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Don’t assume that box turtles are easy or cheap pets to own just because they are small and live in an enclosure. Box turtles are growing in popularity, and while they make fun pets, they come with a lot of responsibility that you have to be prepared for in advance.
Unlike cats and dogs, turtles live in a confined space where their ideal conditions must be met. These conditions include lighting, humidity, temperature regulation, nutritious food, and space for exercise. Most box turtles are relatively cheap, but they require several products and supplies that are necessary for a healthy life. How much does a box turtle cost exactly? We will break down every expense of owning a box turtle to help you decide if you can afford to have one in your home.
How Much Is a Box Turtle?
If you were to run to the closest chain pet store, you’d probably find a box turtle costs around $50. However, the subspecies, size, age, availability, and area where you buy your turtle all influence the price. Let’s not forget this price doesn’t even begin to include all the supplies you need before taking them home. It should also be noted that selling a box turtle from the wild is illegal. Proper research should be done before purchasing a box turtle, including knowing how the seller has obtained the animals.
There are several box turtle subspecies, and each one is different. Some are more popular to have as pets, and they are usually cheaper than the rarer species. Here is a quick cost breakdown of what you can expect to pay for different box turtles:
| Aquatic Box Turtle | $30–$100 |
| Eastern Box Turtle | $140–$260 |
| Desert Box Turtle | $300–$400 |
| Chinese Box Turtle | $300–$380 |
| McCord Box Turtle | $7,000–$8,000 |
| Indonesian Box Turtle | $50–$120 |
| Asian Box Turtle | $90–$130 |
| Three-Toed Box Turtle | $140–$430 |
| Ornate Box Turtle | $200–$350 |
The subspecies isn’t the only factor that determines the price. The turtle’s age and size and their availability in your area will affect how much you pay. Baby box turtles are usually less expensive than adults, larger ones cost more than smaller ones, and not all box turtles are readily available where you live. If you live close to aquatic box turtle habitats, they may be cheaper than the rarer species, like the McCord turtles.
Shopping for Box Turtles
You’re more likely to find box turtles for sale at local pet shops and stores that explicitly sell turtles, but those are rarer. If you’re looking for a specific species, you can research reputable breeders online, but you’ll pay extra if you have to travel out of state to adopt one.
Online shopping has gained popularity over the past decade, and you can now have some turtles shipped directly to you. However, it’s best to request the breeder’s license before making any purchases from them. When buying a turtle, ask if they have a warranty policy. Most stores and breeders give you money back if any health problems occur up to 2 weeks after your purchase.
Extra Costs of Owning a Box Turtle
You can’t buy a box turtle and take it home without having a safe place to put it. Most owners pay $80 to $200 for an aquarium system. Many stores now sell aquarium kits so that you can set up your turtle’s home without shopping for multiple items. The kits include spacious tanks, filtration systems, water conditioners, heat lamps, and floating rocks. If you purchase everything separately, expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $50 for each item.
Giving your turtles a safe space to call home is immensely important. They could become ill or die without the right habitat conditions, food, and water. Box turtles are omnivores and eat berries, insects, flowers, and amphibians. They enjoy having treats on top of food sticks that meet their dietary needs. Expect to pay around $40 every month for turtle food and snacks.
Turtles also require yearly checkups and visits to the vet when they aren’t acting normally. Most initial checkups take around an hour and cost around $50.
There are a lot of factors that go into owning a turtle, and you want to ensure that you are meeting all of their needs and giving them the happiest, safest environment they can be in. Let’s break down how much the initial cost of owning a box turtle is.
Initial Cost of Owning a Box Turtle
| Turtle: | ~$75 |
| Aquarium with filter: | ~$100 |
| Turtle dock: | ~$20 |
| Turtle pebbles: | ~$20 |
| Heat lamps: | ~$40 |
| Fake plants: | ~$15 |
| Thermometer: | ~$50 |
| Turtle food: | ~$40 |
| Water conditioner: | ~$10 |
| Vet price: | ~$50 |
Keep in mind that these listed prices are all estimates and could vary based on the brand and store where you buy them. After doing the math, you’ll see that the initial cost of owning a box turtle is around $420. You have to continue changing their water, cleaning their tank, and supplying them with tasty treats that give them a well-rounded diet.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes, people assume that a turtle will be less work and money than other traditional pets, but a lot of dedication is involved in caring for reptiles. They have very specific demands and easily become ill when their needs are not met. Before buying a box turtle as a pet, ensure you’re prepared to take care of them for several years. Box turtles live up to 20 years as pets; owning them is not something to be taken lightly.
Featured Image Credit: Lisa Holder, Shutterstock
