Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi guys, I have been doing a lot of extensive research on box turtles as pets and I am leaning back towards wanting to get a pet box turtle. I understand that outdoor enclosures are the best way to go and I have room enough for like a 3x4 foot enclosure that I could probably make about 2 or 2 1/2 feet deep. I've checked up on about 6 different websites for Box Turtles ranging from turtlecare.net, centralpets.com, anapsid.org, chelonia.org, austinsturtlepage, and asian turtle.org, as well as my audubon reptile field guide. Just about all of these sources are saying that North American box turtles in general don't particularly make good hardy pets. Especially not recommended for beginners. The one exception I am finding to this is the Eastern Box turtle. They are ruling out the ornate, the florida, and the Three Toed as not being good beginner turtles, based mainly on their extensive habitat requirements, picky eating habits, and shyness (mostly the 3 toed.)

On the other hand, a lot of these sights are saying that Asian Box Turtles do make more hardy pets and are less finiky with their eating behaviors (exception being the rare flowerback) On top of that I just think Asian boxies look cooler (however I am not a big fan of the Malayan) My main question is, what breed of Asian Box turtle (besides the malayan) am I most likely to find a Captive Bred specimen for sale? Who sells Captive bred Asian Box Turtles??

Also, I know that a lot of you have had great experiences with some of the box turtles mentioned above. I know it varies from turtle to turtle because they all have their own unique personalities. I see captive bred Ornates and Three Toed advertised all the time however I have read enough information against those species that I am just not going to take a chance. The only north american species I might consider is the Eastern. But the main thing, whatever I get has to be captive bred. I don't want to risk getting an Asian Boxie that is imported over, stressed out, and infested with parasites.

One last thing. I read on one of those sights that it isn't a good idea to buy a turtle during the Fall, Winter, or Spring months because that is their normal hibernation period. It said that the only way I could maybe get away with doing this is by getting a captive bred species. Thoughts and opinions? Oh and I'm always open to checking out anymore links you guys have!

Thanks,
Mark

Any of the animals you mentioned require a much larger area than 3 X 4 ft. These are animals that roam over large areas looking for food and mates - to keep one in such a small place just isn't in the best interest of the animal. Box turtles make interesting animals to care for but require a large commitment of time and space and funds.

So back to the main question in the post "Do you know anyone who sells Captive Bred Boxies?" I am assuming that you don't know.
Thanks for your input

First things first guys..If need be, I will make the enclosure larger to suit whatever requirements are specific to the needs of that specific species of turtle. But I assure you, I am not going to worry about that until after I determine if it's even possible to get a captive bred asian boxie and what prices I would be expecting to pay. So if you do not know anyone who sells "Captive Bred Asian Box Turtles," then please refrain from answering the post. The enclosure situation can be readdressed as a separate issue at a later time. I'm not trying to be a smart allec, I would just appreciate a specific answer to a specific question.
Thank you,
Mark

Have you already checked the Kingsnake Classifieds?
This forum isn't really the venue used for buying/selling/trading, so many of us who log on don't really discuss those subjects at length, if at all.

That having been said, have you considered adopting one? Try contacting your local Herp society, or Turtle Homes, or even a herp vet in your area for information: you could turtles a favor in more ways than one...

Stephanie

Thanks, I haven't really thought about that idea. I think it might be kinda hard to find an asian box turtle from an animal rescue, but that turtle homes sounds like a good place to start and I might even go to one of the herp. meetings in my town.
~Mark

You never know what will turn up close to home... and an adoption fee might end up being alot less than the purchase price from a breeder.
Good luck!
Stephanie

Steph has a good point... actually, if someone else has already take the risk and bought a malayan box turtle at a pet store (I used to see them all the time in pet stores) and it survived a while with them, you might be able to luck into a pet they got bored with. Keep an eye on the classifieds, just about everything becomes available there over time. Also consider taking an older animal, if you can get one from a breeder/seller with a good reputation and REFERENCES.

If you get a hatchling or very young one, I do recommend indoor housing for it's first year or so, then housing outdoors with trips in depending on species/climate and such. That might let it suit your smaller enclosure for a bit while it grows, giving you time to expand a much larger and more suitable home.

I know relatively little about the specific care of the asian boxes, so I'll stay out of that.

Anything in particular that is dragging you back to them? I'm just curious as you seemed to be on what I consider the right track for choosing a pet... examining what you can provide then finding an animal to suit it...