Box turtles can close up their shell completely.They're fascinating, independent little creatures and should only be cared for by adults or very responsible kids.Their needs are complex, and they're not going to like enforced cuddling and interaction like puppies or kittens do.If you want to take home this cute little creature, you need to know how to care for it.
Step 1: Get your turtle from a reptile society.
Check with the biology department at a nearby university if you want to find one in your area.There are animals that need a home.If you want to adopt a box turtle from a local herpetological society, you need to buy a captive-born turtle.Pet stores almost exclusively sell turtles captured from their natural habitats, and you should look for breeders and dealers instead, or check out rescue organizations that have turtles that need good homes.
Step 2: There is a good reptile vet.
Asking around at reptile societies is one way to do this.Most vets don't know much about exotic animals because most of their training is focused on mammals.Don't go to an average vet when your turtle is in trouble.The "bread and butter" of a veterinary practice is dogs and cats, and a vet with a lot of knowledge about reptiles is worth his or her weight in gold.You can find a vet by using this link: https://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661.
Step 3: Do you want to keep your turtle indoors or outdoors?
Box turtles do better in an outdoor enclosure with the right climate.Make sure you have enough space for your turtle's enclosure at least 8 square feet.Being outdoors will give your turtle fresh air, sunshine, and environmental enrichment that you can't get inside.Many turtles will peck at the glass walls if they are kept in a glass aquarium.
Step 4: The walls of your enclosure should be built.
The turtle enclosure needs to be at least 50 square feet for three turtles and one or two turtles.The wooden plank width is about 30.5 cm.The walls should be twice as tall as the turtle so that they can't escape.Attach a triangular piece of wood at the top of each corner.Extra stability to your walls and a "lip" over which a turtle can't climb are what this will provide.
Step 5: The enclosure is predator proof with wire mesh.
Depending on where you live, there are different types of animals such as dogs, racoons, foxes, skunks, coyotes, and even birds of prey.Take care of your box turtle.The fencing around your yard needs to be high so dogs and racoons can't get in.Then, dig a trench around your enclosure.Attach wire mesh or poultry netting to the walls with rocks.A digging animal won't be able to get into your enclosure.Hang mesh over the top of the enclosure.Netting will help keep box turtles in because they dig under or climb over fences.There should be at least one hide per turtle.A turtle hide can be as simple as a cardboard box.
Step 6: You can build an enclosure out of wood or concrete.
The turtle shouldn't crawl out of the high walls.You don't need a lid if they are at least two feet high.If you have a lid, make sure it has a way for the turtle to breathe.You can use a tub made of rubbermaid.Line porous material with pond liner to make it easier to clean.A quiet room is where your indoor pen should be.Box turtles need high humidity to stay alive in winter and when the house is dry.
Step 7: Make sure your turtle has enough light and warmth.
It can get as cold as 45F (7C) at night if your turtle is outdoors.Turtles need UVB radiation which can't get through your window glass, so place a full-spectrum fluorescent light no more than 18 inches (46 cm) above the substrate for an indoor enclosure.You should replace these lights every 9 months to 1 year to make sure the UVB radiation reaches the animals.Turtles need a basking light, so hang a 50 watt bulb at one end of the cage.During the day, keep the lights on for 12 hours.The basking light should be turned off about 20 minutes before the other light.The temperature in the background room should be 72 to 75 F (22 to 24C) during the day and a little cooler at night.
Step 8: Substrate can be added to outdoor and indoor enclosures.
You can use a mixture of clean, unfertilized soil and leaves to make sure that your turtle has a place to dig into and to hide in.As the wading pool becomes wet, you will have to replace the soil around it.If you want to keep turtles indoors, be sure to avoid wood and corncob bedding.The turtle needs to be able to burrow under the surface to feel safe.Do your research to find out how often you need to mist the box turtle enclosure.
Step 9: Landscape the turtle enclosure.
His enclosure should be filled with plants like mint, common grass or herbs.It should be an adventure playground with small logs to climb, flower pots to hide in, rocks to bask on, and of course a water bowl to drink from.In the early morning when your turtle can bask in and warm up so he will feel like eating, part of the enclosure must get direct sun.Turtles like to burrow down and sleep in a pile of cut grass.You can care for your turtle indoors or outdoors.
Step 10: Turtles are able to always access a shallow pool.
Make sure to have a small pool of water for your turtle to play in because these turtles love wading in water.They don't do well in cold water.It is best to use a large, shallow cat litter pan or a shallow plant saucer, but a dish or pan will also work.The turtle can approach from all sides if the pan is sunk into the substrate.They don't drown if the water is no higher than 13 of their shell deep.This is usually 1.5 to 2 inches deep for baby turtles.Turtles poop in the water.
Step 11: The enclosure needs to be cleaned regularly.
It's important to keep the environment clean if you care for a box turtle indoors or outdoors.It's important to clean its bedding at last once a week, wash its water bowl daily, and then clean the entire cage once per month, just make sure the soap is free of ammonia.Allow the bleach solution to air dry and then rinse the enclosure.Don't use it on porous surfaces.Make sure that the soap mixture is completely gone before you put the turtle back so the chemicals in the bleach don't harm it.
Step 12: Feed your turtle.
Young turtles must eat regularly, but adult turtles need to eat at least 3 or more times a week.Turtles should be fed in the morning, and they need to eat a mixture of fruits, vegetables andProtein, which makes up 75% of a young turtle's diet.All fruits should be washed.You need to make sure your turtle gets enough vitamins.There are some foods that turtles love to eat.Tomatoes, grapes, mangoes, melons, figs, pears, strawberries, plums, nectarines, and apples are some of the fruits.Sweet potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, dandelions, and squash are vegetables.Whole mice, yellow vegetables, dark leafy greens, food with calcium carbonate, lactate, citrate, or gluconate should be eaten every 2 weeks if the turtle isn't getting enough vitamins.If your turtle won't eat, know what to do.Feed him bright, red, yellow, or orange foods or live animals to get him interested.The turtles should be fed in the early morning or late afternoon.It is possible to mist the cage with water before feeding.
Step 13: Do you know if your turtle is sick?
To take your turtle to the vet if he is sick, you need to be aware of his illness as soon as possible.There are some things to look out for when it comes to the turtle's shell and skin.
Step 14: Prepare for a period of quiet.
Depending on where you live, your box turtle will want to sleep during the cold months.Get your reptile vet to check out your turtle.The best person to clear up your questions is your vet.Make sure your turtle is protected from harm.
Step 15: Don't be aggressive with your turtle.
You can still build a relationship with your turtle, even though they don't like handling.Turtles can bite if they are unhappy.He will love you if you're careful around your turtle.When you come to feed him at the same time, you'll build up a routine and your favorite reptile will be waiting for you.The stronger your relationship is, the more you get to know each other.If you have to pick him up, don't let his legs go limp.He will feel secure if he puts one hand under his feet.Have fun watching your box turtle hunt.She will be most active in the morning and evening.If you have an indoor turtle, take it outside on nice days.They can run fast if you put it in an outdoor enclosure.Unless you have built a predator-proof outdoor enclosure, stay with your turtle.If possible, wash your turtle's dishes away from where food is prepared.Before and after handling your turtle, wash your hands.