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Box Turtle Information
The most common variety of box turtle are subspecies originating in north America, so this article with be focusing on their care specifically; however, other species of box turtles orginating elsewhere have very similar husbandry requirements. Before you decide if pet turtle care is something you are interested in, take into consideration that this is a life time commitment. Some of these turtles can live upwards of a century! Thats 100 years! Most will live to around 40 years.
HousingHousing probably isn't the proper term for this heading seeing as these turtles do not do very well health wise in indoor environments. You really need to have an outdoor enclosure, or an escape proof yard they can roam around to keep them healthy.One thing that needs to be taken into consideration is your climate. These turtles seem to be best in climates that are not too hot, and not too cold. If you live in the middle of the hottest desert in Africa, or near the north pole, then might want to consider a different pet. Proper care of box turtles requires that you provide them with proper humidity, and places to hide from predators even if they are free roaming in your back yard. You can provide them with effective hiding places in and around your flower beds or garden by turning over plant pots and cutting out openings large enough for them to retreat into. These improvised hiding spots can be lined with any type of reptile specific moss you find at the pet store. You should spray these areas with water from a mist bottle daily. A water dish deep enough to bathe in should be provided. Multiple water dishes around the yard would be ideal.
Winter SleepIf it gets cold where you live during winter time, then your turtle will most likely slowly stop eating, and become much less active. This is a sign that conditions are becoming increasingly difficult for him to cope with. It is natural for him to want to go into hibernation.They should burrow into the soil to wait out the unfavorable cooler months in a deep sleep. It is important for you to discover where he intends to burrow so that you can look in on him every once in awhile. He still needs to have his enclosure sprayed to maintain humidity to keep his skin from drying out. If your turtle is looking sickly, do not let him go inactive for the winter. It is likely that he will not survive. Take him to a veterinarian that specializes in reptiles to decide the best course of action.
FeedingIf you have adopted a young turtle, then you may have noticed he has a greater appetite for creepy crawlers like earthworms and slugs. This is normal for them to be primarily carnivorous at a young age.In time they will appreciate fruits such as apples, bananas, and strawberries. I've also known turtles that were particularly fond of dry dog food and spinach leaves. Younglings will need to be fed daily, while adults will depend on you feeding them every other day. If your turtle does have free roam of your yard or garden, then please do not spray pesticides for insects. They are fond of and particiularly keen on hunting down snails, slugs, earthworms, and crickets for snacks. Your turtle can suffer a horrible, horrible death if they eat tainted insects. :( ConclusionA box turtle makes a wonderful pet that can offer you a lifetime of companionship while you are out in your yard or garden. They are not cuddly like a dog, so they don't make great pets in that respect, but they make up for it with their personality once you get to know them.If you do handle your turtle, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly to decrease the risk of contracting Samonella. It is already a very low risk to begin with, but better safe than sorry!
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