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Davidson College article on the Eastern Box turtle with pictures.
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north american box turtles
Ornate Box Turtles: Terrapene carolina ornate
Gulf Coast Box Turtle: Terrapene carolina major
Three-Toed Box Turtle: Terrapene carolina triunguls
Eastern Box Turtle: Terrapene carolina carolina
Gulf Coast Box Turtle: Terrapene carolina major
Three-Toed Box Turtle: Terrapene carolina triunguls
Eastern Box Turtle: Terrapene carolina carolina
The American box turtles are widespread throughout the eastern, central and southwestern U.S. on into the northern parts of Mexico. Box turtles fall somewhere between aquatic water turtles and tortoises in their need for access to a body of water and to woody grassland areas with dry sandy soil on top, humid earth beneath.
In many states, Box Turtles are protected and cannot be owned without special permits. these permits can be obtained from the Department of Natural Resources in each state.
It is estimated that 90% of all box turtles purchased in the pet market die between the first 6 months and two years of captivity due to improper care. Box turtles have a life expectancy of 50-100 years in the wild and 50-60 years in captivity.
Indoor Enclosure
Box Turtles require a lot of room to roam. In the wild, they establish a territory that is 2-12 acres. In captivity, you must provide the largest possible space available. An outdoor enclosure, closest to the species natural environment, is recommended though indoor enclosures can be used. The minimum enclosure size for a single adult box turtle should be a 30-gallon breeder or a 30" X 12" aquarium. For two box turtles a 40-gallon breeder or 36 'X18" aquarium.
Outdoor Enclosure
When choosing a location for your outdoor enclosure, you need to consider the availability of the sun. Enclosure should receive early morning sun for naturally warming the enclosure. Once a location has been selected, a 6-10" deep trench needs to dug all around the enclosure with wire fencing, wooden boards, cinder blocks, or cement in the trench to prevent the turtle from digging his way out. The fence above ground should be twice as tall as the turtle and have a lip to prevent the turtle form climbing out. It should be made out of a solid piece of material. Fences with holes or spaces where the turtles can see out will encourage them to try to escape. The suggested area is 5'X5' for up to 4 box turtles. for more than 4 the suggested size is 8'X5'. Having too many turtles in one enclosure can cause stress, so several smaller enclosures are recommended. The enclosure should be able to be covered with something like chicken wire on a frame or garden netting to keep out unwanted intruders. Be sure to include plenty of hiding places and an area that will remain dry in a rainstorm. Plants can be added to make a more natural enclosure.
In either enclosure a water area can be provided by placing a dish or pan large enough for your turtle to lay in and shallow enough for it to easily climb in and out of. A large plastic child's wading pool can be used in an outdoor enclosure. You will need to recess it into the substrate with a ramp for the turtle to climb in and out. This will also help with keeping the humidity at the required level.
Substrates
For indoor enclosures, any of the following would be a good choice; orchid bark, sphagnum moss, peat moss, cypress mulch, or potting soil. Do not use mixtures that include perlite or vermiculite. The substrates should be 3 to 4" deep. Substrate for outdoor enclosures can be a mixture of the above or with the addition of leaf litter, composted hay and or peat moss. Substrate should be around 6" deep.
Heating and Lighting
For indoor enclosures, a combination of Under Tank Heating and a basking light is suggested as well as a full spectrum, UVB emitting light. UVB is required in almost all diurnal species of land turtle and tortoise so they can metabolize vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 aids in the proper absorption of dietary calcium. Without the proper lighting, your turtle could succumb to different calcium deficiency diseases such as "soft shell". Prolonged housing without adequate lighting could also result in death. Box turtles require temps. between 85-88 in the daytime, and 70-75 at night.
Humidity
Box turtles require humidity of 60-80%. To assist in maintaining this level, make one area of the enclosure a humid area, by using peat moss. The moss needs to be kept damp at all times. The water source you supply for the box turtles will also aid in keeping the humidity at the proper level.
Food
It is best to feed the turtles after they have had several hours to warm up in the morning. Youngsters should be offered food daily. Box turtles are motivated by sight and smell so you should offer a varied and colorful diet. You should offer both plant matter and animal products at each feeding and vitamin supplements twice a week. Adults will consume more plant matter than animal matter. Here is a list of acceptable foods for box turtles.
In many states, Box Turtles are protected and cannot be owned without special permits. these permits can be obtained from the Department of Natural Resources in each state.
It is estimated that 90% of all box turtles purchased in the pet market die between the first 6 months and two years of captivity due to improper care. Box turtles have a life expectancy of 50-100 years in the wild and 50-60 years in captivity.
