Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Female box turtle, about 4-5 years old, mauled during mating attempt/attack by large male. Female was bloodied and permanently blinded. I rescued her, took her to reptile vet, got the usual UVA-B lamps, large terrarium, read a lot. She is healed and healthy but only moves about 1 foot per day in her terrarium. Questions:
1. Can she live a long life in captivity?
2. Vet suggested astroturf to line the terrarium. OK?
3. She appears to have very good hearing. Would she be smart enough to come to my voice?
4. I'm concerned that she doesnt move around much. I put her in a good basking location, I put her on her feeding tray, I place her in her shallow pool of water, etc. She can walk.
5. Very concerned about what humidity I should try to maintain.

Nicely done! I rehabbed a blind turtle two years ago. It was slow going, and I thought for sure that I'd have to euthanize her if she didn't regain her sight. She'd been struck by a vehicle directly on her snout...crushed her head...AMAZING she survived!

1. Can she live a long life in captivity? - YES!

2. Vet suggested astroturf to line the terrarium. OK? - It depends on the species of box turtle (humidity related). Sure, it can be used if you can maintain the proper humidity. Make sure it has a very tough nap because I've seen some that are very delicate and the turtles will inadvertently ingest some. Also, make sure she has some places where she can snuggle in and hide. It may stress her out to constantly be on an open field of astroturf. Having said all of that...I personally don't think that astroturf is your best choice.

3. She appears to have very good hearing. Would she be smart enough to come to my voice? - YES! However, it may take up to a few years. As this is now one of your turtle's primary stimuli, maybe she'll respond faster.

4. I'm concerned that she doesnt move around much. I put her in a good basking location, I put her on her feeding tray, I place her in her shallow pool of water, etc. She can walk. - This same exact thing happened to me. I believe that it has to do with their confidence. I did exactly what you are doing...moved the turtle where she needed to be. Before long, she began to learn her way around the enclosure and did this on her own. One suggestion...once you set up the floor plan, don't change it.

5. Very concerned about what humidity I should try to maintain. - We'd have to know which type of box turtle you're dealing with. In general, ornates do well at an ambient AIR humidity of 50%-60%. Easterns do better closer to 75%. It's very important, though, to provide both Easterns and Ornates with a humidified substrate in which to burrow, and regular soaks in a decent depth of water. Humidity can be a real pill. It's best if they can get somewhat of a variety. For this turtle, you'll have to make certain to move her about in the enclosure so that she gets to spend time under the UV lights basking in "dry heat", then time hiding in her humidified substrate.

Good luck with this girl! Having gone through this, I know how difficult and time consuming it can be. My turtle was adopted out through my WRC and a turtle rescue team. Apparently, she's now as healthy, hearty, and active as a fully functioning turtle. They also said that she's bonded to them much more than their other turtles. They're assuming that it's due to the fact that she's so reliant on them.

"Good luck with this girl! Having gone through this, I know how difficult and time consuming it can be. My turtle was adopted out through my WRC and a turtle rescue team. Apparently, she's now as healthy, hearty, and active as a fully functioning turtle. They also said that she's bonded to them much more than their other turtles. They're assuming that it's due to the fact that she's so reliant on them."

For what does WRC stand?

Wildlife Resources Commission.

Thanks so much for your reply. I'm new at this but a real softie for most any live creature, so I'll not give up. I REALLY need to raise the humidity in the terrarium. I will keep studying, get some good soil and plants in there and a place for her to borrow and hide. Yes, I now believe she is afraid of the openness in the terrarium. That explains why she is staying on her food tray -- where good things appear...

Now a neighbor has bestowed on me another box turtle that she saw in the middle of a four lane street. No injuries. This one is an Eastern Box male. Another terrarium.

DN

You must be a Turtle Angel!

Hope all goes well with your new friend too.

Hi ,
I have a blind Eastern Hermans tortoise. He has been blind since birth. He feeds and moves around really well now even though at first he didn't seem to want to move around at all!!! He does come when he hears me talking to him! Quite the Delightfully Warm Fuzzies let me tell you !!!He is about 6 months old now so I beleive he will lead a very close to "normal" life! I'm very careful to keep his habitat exactly the same when I clean it and change the soil that way he can find his way around. He eats by himself now too! Good luck and never give up! They are extremely tenacious creatures with amazing abilities to over come the hardships they encounter! Good luck and I'll keep "positive" thoughts for you and your special friend!!!!!
Best Regards and Have a "tortle" kind of day!
Melissa Rose

Good for you for working with this poor baby. Ken I didn't realize you'd rehabbed a blind one ^5 on your success!!

I hate astroturf.. if you need something like it try the reptile carpet.
I hate astroturf because little bits of it will break off & a turtle or any animal might swallow it.
The carpet is more fused, it doesn't fall apart the way the astroturf will.
I've always kept my frog's tank lined with it then I add his damp moss on top. I use it as sort of a buffer between him, the moss, & the under tank heater.
I keep more than one piece so that I always have a clean one that's thoroughly dry before it's used again so that it won't mold. As if anything will mold easily in this dry climate... but mold can form here too so I do that.
Good luck with this turtle.

Btw I've had a number of handicapped animals & there is no reason why a turtle cannot adjust just like any other animal can. When you have a special needs animal you just adapt to that with your set ups & they tend to do just fine.
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PHRatz

If you can get some, Spanish Moss works well to keep up the humidity. Put a thick layer over your substrate, and spray it with warm water every few days. If it gets sunlight it will continue growing for a long time. If it doesn't get sunlight it will probably last a few months, then you will have to replace it. But being a plant, it keeps the air moist, and it insulates the substrate and keeps that moist as well.

Good luck with you turt! And all the kudos in the world to you for taking care of her!
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0.1.0 ornate box turtle
1.0.0 eastern box turtle
1.0.0 Yellow belly slider
0.1.0 Red belly cooter
0.1.0 Australian shepard
1.11.0 chickens
1.0.0 Dutch(rabbit)
3.2.0 children (do I still count the married ones?)
1.0.0 husband