Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What kind of turtle is this? It was found in Kings Mt., NC. It's shell isn't hingend underside, It's a little ruff on the upperside. It's feet doesn't appear webbed.. Anny help would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Erich

Hello Erich:
Looks like you found yourself a baby Eastern Box Turtle. They are easy to care for once established though when young they are very shy. In the wild they are rarely seen until they are a couple inches in length as they are very fossorial as juveniles. The one thing to be careful of is that baby "Boxies" are prone to dehydration.
Hope this helps.
Have a Great Day!!!

Yea, I did a little reaserch on the net and I beleive that's what I have. I've kept adults before but never seen them this small. How do I protect them from dehydration? I have a water dish and some shreded carrots in for him/her now, what else can I do for it?

You should soak him everyday, or at least place him in his water dish once a day. Also, he probably wont eat any carrots, babies like MEAT! Try worms and insects. Also, canned low-fat dog food.

Thanks guys! What would be the best way to give him the worms, so they won't be all over his encloseure?

You can either put him in a little rubbermaid container and throw some worms in there, or just drop one worm at a time in front of him.

Thanks!

feeding him in a seperate area from his enclosure is a good idea.Uneaten dead worms will mold quickly.I usually cut the worms into small pieces when feeding hatchlings.Thay still wiggle.They also will chase down and munch pill bugs(rolypolies?)and snails without shells.make sure he has a warm,humid enviroment.I put a small fake rock-water dish in my tank with a very shallow amount of water.In the morning they would usually climb in and soak.Good Luck