Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well, I convinced (uh, browbeat is a better word, lol) my friends to give me the neglected box turtle someone gave them (see my post below). I've been doing research all weekend, and I have a few questions I'm hoping someone can help me with.

1) I live in Sonoma County, CA. Our summers are warm (80 ) and dry, with cool nights (50s). My yard is south facing and half gets a few hours morning sun and the other half gets afternoon sun. My understanding is that it would be best to place an outdoor enclosure in the area that gets morning sun and is shaded (dappled shade) in the afternoon, especially since that side is also watered more, thus more humidity. Is this correct? Also, I'm planning to shelter the turtle inside at night, because I've read our outside overnight temps. are too low. Correct?

2) This turtle has been fed a very poor diet (lettuce and carrots). Would it be best to start it off with a balanced diet, or should I put a little more emphasis on a particular area, such as protein? I have mealies and waxworms, and ready access to other insects. Also, can I feed slugs straight from my yard (no pesticides), or do I need to "clean them out" first?

3) The turtle appears healthy, although I honestly don't see how it could be. I'm planning to take it to the vet, but should I take it in ASAP or wait a couple weeks and try to get it settled and eating? I'm not sure when it last ate, so I might not be able to get a fecal sample for a few days. Are there any specific signs of serious health issues (renal or liver failure, for example) I should be looking for in a case like this?

Thank you to all!
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Sohni
Northern California

0.1 Baja de L.A. Rosy Boa
0.1 Okeetee Corn Snake
1.1 Rubber Boas
1.0 Leopard Gecko
0.0.1 Hermann's Tortoise
0.0.1 Marginated Tortoise
plus my kids' herps:
0.1 California King Snake
1.0 Mexican Rosy Boa
0.1 Leopard Gecko

go to a balanced diet. to much meat is as bad or worse than too much plants. pinky mice, grapes silkworms tomato mushroom chicken butterworms mango romain dandelion earthworms blueberrys sowbugs carot cuttlebone waxworms crickets melon slugs moths raspberrys and sweetpotatoe. nothing is a complete food so use them all.

yeah you want the higher humidity and some coolness to. and a nice pond to soak

im glad you got the turtle and want to make a nice home for it

Slugs are great for the boxies! No need to wash them off. Anywhere outside should be fine for a turtle pen, the turtle will be much happier outside.
If you are willing to take him to the vet, I would go ahead and do so right away, just in case.