Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I brought home a box turtle from our property and I have had her about 2 months. She is eating great. She is also very active. She has had digestive issue with passing stool. I thought she was constipated at first. I took her to the vet this morning because last night I noticed a white worm in her stool. The vets advice was to not treat the worms and just release her back in the wild. The vet said she was at least 25 years old. I am confused can someone please help me?????

Thanks
Candace

Box turtles normally carry a certain parasite load. Think of all the things this turtle has eaten outside in the last 25 years. Normally this doesn't hurt the turtle unless they become severely stressed (ie. severe illness, or major injury). Your turtle has adapted quite well to living with these parasites.

I think your vet gave you the best advice. I would put it back. This turtle could easily live another 50 years or so in the wild. That is a super long term commitment to an animal if you were to keep it. Plus vet care for reptiles is not cheap. They require very specific living environments that few people, upon finding a boxie, are willing and able to provide. This turtle is used to taking care of himself and has gotten quite good at it over the last 25 years. Keeping a wild boxie in captivity can actually cause them stress and unhappiness. Think of it from the turtles point of view. Would you rather be in the wild as you are used to living or being kept coupted up in captivity?

If you really want a pet box turtle consider adopting one that has been a pet, is used to living in captivity, probably has already been dewormed, and NEEDS a home. Due your research, if you haven't already printed off several care sheets already. If you need help finding information or locating an adoptable pet turtle post that as a follow up question. Make sure you have a housing setup that is appropriate for the turtle to ensure a long healthy, enjoyable relationship with your pet.

Another idea is to buy a hatchling or young turtle from a breeder. It is very exciting to watch them grow and develop.

If you are not ready for 50 year commitment to a turtle (I've had my oldest turtle since 1989.) consider planting things in your yard to attract turtles to come and visit you! It is really fun to watch them forage for food in your own yard. They get to come and go as they please, and you don't have to worry about how to care for them as they can take care of themselves. It is a win-win situation for everyone, especially when their habitat is continually shrinking.

If you'd like ideas for planting things that will attract turtles, you can post that as another question also.

Thank you very much steffke for your timely response. I have spent hours and hours and tons of money on equipment, and vitiams. I have decided that we will let her go. Me and my husband are going after work today to let her back where we found her at. I am very interested in adopting a turtle. I hate after everything I have learned to not use my knowledge to help a turtle. They are very amazing creatures. I have really grown to like the turtle we found. I know in my heart that the right thing to do is to let her go. If anyone has a turtle up for adoption I would love to take it.

Thanks
Candace

You can find adoptable turtles at the following web sites:
www.petfinder.com
http://market.rescuenetwork.org/index.php?cat=10

You may have to register with these two sites, but you will also find adoptable animals here.
http://www.turtleforum.com/forum/upload/index.php?showforum=89
http://www.turtletimes.com/Forums/index.php?s=4facefd2e5da2386ccdc675b7c422171&showforum=63

Also if you look up local reptile rescuers in your state, you will find more.

Your state herpetoligists society may know of other availble animals and is a great source of information and support.
http://www.kingsnake.com/society.html

Go ahead and try the adoption route. I have tried it without any luck. If you find a turtle to adopt - Great! If not email me (dland@att.net) and I can hook you up with a great breeder. I have no financial or otherwise interest in this couple's operation. But I did buy an ornate boxie from them, she arrived in great shape! A couple years later I was actually able to visit their "ranch" and observe their operation. They had a great setup! I can recommend them without reservation!
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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

That is a great story. Thanks.
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Patsy

oops wrong post
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Patsy