Box turtles enjoy wading and soaking in water, so provide some sort of
pool. They will often defecate in their water container, and that helps
keep the enclosure clean, if the water is replaced daily. Box turtles kept
indoors should be placed in water to soak every day. Most box turtles are
clumsy swimmers, but many of them do seem to enjoy it if a deeper pond is
available in an outdoor enclosure. Some box turtles will swim in an outdoor
pond for over an hour almost every warm day. Others just wade and soak in
the shallow end. Make sure there is an easy exit so a swimming box turtle
does not become exhaused. Also, cold water can disable a turtle that falls
in or enters to swim. A warm water pond with an easy exit will be appreciated
by many American box turtles and poses no significant danger of drowning.
FEEDING
Box turtles are omnivors and will enjoy fruits, veggies, greens, worms
and insects. Feed the turtle on a flat rock rather than from dishes of any
kind. This more natural approach will prevent the beak and toenails from
becoming overgrown.
Food preferences in American box turtles tend to be determined by 1.)
their species; and 2.) what they've been fed before. The Terrapene carolina
complex (which includes Easterns, Floridas, Gulf Coasts, and Three-Toeds)
will eat a great variety of plant foods in addition to smaller amounts of
"meats" such as crickets and snails. Ornate box turtles, both
subspecies of Terrapene ornata, lean toward the meats and will eat smaller
amounts of fruits, veggies and greens. Provide a high calcium source most
of the time--e.g. cuttlebone, boiled eggshells, plaster block--so that the
turtle can munch when it feels the need for more calcium.
If your turtle is reluctant to eat, try soaking or misting before feeding.
Make sure the turtle is warm enough. Reluctant feeders can often be enticed
with live food such as an earthworm or slugs, or colorful foods such as
strawberries or cantaloupe. Sick turtles will usually not eat well, so if
the turtle refuses to eat for more than two weeks, seek veterinary care.
An example of a good, healthy meal for a box turtle: Try a salad of chopped
grapes, dandelion, and grated carrot, and add a delightful topping of earthworm.
This should convince your turtle that you are a good provider.
View My Guestbook
Sign My Guestbook
CLICK TURTLE to return to CONTENTS |
FastCounter by bCentral