Read About Eastern Box Turtle

The Eastern Box Turtle can make a good pet, but has some drawbacks. Everything you need to know about them is contained in this article.

Eastern Box Turtle - Facts

  1. Description:

    The Eastern box turtle is a common species found in the eastern half of the United States.
  2. Varieties:

    Other varieties of box turtles are the Florida, the Gulf Coast, the Three-toed, the Spotted, the Desert, and the Ornate box turtle.
  3. History:

    Box turtles are common in many areas, but are in decline due to the destruction of their habitat by humans.
  4. Physical Traits:

    Box turtles, in general, are known for their high-domed shell, and the ability to pull their head and legs inside the shell.
  5. Other Defining Characteristics:

    The male of this species has bright red or orange eyes, while the female has dark red or brown eyes. They grow to 5-6 inches in length.
  6. Habitat:

    Eastern box turtles are usually found in deciduous forest regions, open grasslands, or pastures.

Eastern Box Turtle - Concerns

  1. Benefits:

    Eastern box turtles live quite a long time, typically 30-40 years, and are fairly easy to care for.
  2. Liabilities:

    Unless a captive-bred box turtle is chosen, the turtles may suffer from parasites, stress, and may not live very long.
  3. Health Issues:

    Box turtles are generally very healthy, but they can suffer from acute vitamin A deficiency that is preventable by proper diet with supplements, obesity, and some types of respiratory problems. You should always wash your hands carefully after handling turtles, as they can spread salmonella to humans.
  4. Specific Care Needs:

    The Eastern box turtle prefers vegetation in its diet. They should be fed dark leafy greens and fruit, along with some crickets and worms.
  5. Reaction to Children and other Pets:

    Turtles are not good pets for young children, as children do not understand the importance of proper diet and care. As children are often not careful when handling a turtle, the turtle may be afraid and may tuck its legs and head into its shell.
  6. Special Household Needs:

    You need to be sure that children are well-supervised when handling a turtle and that no pets are allowed access to the turtle.

Eastern Box Turtle - How to Choose

  1. What to Look for:

    The best time to purchase an Eastern box turtle is in the spring and summer when the turtle is not in hibernation. The turtle should generally look healthy and should have clear and alert eyes.
  2. Supplies:

    The turtle's aquarium should have a land area, as well as a pan of water for the turtle to lie in. You will need two sources of heat: a heating pad under the tank and a light on one side of the tank.
  3. Expense:

    Box turtles cost $10-$50, and the proper set-up in your home could cost two to ten times the cost of the turtle.