Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
I am new to box turtles. I found one (rescued) as she was crossing the road in Arkansas back in May. I brought her home with me to Texas and a couple hundred dollars later I had a home setup for her. She has been fairly active and she ate most everyday, skipping a day every now and then. She has been pretty active, even when she found it necessary to hide under her log, she would keep her head out and would stretch it out looking around. About 2 or 3 weeks ago her eating has decreased and she started digging as though she was wanting to burrow. She will do this and then just sit there still and quiet. About a week ago she laid and egg. I thought that this was why the behavior change and that she would be back to her old self. She has continued to be inactive. She hasn't eaten in about 4 or 5 days now. Most of the time I see her she has her eyes closed. I would think it is too soon to want to hibernate. Sorry if this has been covered before but I just found this forum and am new to box turtles. She has quickly become part of the family and we are all concerned. BTW, we have the egg in a tupperware container trying to see if we can hatch it. Thanks for any help.
Charles

The tank is probably not conducive to egg laying-shallow bedding, inappropriate bedding, too cool...you live in Texas? Can you build her an outdoor pen? Gravid females should not be kept indoors but have the opportunity to lay outside. She could be eggbound-holding on to her eggs as much as she can in hopes that things will get better and she'll be able to lay her eggs properly.

Please make the effort to get her in an outdoor pen.
-----
Tess
Kingsnake.com Forum Host