and 50% animal material. The dietary requirements of different species of box turtles vary slightly. There are unique thoughts about a balanced diet. Discuss with a veterinarian about your pet’s diet.
Breeding of Box Turtles:
Breeding box turtles is not easy and care should be taken to ensure that all their natural needs are met as they can easily suffer death when bred in captivity if the conditions don’t match what would have happened concerning nature. The breeding season usually occurs in the springtime when temperatures warm. Males are known to perform courtship such as head nodding and rubbing. Females will lay their eggs in a small burrow, often formed under loose soil or sand. Females can dig upwards of a few inches deep, so it is important to have somewhere where they can nest safely.
After hatching, the eggs need a warm humid room to incubate in and this cycle usually lasts from 60 up to roughly 90 days.
Why are Box Turtles special as pets?
They are special pets because they have rare personalities and gentle temperaments. They can live for decades, making for long friendships. They are relatively easy to maintain, and suitable for a variety of lifestyles. Box turtles teach about reptiles and teach responsibility. They also live well in small spaces, perfect for those with limited space.
Common health problems of Box Turtle:
Metabolic Bone Disease:
This situation develops from inadequate UVB light exposure or deficiency in calcium. It weakens the bones of box turtles, making movement difficult and increasing the risk of fractures. Ensuring sufficient UVB exposure is crucial to prevent this disease.
Dehydration:
Box turtles can suffer from dehydration if they do not have access to enough water, moisture on leaves, or a proper humid environment. Symptoms include sunken eyes and dry skin. Proper hydration and regular misting are essential to keep them healthy and prevent drying out.
Handling Caring Tips for Box Turtle:
- Keep them in a perfect and safe enclosure in which they get a natural-like environment.
- Supply them with a stable diet to protect their health and for proper growth. Otherwise, they started to become weak.
- Provide them access to an amount of water and make a perfect misting system for them to protect them from dehydration.
- Keep the humidity level of the enclosure normal according to their needs. High or low humidity may cause many diseases.
Price and Cost of Box Turtle:
Here’s a rough estimate:
- Captive-bred Box Turtle: $100-$300
- Male Box Turtle: $200-$400 (varies by species)
- Female Box Turtle: $250-$500 (often higher due to breeding potential)
Conclusion:
Box turtles live mostly on land, and keeping them as pets can be somewhat challenging. Moreover, their environment can be difficult to configure correctly. Box turtles are not considered suitable for young children or new pet owners. This is due to their complex care requirements and the effects of stress, which can negatively impact the turtle’s health.
