Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Some of you may remember the story of the FL box turtle that I found on my doorstep a few months back. I released the old gentleman in a safe spot in my yard and I presume he's doing well. He sparked my interest in turtles ever since and I've been on the lookout all summer. I was given a Fl Box turtle today, a female about 4-5 years old, such a sweetie! I'd like to build an outdoor enclosure for her in my backyard, but I need some help.

I have a nice shady spot, gets adequate sun, but shrubby at the same time. How do I do this so that she can't dig out and so that the dog, cat, black racers, hawks, squirrels, etc can't get in. Will this be very disruptive/stressful for her since she's been an indoor turtle for years? She will also accompany me on Fl native animal presentations; will being outside make her less acclimated to people? Should I keep her indoors? She's been kept well socialized in the past...well as much as a box turtle can be, LOL!

thanks in advance for your suggestions

from my own personal limited experience, the more they are left alone, the less they are interested in you.
My florida has been in her pen for 2-3 years now, hunts her own food and will rarely take food that I offer. She dorms with a male and female 3 toed. The male was super agressive about food and escape when he showed up in my front yard (no native bt in hawaii) but now wants nothing to do w/me.
That said, touring a turtle (while good for the people to be exposed to nature) is hard on the turtle. So maybe having a more natural environment to come home to would be a better trade off.
good luck./p
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Patsy