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Latin name: Terrapene carolina sp.
Native To: United States
Maximum Length: 6 - 9 inches
Approximate Life Span: Sources claim over 100 years
GENERAL INFORMATION
Box Turtles available on the reptile market are typically field
collected specimens. They are available during a limited season when
they are naturally active. California Zoological Supply sells only Box
Turtles that have naturally emerged from hibernation. There are several
types of turtles available under this heading. Most common are the
Three Toed, Ornate, Eastern, and the larger Gulf Coast Box Turtles. All
of these varieties will do well in captivity with a little care given
to them. Box Turtles will sometimes arrive with their eyes closed. This
is due to being in a dark box during their transit. Upon arrival to a
new enclosure, soak the Box Turtles in room temperature water just high
enough to reach the top of their legs. Soak them for 30 - 45 minutes.
Remove them and place Terramycin™ eye ointment in their eyes. Apply
Terramycin™ eye cream to eyes once a week. This will help prevent
"puffy" eyes. Box Turtles are naturally curious and active animals. Try
to provide them with an interesting home with plenty of things to check
out.
ENCLOSURE
20 gallon or larger sized aquarium is
adequate. Provide as large an enclosure as possible so your turtles
have a chance to roam around and get some exercise. Provide them with
some pieces of wood or well-anchored rocks to climb around on and
explore. Your Box Turtles will also appreciate a large piece of cork
bark or something else that they can retreat into for a little privacy.
SUBSTRATE
For bottom substrates there are a variety
of choices. For any of them start with a layer of newspaper for easy
clean up and extra absorption. On top of the paper use Zoo Med CAGE
CARPET or a layer of rabbit pellets or alfalfa. Rabbit pellets or fresh
alfalfa help keep odor down, are inexpensive and provide another food
source. Newspaper alone will work fine, but is a bit boring in
appearance.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
Box Turtles should have daytime temperatures of 80 - 85ºf, allowing for a nighttime temperature drop to 70 - 75ºf.
HEATING
Reptiles need to be able to regulate their
body temperature, so a temperature range must be provided. Use a Zoo
Med REPTITHERM® UNDER TANK HEATER (U.T.H.). Leave it on 24 hours a day.
UTH's take a few hours to reach their optimal temperature. For easy
heat control, use a Zoo Med REPTI-TEMP™ RHEOSTAT in conjunction with
the U.T.H's. They will also slightly help to increase the air
temperature if needed. Always use at least one thermometer, two is
optimal, in all reptile & amphibian enclosures. One thermometer on
the cooler side, and one on the warmer side. A Zoo Med DELUXE ANALOG
MIN/MAX THERMOMETER works great to show the high and low temperatures
in a 24 hour period.
LIGHTING
Full spectrum lighting is required for Box
Turtles. The Zoo Med REPTISUN 5.0™ with its high UVB and UVA output is
an excellent choice. The UVB is necessary for the Box Turtles mineral
absorption, and the UVA will help with your new friend's mental well
being. All reptiles and amphibians need a photo period (light cycle) .
A plug in timer (for your lights only, do not use a timer for your
heating devices) works well to develop a regular photo period of 8 - 10
hours of light, 14 - 16 hours of darkness. Reptiles and amphibians
cannot see the red light spectrum, so a red bulb is ideal for nighttime
viewing of your Box Turtle.
FOOD & WATER
Box Turtles are omnivorous, and will
require a varied diet. The diet should consist of whole animal foods,
fruits and vegetables. Whole animal foods include snails, slugs,
crickets, mealworm beetles, and earthworms. Some good choices for
fruits and vegetables would be banana, tomato, melon, squash, broccoli,
strawberries, peaches, and corn. The diet should also include a
prepared food like Zoo Med ZOO MENU® BOX TURTLE FOOD. Dust fresh fruits
& vegetables with Zoo Med REPTIVITE® three times per week. Provide
a large, shallow water bowl that the turtles can easily climb in and
out of. Soak in room temperature water just high enough to reach the
top of their legs every other day. Box Turtles need water for many
uses, they use it for drinking and to clean their eyes, & nostrils.
Water also aids in proper waste elimination, so change your water
often. Water is also used for regulating the body temperature to help
keep cool.
NOTES
Always wash your hands before and immediately
after handling reptiles and amphibians. Never leave live food long term
with reptiles & amphibians. They can inflict severe harm, or even
kill your pet. If your animals take some time to eat or you feed them
at night, leave a slice of potato, carrot or dry dog food for the live
food items to eat. Your local pet shop is an ideal source for reptile
and amphibian related books and supplies. Please make sure you read and
become familiar with any instructions provided with reptile support
products you may purchase.
For further information on reptiles and amphibians we
recommend you read REPTILES MAGAZINE and THE VIVARIUM. California
Zoological Supply hopes you have enjoyed reading this reference sheet
on American Box Turtles. We hope that our guidelines will assist you
with the care or possible purchase of your new pet.
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Reptiles 
