Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, A friend brought me a baby turtle that she found swimming in her pool. After looking at the baby pics a couple of posts down, I think it might be a box turtle. It seems very young and is only slightly interested in the newt food pellets I have offered. I have several other herps and would like to keep the little guy if I can provide acceptable captive conditions. I have room for a 2 x 3 foot enclosure.

How do I know for sure if it is a young box turtle (I posted a description on the What Kind? forum) and can is it possible to provide an appropriate environment indoors? Thanks for any input!

Laura

Many turtle keepers who post on this forum agree that box turtles are best off kept outdoors, preferably year round (unless they are brand new hatchlings), and given as much room as possible in which to roam around.
Is there any way that you can post a photo? Baby turtles can look very similar.
You mentioned that it was swimming in a pool: was it just bobbing around or diving and swimming?
Also, how big/small is it? Does it have a hinge that enables it to close up tight?
It may be best to release it near your friends yard, and let it be on its way: box turtles can be very difficult to keep healthy if they can't be outside in a spacious enclosure.