Someone on one of my internet groups was driving along on trash night and saw an aquarium on the side of the road. He went over to check it out and was surprised to find a turtle inside. Since he wanted the aquarium and not a turtle, he offered it to the group. Well, I picked the cutie up last night & here I am now! LOL...



I live in NJ and have been doing a bit of research online regarding boxie care. I currently have what I believe to be a male Eastern box turtle. If scute age approximation is reliable, he's about 8yo. I'll try to get pics up tonight so y'all can verify. (He's got the talon-like hind claws, a white lower jaw, reddish spots on his front legs, and a bland carapace.)



From what I've read online, I should assume this fella was a pet and it should never be released into the wild. I want to be sure since I have always wanted a turtle (My house is full of turtle collectibles.) and don't want to have my emotions get in the way of what's best for this guy. Do I assume the roadside aquarium find was a pet? LOL...



I currently have him housed in a failed garden that's approximately 8ft by 2.5ft. The ground is mottled shade with no grass, moist soil, a pine tree, and a few hostas. The enclosure is pine stockade fencing on one long side and I want to be sure this is okay. The other sides are 3ft metal garden fencing.



He's only been with us for 12hrs, but I want to be sure I'm doing the best I can do for him. I offered him a plate of grapes, mangoes, tomatoes, zucchini, and 2 earthworms this AM, but didn't expect him to eat due to the stress he's experienced. I'm happy to report that he ate a 4in worm from the garden. I want to provide him a varied diet each week adn I will also be going to the LPS today to look into any recommended pellets and/or vitamins. Would he also need substrate added ot his enclosure as well? Also, how would I offer crickets?



I suppose I should look into NJ permit information as well since it's aparently a requirement. My vet doesn't specialize in turtles, but he does handle exotics. We'll be seeing him within the week if I can keep the cutie. LOL...



Thanks for any suggestions!



Jennifer

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