Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm sorry if I'm being annoying with all these questions, but I really need to know because I want the best care for my little Benni!

Is it bad for my turtle if I dig him out of the dirt every day to let him soak in his water dish? Since he isn't really eating, I assume it's important that he gets in the water everyday.

Will this stress him out/is it bad for him? He doesn't like me digging him out and puts up a little bit of a fight, but once in his water dish he seems very content.

Thank you ahead of time. Everyone who has answered my previous question has been incredibly helpful so thank you very much.

Not necessary to pull him out every day, especially if the soil isn't bone dry.

Box turtles in my area wouldn't have daily exposure to water at all. They get much of their moisture from food sources and burrowing down in damp soil helps prevent dehydration.

I'd probably soak him 2-3 times a week, in tepid water, and see if the slghtly warm water helps stimulate his appetite.

Alrighty. Thank you very much for the info!

Remember one thing too, this little guy is programmed to sleep right now. Make sure the photoperiod in his cage corresponds with normal conditions of spring and summer. If you turn his lights on at say 7 make sure you don't darken the area until around 7 at night. I think daylight has more to do with a turtle going into hibernation than temperature. Also remember in the wild baby box turtles remain hidden, most likely under ground or in leaf litter to avoid predation. This is why the are more attracted to insects at this age. In their natural habitat under leaves, worms, slugs, pill bugs are plentiful they don't encounter berries and plants underground or under leaves. Also in the wild baby box turtles really don't drink water from ponds or streams alot(from my expierience). This would expose them to predators like raccoons, fox, frogs, fish, etc. Most likely the are buried in mud and absorb water or underground absorbing water. Try soaking him 1-2 a week in the winter months, and simply pouring water over were he is buried everyday. This will help him absorb water and keep the area moist. At the same time he won't get stressed by you pulling him from his hiding spot. Also I would suggest at some point maybe a few years down the road to plan some sort of predator-proof outdoor enclosure. The difference in behavior between a boxie outdoors compared to indoors is like night and day. Boxies more than any other turtle aren't happy indoors.

I have nothing to add to the good answers you've already gotten.
I just wanted to say don't hesitate to ask questions, that's why this board is here.
Ask ALL you want because I'm sure someone can answer you.
Now if you want to know something like why did Fred Flintstone put the cat out when he & Wilma had Dino, not a cat.... maybe that one can't be answered lol
but if it has to do with box turtles, I'll bet somebody can.
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PHRatz

" Now if you want to know something like why did Fred Flintstone put the cat out when he & Wilma had Dino, not a cat.... maybe that one can't be answered lol"

Humans (even cartoon ones) don't *have* cats. Cats *have* humans.

>>Humans (even cartoon ones) don't *have* cats. Cats *have* humans.
>>
>>

Ok you got me on that one.
It's soooo true! LOL
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PHRatz