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While many people prefer dogs and cats as pets, some pet owners like caring for unusual animals. The box turtle is a fascinating reptile, and some species of box turtles make great pets. However, it’s important to note that the number of box turtle species is decreasing, so it’s best to choose a pet born in captivity.
If you’re looking to adopt a box turtle as a pet, there are a few things you’ll need to know. In this article, we’ll explain why box turtles make excellent pets and how to care for them.
What You Need to Know About Your Box Turtle
Box turtles live primarily on land and can be challenging pets to keep. Though they don’t run around like cats and dogs or need their litter box changed, they require the correct type of care. It’s important to note that keeping a box turtle as a pet is a long-term commitment since they can live for decades. Getting their environment right so they can stay healthy and happy can also be a bit difficult.
It’s also important to note that there are different species of box turtles, including the common, spotted, Mexican, ornate, and Coahuilan box turtles. Each of these turtles has different dietary requirements and thrives best in different environments. In this guide, we’ll discuss the common box turtle, however.
Behavior and Temperament
While common box turtles can make good pets, they are not recommended for children or first-time pet owners. Their care requirements are complex, and they become stressed easily. They don’t need to be carried everywhere or fiddled with all the time.
The box turtle needs to be fed every day or two, and you must clean their cage at least once weekly. While they don’t usually bite, they can if they feel overly stressed and are handled too much. It’s also important to note that box turtles carry salmonella, so make sure to wash your hands very well after handling them or cleaning their enclosure.
Once they’ve been in their home for a few weeks, the turtle will calm down and get used to you. You might even find that they follow you when you are in front of the enclosure to beg for food.
Housing
Your box turtle will do best in an outdoor pen that is safe for turtles. If you can’t keep your box turtle outside, it’s best to mimic their natural environment as much as possible. Ensure you have a secure enclosure that they can’t climb out and get lost, whether you’re keeping them inside or outside.
Box turtles don’t do well inside for long periods of time, so if possible, try to get them outside at least for part of the year. You can keep a box turtle in an outdoor enclosure as long as the temperature doesn’t drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
You want to keep your pet’s enclosure between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Ensure your turtle’s cage doesn’t drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit because it will force them into hibernation. While hibernating isn’t bad, you must ensure your turtle is in good health first because a turtle that is sick when it goes into hibernation might not wake up again.
Substrate
Your turtle’s enclosure needs a humidity level of around 60%, which you can maintain by misting the enclosure daily and having the proper substrate in the bottom of the cage. Chemical-free topsoil, moss, and leaves work well to create a natural substrate environment with the proper humidity levels. You’ll want to layer the substrate at least 4 inches thick so that your turtle can easily burrow down into it when they want to.
Food and Water Requirements
Your box turtle is an omnivore, so they have a varied diet. Fruits, veggies, insects, pinky mice, and low-fat meats are okay to feed to your turtle. You can also find commercial foods specifically for box turtles, but having a healthy mix of those and fresh foods is still important for the best results.
Clean water in a shallow dish should always be in the enclosure. It’s best to consult your vet for the proper amounts of food that need to be given to your box turtle.
Health Problems to Watch For
- Metabolic bone disease
- Shell rot
- Respiratory and parasitic infection
The biggest health issue to watch out for with your common box turtle is metabolic bone disease. If you keep your turtle’s UVB lighting consistent with a UVB lamp, they should be fine. However, if you feel that your turtle is showing signs of this disease, it’s best to contact your vet for further treatment.
Another health problem to watch for is shell rot. This is a painful condition caused by a bacterial or fungal infection that has gone untreated. If your turtle has this condition, their shell will be cracked and dry and may have an unpleasant odor coming from it.
Other health problems to watch for include respiratory and parasitic infections that can be treated by your vet.
Tips for Choosing Your Common Box Turtle
The population of box turtles is steadily declining, and many states have laws against keeping them as pets. Check the laws in your state before deciding you want one as a pet. If you can get one in your state, choosing a reputable breeder is essential. You’ll be able to determine the box turtles’ history and look for any health problems.
So, in answer to whether box turtles make excellent pets, the answer is yes, but not for beginners and children. If you have the time, patience, and experience to care for a common box turtle, you’ll enjoy taking care of them for decades. Just remember, caring for a turtle is a huge responsibility, even if they just sit in an enclosure all day long.
Featured Image Credit by: allyartist, Pixabay
