Reptile & Amphibian Forums

this tuesday I will be getting a gravid 3 toed box, she's being shipped from chicago(to NW Massachusetts), I'm not 100% sure she is gravid(the guy I'm getting her from said she is) but just to be safe I've been making sure I have everything I need to incubate and what not, I have one question for you all right now, when she arrives and settles down a little (if she is infact gravid) will the stress make her lay or will she hold out till she's settled in and with the other turtles?
I have her temp. set up ready for her, theres a spot with about 2" of dirt I'm sure thats not deep enough for eggs, if I see her testing the dirt should I give her a "nest box"?
oops thats 2 questions <g>
Thanks for taking the time to ready this!

Yes, give her a nest box right away. SHe may lay sooner or later, depending on how far along she is but don't wait till you know for sure because she may be ready to lay and you won't be ready. Better safe, then late.
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Tess
Kingsnake.com Forum Host

how far down do box turtles usually dig?
Thanks!

Nesting females usually dig their nests 3-4 inchess deep. The nest is usually as far down as their back legs can reach. Good luck!

Steve

Thanks Steve,
I have one more question for you all, I have a nest box in her temp. pen it should be big enough for her, here's my question should I fill the box with dirt or vermiculite?
Thanks!

I'd use moistened sand/soil mix and PACK IT DOWN HARD. It has to hold the shape of the nest as she digs or she will likely not see it as a suitable spot.