Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I heard ornate box turtles were difficult to keep in captivity, is this true? If so what would be a hardy land turtle to raise for a first time turtle owner?

Much of it depends on where you live. Yes, they can be difficult. People used to try to keep them like a Desert tortoise. Now, some people try to keep them like an Eastern Box turtle. Their husbandry lies more in the middle.

Generally, where do you live?

I live in Rhode Island.

It would be difficult for you to keep an Ornate box turtle. It can certainly be done, but your climate is the polar opposite of what they prefer. You would most likely have to maintain a very large indoor terrarium, at least 4' X 4'.

An Eastern Box turtle would be your best choice. As far as I know, they are protected in RI. However, if you can hook up with a local reptile rescue, you can often get a permit to adopt an individual or small group. Then, you can keep them outdoors (it is much easier).

Another option would be to adopt a Three-toed Box turtle, or purchase a captive bred juvenile/hatchling. They should be able to handle your climate.

It's good that you are researching this before you make your choice. Once you narrow it down, then the REAL work will begin. It's a big commitment, and it requires a ton of research. Good luck!

P.s. A Russian Tortoise is a small land tortoise that can easily be kept indoors in a "tortoise table". They are hardy if you obtain an already healthy individual, they have great personalities, and they are easy to feed (vegetarians). Just an idea. The tortoise forum on this website is great!

thanks so much for your input. i already have a huge bin.but no turtle. i read that 3 toed turtles are a little harder to tame is that true? so for all the questions i want a turtle but want to make sure its done right .thanks again you've been a good help.

i live in a aptment wouldnt a tortise get to big?

Here is my .02 cents. If you live in an apartment I would stay away from box turtles. From my experience keeping box turtles indoors is a real bad idea. When kept outdoors they are a much happier animal and seem to eat more willingly. If you are really wanting a land turtle I would go with a hatchling eastern box turtle, with the intention of getting it outside as it gets older. Russians are also good but to me for an apartment the best turtles to get are water turtles possibly a mud, musk, paint, or map. I personally never recommend adult turtles as begginner pets. Most have been adjusted to a certain setting and baby captive borns are a little more expendable for a beginner. I personally feel like people are doing a bit of injustice by keeping adult boxies indoors, but that is just my opinion. Also if you buy a baby you are 99% sure to get captive born and not some wild caught adult.
Good luck
chris

Amen to what Chris said.
Jeff

I keep a musk turtle in a 10 gallon fish tank for 6 years. It was a very good pet. They are the smallest of turtles and they do not need to come out of the water to bask in the sun as many turtles do. Check out the musk and mud turtle forum.
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Jack