In honor and memory of those we lost in the tragedy on 9/11/01
AMERICAN BOX TURTLES
HOUSING AND SUBSTRATE
Box turtles tend to do well either outdoors, or in a large indoor enclosure. Many people do keep them in tiny aquariums, but it is a rather sad existence, in my opinion. One type of indoor container that actually works quite well is a large Rubbermaid tub. Rubbermaid tubs and specially built wooden boxes have an advantage over glass aquariums because they have opaque sides. Some box turtles will obsessively try to get through the glass to get to the larger area that they can see on the other side. Others become frightened by any activity in the room and will not relax until the sides are covered.
If you live within the natural range of any of the American box turtles,
you should seriously consider an outdoor setup with sun, shade, a variety
of weeds, and a small pond of water that is deep enough for swimming. Turtles
are happier and healthier under these conditions. Some type of protection
is required to prevent raccoons, dogs, or other predators from entering
the enclosure.
One substrate that works well is a combination of potting soil, sand, leaf mulch and sphagnum moss. When misted every day, it holds humidity well. A product called "Bed-a-Beast" is recommended by many people for the same reason.
Burrowing into the substrate and/or hiding under a hollow log or "cave" of some sort makes box turtles feel secure. Just a small cardboard box will work fine, but a variety of logs and caves are sold at many pet stores. You should also make the substrate deep enough for the turtle to burrow completely under.
All box turtles need high humidity. Dry air can cause eye irritation and even respiratory illness. It can literally kill a box turtle. Even the so-called desert box turtles (Terrapene ornata luteola) do their best to avoid dry air. They burrow into moist soil and come out at dawn and dusk when dew moistens everything at ground level. They become highly active in rain. Thoroughly mist the terrarium every day. Your turtle is likely
to be most eager to eat right after being misted. Keeping potted plants in the terrarium will offer a comforting natural look, and also help maintain high humidity.
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