Indoor Enclosure
Box Turtles require a lot of room to roam. In the wild, they establish a territory that is 2-12 acres. In captivity, you must provide the largest possible space available. An outdoor enclosure, closest to the species natural environment, is recommended though indoor enclosures can be used. The minimum enclosure size for a single adult box turtle should be a 30-gallon breeder or a 30" X 12" aquarium. For two box turtles a 40-gallon breeder or 36 'X18" aquarium.
Outdoor Enclosure
When choosing a location for your outdoor enclosure, you need to consider the availability of the sun. Enclosure should receive early morning sun for naturally warming the enclosure. Once a location has been selected, a 6-10" deep trench needs to dug all around the enclosure with wire fencing, wooden boards, cinder blocks, or cement in the trench to prevent the turtle from digging his way out. The fence above ground should be twice as tall as the turtle and have a lip to prevent the turtle form climbing out. It should be made out of a solid piece of material. Fences with holes or spaces where the turtles can see out will encourage them to try to escape. The suggested area is 5'X5' for up to 4 box turtles. for more than 4 the suggested size is 8'X5'. Having too many turtles in one enclosure can cause stress, so several smaller enclosures are recommended. The enclosure should be able to be covered with something like chicken wire on a frame or garden netting to keep out unwanted intruders. Be sure to include plenty of hiding places and an area that will remain dry in a rainstorm. Plants can be added to make a more natural enclosure.
In either enclosure a water area can be provided by placing a dish or pan large enough for your turtle to lay in and shallow enough for it to easily climb in and out of. A large plastic child's wading pool can be used in an outdoor enclosure. You will need to recess it into the substrate with a ramp for the turtle to climb in and out. This will also help with keeping the humidity at the required level.
Substrates
For indoor enclosures, any of the following would be a good choice; orchid bark, sphagnum moss, peat moss, cypress mulch, or potting soil. Do not use mixtures that include perlite or vermiculite. The substrates should be 3 to 4" deep. Substrate for outdoor enclosures can be a mixture of the above or with the addition of leaf litter, composted hay and or peat moss. Substrate should be around 6" deep.
Heating and Lighting
For indoor enclosures, a combination of Under Tank Heating and a basking light is suggested as well as a full spectrum, UVB emitting light. UVB is required in almost all diurnal species of land turtle and tortoise so they can metabolize vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 aids in the proper absorption of dietary calcium. Without the proper lighting, your turtle could succumb to different calcium deficiency diseases such as "soft shell". Prolonged housing without adequate lighting could also result in death. Box turtles require temps. between 85-88 in the daytime, and 70-75 at night.
Humidity
Box turtles require humidity of 60-80%. To assist in maintaining this level, make one area of the enclosure a humid area, by using peat moss. The moss needs to be kept damp at all times. The water source you supply for the box turtles will also aid in keeping the humidity at the proper level.
Food
It is best to feed the turtles after they have had several hours to warm up in the morning. Youngsters should be offered food daily. Box turtles are motivated by sight and smell so you should offer a varied and colorful diet. You should offer both plant matter and animal products at each feeding and vitamin supplements twice a week. Adults will consume more plant matter than animal matter. Here is a list of acceptable foods for box turtles.
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Dark Calcium Rich Greens (60-70%)
Collard greens Mustard greens Dandelion greens Endive Romaine lettuce |
Vegetables (20-30%)
Grated carrots Grated squash Zucchini Snap peas Green Beans |
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Fruits and Flowers (10-20%)
Melon or Cantalope Berries (strawberries, rasberries, etc) Prickly-pear cactus fruits and flowers Grapes Kiwi Fruit Hibiscus flowers |
Animal Matter/Protein ( Periodically)
Crickets Finely chopped cooked chicken Mealworms Raw Beef heart Night crawlers Earthworms Superworms Snails Wet dog or cat food (Low fat-high quality) |
A GREAT LINK for box turtle care
Melissa Kaplan's
Herp Care Collection
Last updated
January 13, 2013
Box Turtle, information includes care and how to select a healthy turtle.
Herp Care Collection
Last updated
January 13, 2013
Box Turtle, information includes care and how to select a healthy turtle.
Box turtles are becoming scarce throughout their range. In 1996 box turtles were classified as CITES III-vulnerable. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are monitoring the numbers of box turtles exported to Europe and Asia, but this is not a regulation. There is no one limiting the numbers that can be captured and sold.
Do your part to help preserve the natural environment and do not buy box turtles, instead contact your local herpetological society, turtle and tortoise group, or reptile rescue group and see about adopting a turtle that needs a home..
References; Melissa Kaplans's Herp Care Collection-Box Turtles, Herp Center Network, Colleen Boyd
Do your part to help preserve the natural environment and do not buy box turtles, instead contact your local herpetological society, turtle and tortoise group, or reptile rescue group and see about adopting a turtle that needs a home..
References; Melissa Kaplans's Herp Care Collection-Box Turtles, Herp Center Network, Colleen Boyd