Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, our new baby box turtle arrived this morning. (almost 2 mos. old) He was packaged in some very cold paper towells, and was sluggish upon arrival. But he's been out nearly an hour now, and is under some heat lamps, sitting in his water dish surrounded by two worms that he refuses to eat (at the moment) does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can get him to eat? he's alert, and is moving around only slightly. He's probaby frightened. Any advice? (other box turtle is much larger, not used to something so small)

Give him time to adjust to his new surroundings. Shipping is a very stressful period for box turtles (or any animal)-it might be a day or two before it feels comfortable enough to eat.

He is probably chilled to the bones. He won'e feel like eating till he is thoroughly warmed up, and even then may take a few days to get comfortable with his new surroundings. Give him the foods he is used to eating, whatever that was, and then slowly wean him onto the good foods that young box turtles should be eating, things like earthworms, small crickets, waxworms, superworms and grated cooked veggies like sweet potatoes, carrots and fruits like apples, grapes and cherries. Good luck!
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Tess
Kingsnake.com Forum Host

Actually things worked out better than expected... but thanks for the help. About an hour and a half after being under the lights, he ate some earthworms. The only problem is that I need to change his substrate. It's soft, but like soft soil, and sticks all over him!