Data sheet box turtle
Trade name:
box turtle
Latin name:
terrapins
Origin:
USA
Size:
11.5cm to 19cm
Life expectancy:
more than 100 years
Behavior/stocking:
individualistic loners
Groups vs. individual housing:
Males are kept individually, females can be kept in groups
difficulty level
Challenging in keeping Anonymous, Terrapene carolina major, marked as public domain, details on Wikimedia Commons
The box turtles owe their name to the special locking mechanism of their shell. The abdominal shell has a transverse joint with which the turtle can fold the shell in front and behind, so that all soft parts are protected «like in a can».
Box turtles belong to the New World pond turtles. They live partially amphibious. The animals come from North America and were imported to Europe quite frequently in the past.
Unfortunately, since these turtles are quite demanding, many of them did not survive. belong today box turtles to the protected species.
However, you can buy specimens from European offspring. Box turtles are pretty to look at with their sometimes quite colorful shells.
acquisition and maintenance
purchase
There are numerous ways to buy a box turtle. However, not all are recommended. It should be obvious that you don’t buy an animal from a hardware store.
Unfortunately, many pet stores aren’t much better either. The animals are often kept incorrectly in terrariums that are too small. Equally problematic are online ads like eBay. Even reptile exchanges are at least doubtful, because unfortunately wild animals are often offered there.
Good options for buying a healthy box turtle are Sanctuaries and private breeders. In the sanctuaries, mostly adult animals are offered.
attitude
Keeping box turtles is relatively demanding. You need an appropriately equipped, sufficiently large terrarium. The hibernation should definitely be observed.
During these two or three months no additional heating should be on and the lamps should only be on for about 10 hours a day. Food is only offered once a week during this time. Summer is also complicated.
During this time, the box turtles should definitely be placed outdoors. However, our summers are usually too short and too cool for the animals. Therefore, technical aids, such as a greenhouse, are required to keep the turtles healthy.
Terrarium requirements
The terrarium must be sized according to the species and size of the box turtle. One Bathing and one or more hiding places should definitely be present.
A cork cave, for example, which can be bought ready-made in stores, is a suitable hiding place. The flooring can consist of a special turtle substrate, pine bark or other tree bark.
Since box turtles are marsh animals, the soil should always be kept slightly moist. The animals also love an occasional spray with warm water.
A special reptile lamp is suitable for lighting. Outside the hibernation period, the temperature in the terrarium should be at least 23 °C.
gender differences
Males and females of box turtles can be separated distinguished by their eye color: the males have a red iris, while the females have a yellowish-brown one.
The second distinguishing feature is the extremities. While males’ hindclaws are slightly curved and relatively short, females have straight, slender, and longer hindclaws.
Maximilian Paradiz, Terrapene carolina yucatana, CC BY 2.0
feed and nutrition
Feeding the box turtles is quite easy as they omnivore are. With increasing age, the feed often shifts more in the direction of meat, while plants and mushrooms are eaten as supplementary food. The turtles are even said to be able to eat toadstools without being harmed.
acclimatization and handling
Young animals can quickly become accustomed to a mixed diet of isopods, worms, snails, mice, lettuce and fruit.
In the wild, box turtles forage in the mornings and evenings. The rest of the time they rest in hiding or take a bath. The Box turtles are individualists, so each animal has its own habits.
How much does a box turtle cost?
When purchasing a box turtle, in addition to the purchase price (up to €200) for the animal, the costs for the terrarium and its furnishings, the outdoor enclosure and the required lamps must also be taken into account.
That can easily add up to 1,000 euros. The not inconsiderable ongoing electricity costs must also be considered.
Are there different species of box turtles?
There is today six species of box turtles, some with subspecies.
- Common box turtle
- Mexican box turtles
- Yucatan box turtle
- Drop Turtle
- Coahuila box turtle
- Jewelry Box Turtle
These individual species differ essentially in their size and the design of the back armor.
Who should keep box turtles as pets?
Box turtles are now a protected species. Therefore, generally no wild caught should be bought. The Keeping these animals is relatively demanding and not cheap.
Therefore, before purchasing, you should find out exactly what the animals need and consider whether you can and want to afford it in the long term. After all, a box turtle is usually an acquisition for life.