
Box turtles are fascinating creatures that can make great pets, but there are a few things to consider before bringing one home. Firstly, it's important to understand that there are different species and subspecies of box turtles, each with its own unique characteristics and care requirements. Some species, like the Coahuilan box turtle, are aquatic and spend most of their time in the water, while others like the Eastern box turtle are terrestrial and don't require an aquarium. The availability of each species can vary, and some may be harder to acquire or illegal to own in certain areas. It's also important to provide the necessary living conditions, such as an outdoor enclosure, consistent sun exposure, and a varied diet, to ensure the turtle's health and well-being.
When it comes to purchasing a box turtle, there are a few options. Some people choose to buy from pet stores, but the selection may be limited, and the turtles may not be well-socialized. Online purchases can be risky, as you can't assess the turtle's health beforehand. A recommended option is to buy from a reputable breeder, as they may have exotic specimens and spend more time caring for the turtles. However, it's crucial to research the breeder to ensure they are reputable and ethical. Additionally, it's essential to consider the legal and ethical implications, as wild populations of box turtles are dwindling, and it is illegal to take them from the wild in most states.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Species | Common/Eastern box turtle, Three-toed box turtle, Gulf Coast box turtle, Ornate box turtle, Mexican box turtle, Spotted box turtle, Coahuilan box turtle, Yucatan box turtle, Florida box turtle, Desert box turtle, Amboina box turtle, Yellow-headed box turtle, Chinese box turtle, Indochinese box turtle, McCord's box turtle, Pan's box turtle, Yunnan box turtle, Keeled box turtle, Southern Vietnam box turtle, Zhou's box turtle, Bourret's box turtle |
Average adult size | 4 to 8 inches |
Average price range | $25 to $50 for common species; exotic species can cost several thousand dollars |
Where to buy | Online from reputable breeders, pet stores, professional breeders |
Where not to buy | TortoiseTown.com, CBReptile.com |
What You'll Learn
Online
There are several online options for purchasing a box turtle. One of the largest selections of box turtles for sale online is offered by Tortoise Town, which includes the common box turtle, baby eastern box turtles, adult eastern box turtles, 3-toed box turtles, ornate box turtles, and baby ornate box turtles. They also offer rarer varieties such as the Florida box turtle, Gulf Coast box turtle, and Chinese box turtle. Tortoise Town ships turtles in heated, insulated shipping boxes via FedEx or UPS overnight with early morning delivery. Each purchase comes with a 7-day health guarantee and lifetime free support. However, it is recommended to avoid purchasing any reptiles from Tortoise Town, as they have received negative reviews.
Backwater Reptiles is another online source for purchasing box turtles, including the Eastern box turtle, Chinese box turtle, Indonesian box turtle, and Ornate box turtle. They offer a 100% live arrival guarantee and ship overnight to your doorstep for a flat rate of $44.99. They accept VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and Paypal.
When buying a box turtle online, it is important to be aware of the risks, as you cannot assess the turtle's health before purchase or verify the accuracy of the photos provided. It is recommended to buy from a reputable breeder to mitigate these risks. Additionally, it is important to research the specific species and their needs before making a purchase, as some species are harder to acquire or care for than others.
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Pet stores
When it comes to buying a box turtle, you can look for them in pet stores. However, it is unlikely that you will find any exotic specimens in these stores. Turtles in big chain pet stores also do not get a lot of one-on-one time with humans, so they are unlikely to be very socialised to people.
If you are looking for a common or three-toed box turtle, you should be able to find one in this price range of $25 to $50 without too much trouble. If you are looking for something more exotic, you will be at the mercy of whatever the seller is asking for. Several species of Asian box turtles, for example, sell for several thousand dollars each.
If you do decide to buy a turtle from a pet store, make sure that the seller offers some kind of guarantee. You don't want to get ripped off and buy a turtle that dies soon after you bring it home. However, remember that you need to provide a suitable environment for your turtle. If you do not take good care of it, you cannot complain to the seller if it gets sick or dies.
In addition to the cost of the turtle itself, you will also need to purchase a number of supplies. Necessary items such as an enclosure, a heating lamp, décor, a large water container, and food will cost a minimum of $50, with the potential to cost several hundred dollars if you opt for higher-quality items.
