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Turtles, the pet that carries it's home with it
There are many different types of box turtles. Those most
commonly available and best suited to keeping as pets are Common
Eastern box turtles and Gulf Coast box turtles. They are
inquisitive, bold and personable pets when kept in the correct
environment. Box turtles can live 50-60 years if they receive proper
care.
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Turtles and Tortoises
When choosing a turtle as a pet, be sure that the turtle you are
considering was captive-bred. Many turtles offered for sale have
been captured from the wild and do not adapt well to captivity,
particularly in an indoor set-up. If you are unable to keep your
turtle for some reason, never release it into the wild, where it
will be unlikely to survive. Instead, seek out a rescue organization
to help you place your turtle in a new home.
Housing
Turtles do best in an outdoor set-up, or a large indoor container
with opaque sides to prevent it trying to dig out. A turtle in a
small glass tank indoors will become stressed and withdrawn. Indoor
box turtles must have a UVB light to keep healthy. You can make an
outdoor enclosure from wooden boards, vinyl siding, bricks or cement
blocks. Situate your turtle habitat where it is partly shaded,
morning sun is ideal. A 5 foot X 5 foot enclosure is adequate for up
to four turtles. Make sure your outdoor turtles are well protected
from dogs or other predators, like raccoons or hawks. A group of
females is likely to work out best. Provide a box for each turtle to
hide in, and logs or rocks to make the environment interesting. Most
turtles enjoy a shallow pool, 6-8 inches deep. When planting the pen
avoid toxic plants. Humidity should be kept high, indoor turtles
should be soaked or misted daily.
Diet
Protein such as earthworms, slugs, sowbugs, caterpillars, boiled
chopped chicken or fish should make up 50% of the daily diet. Feed
soaked dog kibble or prepared box turtle food only occasionally. You
can gather clean, pesticide free grass for your turtle and offer a
variety of vegetables and fruit daily. A calcium supplement with
vitamin D3 can be sprinkled over food. To avoid ant problems remove
all uneaten food after one hour. Clean, fresh water should always be
available, preferably in a shallow water dish, sunk into the ground.
Cleaning
From time to time turn over the topsoil and add some fresh soil.
Move the hiding boxes around so they are on clean ground. Scrub out
the water dish every few days and wash the food dish daily.
Fertility
Determining the sex of a box turtle depends on observing secondary
characteristics, such as coloration. This varies according to the
type of turtle and is best done by a reptile veterinarian or other
experienced person.
Health
Locate an exotics veterinarian experienced in treating turtles.
Watch for sign of illness such as, shell irregularities, breathing
problems, swollen closed eyes, loss of appetite, or weight loss.
It's a good idea to weigh your turtle weekly. Sick turtles and
hatchlings need to be kept indoors in a tank, with a temperature
range from 85-87° F in the warmest area, to around 75-78° in the
coolest area. An undertank heating pad works well. Only healthy,
adult turtles should be allowed to hibernate.
Warnings
Turtles may carry salmonella bacteria. Good hygiene is essential.
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