Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all,

Ok I have a problem, a kid from Arkansas sent me a box turtle that he thought had been run over. Well, it hasn't been run over but it is the ugliest looking box turtle I have ever seen. It has no markings on it and pieces of it's shell are peeling off, making identification hard, plus range maps don't help me because I can't even find Arkansas on a map. Anyone know what kind of box turtle it is? It is a yellowish brown color all over it's body and about 4 inches long.
Michael
Michael's Place

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http://www.freewebs.com/mikesnake

Helmz614@aol.com

Probly a very very old 3-toed box turtle
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My Site
1.2.1 Terrapene Carolina Triunguis
0.0.1 Nymphicus hollandicus
1.0 Melopsittacus undulatus
1.1 American Cocker Spaniels
1.0 American Short Hair? Cat
1.1 Rouen Ducks

Hi, It sounds like a 3 toe boxie who is either very old, has shell rot or has both. I have a Eastern I adopted that has both. OLD with shell rot. Still, I enjoy having her live in my yard with my group of boxies. Her name is "F5" She is as slow as can be and every spring I have to admit, I have doubts whether or not she will survive due to her age, yet for the past 4 years, she is one of the first to come out which is a pleasant surprise. She has a shell that sounds just as unattractive as yours, but it makes little difference to me. With a little care, the boxie you have will make a nice pet. If by chance, it turns out to be an "Eastern" and you decide you longer want it, drop me a line. Harry

if your turtle has shell rot why aren't you doing anything..?
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My Site
1.2.1 Terrapene Carolina Triunguis
0.0.1 Nymphicus hollandicus
1.0 Melopsittacus undulatus
1.1 American Cocker Spaniels
1.0 American Short Hair? Cat
1.1 Rouen Ducks

Uh, yes I was kinda wondering the same thing. Shell rot can be fatal if not treated.

Back to the original question: 3-toes can be quite plain. Does it have 3 toes on the hind feet? (Occasionally some 3-toes have 4 toes on the hind feet.) If it does have 3 toes on the hind feet, then you know what you have for sure.

I'll check later to see if it has 3 toes or not and get back to you tomorrow.
Michael
Michael's Place

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http://www.freewebs.com/mikesnake

Helmz614@aol.com

Hi, I am a total idiot. I was getting furious on why you guys were assuming I didn't do anything until I reread my post. I should have wrote, "I have an Old Eastern I adopted that HAD shell rot when I first got her". I stand corrected. Anyway, Do you think this boxie would have lasted this long (4 years) if I didn't do anything? When I first got her, her shell wasn't a pleasant sight. Now, her shell is firm, solid & dry (after treatment and lots of TLC)- She's now a healthy, very dull, dark, old boxie. Slow as heck but eats with a vengence. I just wish I could figure exactly what her age is. (I'm "estimating" 71 years, 8 months, 19 days, 10 hrs, 14 minutes, 39 seconds old. .............Only kidding - but at least 40 years) Anyway, her shell rot is now no longer a factor, just her age, Thats why I find it a pleasant surprise when I see her come out in the spring. But I bet I'm gonna see her come out for another 25 years. By the way, thanks for the correction. I should reread my post BEFORE I post it. Harry.....Duh.....