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Professional breeders
If you're looking to buy a box turtle, one option is to purchase from a professional breeder. This can be a good option, depending on the breeder. They may have exotic specimens in stock, and they will likely have spent more time with the turtles than a pet store would.
There are a few things to keep in mind when considering this option. First, do your research to make sure the breeder is reputable and ethical. It's important to only support breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of their animals. Additionally, keep in mind that the availability of certain species and subspecies will vary, and some may be harder to acquire or more expensive than others. For example, the Chinese box turtle is rare and can be quite costly.
When choosing a breeder, look for one who has a biologist on staff and can provide a health guarantee for their turtles. This shows that they are knowledgeable and care about the well-being of their animals. It's also important to consider the living conditions of the turtles. Are they kept in a suitable environment with proper nutrition and care? A good breeder will be able to provide detailed information about the turtles' diet, housing, and socialisation.
Another advantage of purchasing from a breeder is the opportunity to build a relationship with them. A good breeder will be happy to answer any questions you have and provide ongoing support, even after you take your turtle home. This can be especially helpful if you're new to owning a box turtle and need guidance on their care and maintenance.
Overall, buying from a professional breeder can be a great option for those looking for a healthy, well-socialised box turtle. Just be sure to do your research and choose a breeder who prioritises the health and well-being of their animals.
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Asian countries
Asian box turtles are native to Southeast Asian countries, including China, Indonesia, and the Philippines. They are considered the most heavily trafficked turtles in the world, often sold as food in China and as pets in the United States. This illegal trade has put the species in danger of extinction.
In Asia, you may find Asian box turtles in local food markets or as pets. However, it is important to note that they are protected under conservation efforts due to their vulnerable status.
If you are considering getting an Asian box turtle as a pet, it is recommended to acquire one from a reputable breeder in North America that breeds them in captivity. This ensures the turtle is healthy and free of parasites, and it also helps support the conservation of this species.
Asian box turtles have specific care requirements as they are semi-aquatic, requiring an enclosure with ample space for water and land. They are known to live long lives, even outliving their owners, so be prepared for a potential lifelong commitment.
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North America
Box turtles are native to North America and can be purchased from pet stores, online retailers, or specialist breeders.
Pet Stores
While box turtles can be found in pet stores, these stores are unlikely to stock exotic specimens and the turtles are unlikely to be socialised to humans.
Online Retailers
Online retailers can be a risky option as you cannot check the turtle's health before purchase and there is no guarantee that the photos posted are of the turtle you are buying. However, buying online from a reputable breeder can be a good way to legally obtain a rare species.
Specialist Breeders
Some people breed box turtles professionally and this can be a good option, depending on the breeder. They may have exotic specimens and they will have spent more time with the turtles than a pet store. However, it is important to do your research to ensure the breeder is reputable.
Price
The price of a box turtle depends on the species. Common or Three-toed box turtles can be found for between $25 and $50, while several species of Asian box turtles sell for several thousand dollars each.
Legality
It is important to note that some box turtle species may not be legal to own, depending on your location and how you obtain them. For example, the Mexican box turtle cannot be imported into America anymore, and the Coahuilan box turtle has a very small and dwindling population.
Care
Box turtles require a lot of care. They need an outdoor enclosure, consistent exposure to light, and a varied diet. Without these things, their growth can be stunted and their immune system weakened. They also require a lot of space, as they like to have a lot of personal space.
Health
It is recommended that you take your turtle for a vet visit as soon as you get it. Turtles can live for a long time—over 100 years in some cases—so purchasing a turtle is a long-term commitment.
Other Considerations
Box turtles form a familiarity with their surroundings, so it can be very stressful for them to be moved to a new enclosure. It is also important to only buy captive-bred box turtles to reduce the pressure on wild populations.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy box turtles from specialist online stores, pet stores, or from professional breeders. If you live in the US, the Eastern box turtle and the Three-toed box turtle are the easiest turtles to obtain from local dealers.
It is recommended that you avoid buying turtles from TortoiseTown.com and CBReptile.com. Instead, opt for a reputable breeder, especially if you are looking for a rare species. Large reptile forums can be a good place to find a reputable online seller.
The price of a box turtle depends on the species. Common or Three-toed box turtles should be available for $25 to $50. More exotic species will be significantly more expensive, with several species of Asian box turtles selling for several thousand dollars each.