Baby Box Turtles: Are They Good Pets?

Keeping a box turtle as a pet is a big responsibility. While it may be tempting to keep a wild box turtle as a pet, it is not recommended. Wild turtles are not accustomed to human contact and can suffer from the experience. They are also unaccustomed to living in captivity and can become stressed and depressed. If you want a turtle that will enjoy its life in a tank and being handled by people, it is best to get one from a pet store or breeder.

If you do decide to keep a wild box turtle, it is important to provide it with proper care. Box turtles require a large tank, water filter, water heater, basking lamps, and other accessories to stay healthy. They also need a varied diet, including fresh vegetables, fruits, insects, low-fat meats, and pinky mice. It is important to clean their tank regularly and provide them with enough space to move around.

Before keeping a wild box turtle as a pet, it is essential to check your local laws and regulations. In some states, it is illegal to take a turtle from the wild or keep certain species as pets. Additionally, wild turtles can carry parasites and bacteria, such as salmonella, which can be harmful to humans. If you are not prepared to provide the necessary care and meet the legal requirements, it is best to leave the turtle in its natural habitat.

Box turtles are a long-term commitment, living for several decades

When considering taking on the care of a box turtle, it's essential to recognise the level of commitment required. Box turtles have complex care requirements and are susceptible to stress, which can significantly impact their health. They require a significant amount of time and effort to maintain their enclosure and feeding habits.

Additionally, box turtles are native to North America and are considered a threatened species in some states. It is crucial to check your local wildlife laws before acquiring a box turtle as a pet.

The housing requirements for box turtles can be demanding. They thrive in outdoor enclosures that mimic their natural environment, with specific temperature, humidity, and lighting conditions. Creating and maintaining this environment can be challenging and expensive.

Their dietary needs are also diverse and require a varied and balanced diet, including fresh vegetables, fruits, insects, and meat.

Furthermore, box turtles are known to carry bacteria such as salmonella, which can cause food poisoning. It is essential to handle them with care and wash your hands thoroughly after any interaction.

Overall, keeping a box turtle as a pet is a significant responsibility that requires a long-term commitment. Their housing, dietary, and health needs are specialised and demanding. Therefore, it is crucial to be well-informed and prepared before taking on the care of these fascinating creatures.

They require a specific environment, including UV lighting, a certain temperature and humidity

Creating the Right Environment for Your Pet Box Turtle

Lighting

Box turtles require UVB lighting to metabolise calcium in their diets. Without it, they can develop metabolic bone disease and even die. They need around 12 hours of UVB lighting per day, either via natural sunlight or a UVB lamp. If you are using a lamp, be sure to turn it off at night to mimic a natural day-night cycle.

Temperature

Box turtles cannot regulate their own body temperature. When the temperature around them falls, their body temperature also falls, causing them to move slower, stop eating and eventually hibernate. If exposed to lower temperatures for a long time, they may become more vulnerable to diseases.

The ideal temperature for a box turtle enclosure during the day is between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The nighttime temperature must be a little cooler, but should not fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a heat lamp to maintain the right temperature. A 75 to 100-watt heat lamp is best, kept on for 10 to 14 hours a day. During the summer, 10 hours should be enough.

Humidity

Box turtles prefer a humidity level of around 60%. You can maintain this through daily misting and by using a substrate that retains some moisture.

Creating the Right Environment for a Baby Box Turtle

Baby box turtles need a lot of heat. They cannot live without a heat lamp, which should be kept on for up to 14 hours a day.

The temperature in the enclosure must be between 70 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit. It will need cooler shaded areas and a basking spot with UVB lighting that is warmer—between 85 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit.

At night, the temperature can drop to between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Final Thoughts

Box turtles are complex pets that require a lot of care and attention. It is important to do your research and create the right environment for your pet turtle, to keep them happy and healthy.

They can carry salmonella, so it's important to wash your hands after handling them

Box turtles can carry salmonella bacteria without showing any symptoms of illness. However, salmonellosis, the disease caused by the bacteria, can be fatal to humans, especially those with compromised immune systems, young children, and the elderly. Therefore, it is important to take precautions when owning a box turtle as a pet.

Firstly, it is recommended to assume that your turtle carries salmonella unless it has been tested and confirmed negative. Secondly, always wash your hands with regular or antibacterial soap after handling your turtle, its habitat, or its food. If you have children, supervise them when they interact with the turtle to ensure they do not put their fingers in their mouths or kiss the turtle. Additionally, teach them the importance of washing their hands after handling the turtle.

