Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was wondering what is the best way to house a hatchling eastern box turtle.
Thanks Brandon

The best way is subject to debate, but there are some clear parameters that you should follow;

The size of the enclosure should be adequate to provide a heat and even humidity gradient. You want a warm end with one small spot approaching 90 degrees F. The cooler end should be around 75 degrees F. Nighttime temperatures are best kept between 70 to 75 degrees F. I recommend a very shallow water dish.

Substrate should be moisture retentive. Substrate choice is a matter of personal preference, but you should avoid garden soil with additives, pine shavings, cedar shavings, sand, and some others. Processed peat moss, sphagnum moss, Bed A Beast, and dirt/leaves from the backyard are probably the most common substrata used.

A flourescent light bulb which emits both UVA and UVB lighting is recommended. The instructions will tell you how close it needs to be. The turtle should be able to escape the light, either by moving to another side of the enclosure or by burrowing.

Baby box turtles love to hide, and a variety of hiding spots should be provided. Live plants can be used, but it's very difficult to find a good living plant that can survive in an enclosure and is not potentially harmful to the hatchling.

If you use an enclosure with transparent walls, cover them with paper. Baby box turtles like to feel secure and somewhat hidden.

If you can meet these parameters, you have a bunch of different choices. You have the freedom to choose which meets your situation. Rubbermaid shoeboxes are my choice. Their only downfall, for me, is that the UV light makes them crack over time. At only a couple bucks each, I can live with that.

Which subspecies of Eastern box turtle is it? There are some differences in housing between the 5 subspecies.

Naja-naja...I have a friend who has a pair of those. He absolutely loves them. I assisted him in a few educational talks about venomous herps. The only time I was even slightly afraid was when he took out the Naja naja. He stressed to the audience the fact that they are DEFENSIVE, and not aggressive. It's hard to believe when you watch them in action. They are NOT to be messed with.

Sorry to drift off of topic. I hope this helps. I'm sure that others will chime in with their recommendations. RMB, if you read this, would you consider posting those pictures of your enclosure? It's very cleverly put together...functional and inexpensive.

Here is the original photo I posted:


However, after witnessing a few nips to tails and toes here and there, I decided to opt for segregation:

The dividers are made from corrugated plastic and cut precisely to size. Each hatchling has exactly the same ground area and has access to temperatures in the high 80s and mid to low 70s (with a hide at each extreme).

Cheers,
Ryan

n/m

>>Which subspecies of Eastern box turtle is it? There are some differences in housing between the 5 subspecies.

I am not sure of the subspecies but when i get the chance I will post pics so I can find out cuz I would love to know.

Brandon

Yikes! After re-reading what I wrote, I saw that I made a typo. There are actually 6 subspecies. Two are from Mexico, and are very rare in collections.

>>Yikes! After re-reading what I wrote, I saw that I made a typo. There are actually 6 subspecies. Two are from Mexico, and are very rare in collections.

What are the different subspecies?
Brandon

They all fall under Terrapene carolina...
T.c.carolina - Eastern Box turtle
T.c.triunguis - Three-toed Box turtle
T.c.major - Gulf Coast Box turtle
T.c.bauri - Florida Box turtle
T.c.mexicana - Mexican Box turtle
T.c.yucatana - Yucatan Box turtle

I searched yesterday for a great website that I've shown people who wish to identify a box turtle. It had some wonderful picutures, and the animals chosen were very well representative of each subspecies. I just can't find the site anymore! I looked and looked and looked.

If anyone can remember this site, please post it. We've used it on the forum before. It shows the four most common carolina subspecies, as well as ornata and luteola. The turtles are pictured on stumps (I think), and there is a wonderful shot with all of the turtles sitting in a circle and facing inward.

Ken I don't recall seeing a site like that on this message board but I have a link in my faves from the WCT that I've looked at myself several times..
could this be the one you mean?
North American Box Turtles

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PHRatz

That's not it, but that's a good one.

With the one I remember, seeing the turtles side by side pointed out very clear distinctions.

I think it was Pogo's Pals, but since they're revamping their website I couldn't double-check. I hope they get up and running again 'coz they had some useful photos (and information).

I made a virvarium from looking at some pictures at TurtleTails.com. My hatchling seems to be doing fine so far. Although I have to dig him out to soak and feed him sometimes. If I see him out I throw in a red wiggler, or a wax worm. They have really beautiful pictures on that site, and they tell you where to get some plants. This is a wonderful message board, and you can get a load of info. here too.
Terry

Thanks for all the info. The pics helped out a lot now im off to buy some more hiding spots.
Thanks Brandon

Can't wait to see your pictures.
Good luck buying hides.. I have the hardest time with that.. I always get the wrong size for some reason then end up using it for someone other than the pet I had in mind for it.
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PHRatz