It is also important to keep your turtle's habitat clean to avoid the growth of bacteria. Set up a regular cleaning schedule, removing everything from the pen and cleaning it with a diluted bleach solution. Clean the water bowl daily, as turtles often use it as a toilet. Regularly replace the substrate and clean the entire cage at least once a month, using dish soap that is ammonia-free.

By following these precautions, you can help keep yourself and your family safe while enjoying the company of your pet box turtle.

They are a threatened species in some states, so check your local wildlife laws before keeping one as a pet

Box turtles are a threatened species in some states. Therefore, it is important to check your local wildlife laws before acquiring one as a pet. The eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina), for example, is considered vulnerable by the IUCN, and its populations are declining rapidly. This subspecies is native to the eastern United States and can be found in states such as Maine, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Tennessee.

In addition to habitat loss and degradation, the pet trade contributes to the decline of box turtle populations. Thousands of box turtles are collected from the wild each year, and some states allow the capture and possession of these turtles for personal use. Releasing pets into the wild can also negatively impact box turtle populations, as domestic turtles may struggle to survive in a different environment.

To protect box turtles, it is recommended to purchase captive-bred turtles from reputable breeders or adopt rescued turtles from local herpetological societies or rescue organizations. By doing so, you can learn about the turtle's history and health and help reduce the stress and mortality rate associated with wild-caught turtles. Additionally, captive-bred turtles are more likely to adjust well to captivity.

Before acquiring a box turtle as a pet, it is essential to research the specific care requirements of the species, as they can be challenging pets that require a long-term commitment. Box turtles need a suitable environment, diet, and veterinary care. They are also susceptible to stress, which can affect their health. Therefore, it is crucial to provide them with a consistent and comfortable habitat.

They are semi-aquatic and need a lot of moisture

Keeping a Baby Box Turtle as a Pet: The Importance of Moisture

Box turtles are semi-aquatic and require a lot of moisture in their environment. This is especially true for baby box turtles, also known as hatchlings, which dehydrate very easily. As such, it is important to create an enclosure that retains moisture and mimics the humid conditions of their natural habitat.

Choosing an Enclosure

When selecting an enclosure for a baby box turtle, it is important to consider the size of the space and its ability to retain moisture. While glass aquariums are suitable, some materials, such as wood, will not hold up well to the moisture and may rot. For this reason, many opt for containers made from materials such as Rubbermaid, which can retain moisture without deteriorating. The enclosure should be large enough to accommodate the necessary furnishings, such as hides and plants, and provide enough space for the turtle to exercise.

Substrate and Humidity

To maintain the necessary humidity levels, it is crucial to select a substrate that can retain moisture. Appropriate substrates include coco coir, organic topsoil, fir bark, and cypress mulch, which can be combined to create a mixture resembling a wet forest floor. The substrate should be kept wet and misted or watered regularly. Additionally, providing an upper layer of sphagnum moss or leaf litter can help maintain humidity and provide a hiding place for the baby turtles, as they often spend their first year or two under cover to hide from predators.

Water Access

Providing a shallow dish of clean water is essential for baby box turtles, as it allows them to drink, stay hydrated, and soak up water through their skin. The water should be shallow enough for the turtles to stand comfortably with their heads out of the water, and it should be replaced at least once a day or as needed.

Temperature and Lighting

Box turtles prefer cooler temperatures than most reptiles, with a comfortable range between 70-85°F. They tend to retreat from temperatures above 90°F. It is important to monitor the temperature and humidity levels in the enclosure to ensure the turtles' comfort and health. Regarding lighting, box turtles require UV light to grow properly, which can be provided by a UV fluorescent tube or natural sunlight.

Diet

Baby box turtles are mostly carnivorous but should also be fed greens and fruit. Appropriate sources of protein include live worms, insects, boiled eggs, and raw or boiled meat. Plant matter can include various lettuces, kale, dandelion leaves, blueberries, strawberries, and more.

In conclusion, baby box turtles require a semi-aquatic environment with ample moisture to thrive. By providing a suitable enclosure, maintaining humidity, offering water access, regulating temperature and lighting, and providing a nutritious diet, you can ensure the health and well-being of your pet baby box turtle.

Frequently asked questions