Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi there, I've read your current posts here and would like to know if there is a page that will give be the skinny on the proper care of a newly found Western Box Turtle. IT is being brought to me tomorrow(Sat)and I want to be prepared. I am told this guy is about 4 to 4 1/2 " long and they say it looks "rough" like something tried to injure it.

I have calcium(had rescured RES in the summer), earthworms and mealworms. Also, as I raise ducks, I have number of extra wading pools that I could utilize for this turtle. For lodging I could keep it in my duck building, in a wading pool with something for shelter(plant pot?) and potting soil(mixed with shavings?)for bedding. Got heat lamps of various types(ceramic bases)and I've just ordered a ceramic type warmer. I'd sure like some ideas on feeding. I am also wondering about the "bromating" and if I will need to taper this little guy off for that or try and keep it warm and well fed/watered throughout the winter. This is Western Oregon and it does get into the 20's and 30's at night here and there. Thanks so much...LQ

you do understand people who purchase/collect wc turtles are pretty much frowned upon, especially when they're not being used for a breeding program, and most box turtles are protected in one way or another.. as for a site http://boxturtlesite.org/bxbook.html also check the ks.com forum archives http://forum.kingsnake.com/box/index_a.html
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My Site
1.2.1 Terrapene Carolina Triunguis
0.1 Nymphicus hollandicus
1.1 Melopsittacus undulatus
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Thanks so much Rouen. Yes I am aware about the issues with indemic species. I won't know more what shape this turtle is in until I recieve it, but I understand it has been roughly treated by something...dog? 'coon? Don't know. It will depend upon what shape it is in whether I run it up north to a Doc who knows about these guys and how well fed it is. My thinking is now to probably keep it over the winter and release it here in the spring(I have a large meadow, a pond and am bordered by a little river and lots of woods.

I will follow up on the links and I thank you so much.

LQ

releasing it in unfamiliar territory will likely just cause it's death, box turtles imprint on their "home range" the first few year or two of their lives, a turtle that is already imprinted on a home range will forever search for it, and will often come in harms way be it car or coon.. or the hands of a child thinking it's make an excellent pet in a 10gallon aquarium, and it's also against the law to release WC turtles as in captivity they are exposed to bacteria that can kill off an entire population of wild turtles.
and about the shape the turtles in it should have been left where it was, turtles are survivors, as long as infection does not set in they can over come most anything without needing a vet, thats why it's extremelly common to find wild turtles of any species with missing limbs, missing eyes, chunks of shell, and even if the animal was in dire shape, it is a wild animal and unless you can prove it was man made nature should have been allowed to take it's course.
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My Site
1.2.1 Terrapene Carolina Triunguis
0.1 Nymphicus hollandicus
1.1 Melopsittacus undulatus
1.0 American Cocker Spaniels
1.0 American Short Hair? Cat
1.1 Rouen Ducks

Thanks Rouen, this turtle was found yesterday by someone(a kid)far across the valley from me. Wound up at a wildlife rehabbers place up north who does mammals but no reptiles. So, it's coming here.

Saw a Western Pond turtle this last spring get hit by a car on our little private road. Stopped and picked it up..got it well and it now lives out at and by our pond. Turtles are sure special creatures!

I have checked out the links everyone has provided and will be on my way first thing in the morning for the 60 mile drive to a PetsSmart up north where I can get some reptile bedding and a good heat and UV source. And of course a swing by the market and bait shop for proper foods.

I know I saw a nice large 55 Gal tote at Walmart here in our little town so I'll pick that up too. I think I am stuck with the little thing until spring.

Thanks again for taking the time to reply...happy holidays everyone and I sure thank this site. I have sent lots of people to the Kingsnake forums over the years. What a boone.

LQ

>>Hi there, I've read your current posts here and would like to know if there is a page that will give be the skinny on the proper care of a newly found Western Box Turtle.

Positively identified as a BOX turtle? They're not native to OR. I saw in a subsequent reply you mentioned western POND turtles.

If it is in fact a box turtle, keep it. Since it's not native you won't be "frowned upon" as others do to me. I've had my two WC box turtles for 20 years!
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

Thanks for the reply,

The turtle arrived late yesterday afternoon. She is a box turtle for sure, I don't think "ornata" but then sometimes pictures are misleading and I am not at all knowledgeable. She has been gnawed on(front edge of shell just over her neck), seems to be healing but I don't like the way her plastron looks, so on Monday she is off to the Doc.

I did find out re my reptile books that these turtles are not native to this area. Also have a call in to our local fish and wildlife office but that is a moot point now that we know she is a released or escaped pet.

Her eyes are bright and clear and once she warmed up she took full advantage of the shallow dish of water that I put wax worms, parlsey, shredded squash and earworms in. LOL I've been monitoring the temps in the rough tote that she is in and I think she needs to be warmer. It's about 75 degress in there right under the bulb over the hot rock. What do you think? She's got the full spectrum light bulb on (250 wt), as well as a plant light(for the plants in there)a hot rock and a heating pad over her shelter(the second shelter is just covered with local mosses)so she has a choice. Man, she was really cold when she arrived! I've been spritzing the mosses with water to keep up the humidity a bit.

Do you guys use hygrometers(?) or something to monitor the humidity for them?

I am also wondering if a few drops of OXINE in some saline might be good for spraying on the parts of the shell that have been damaged, especially the plastron where it still looks "off".

I thank you again, I think this is a really good resource and the links you guys have given are really great! Of course, I printed them ALL out and have a little booklet now that I can re read.

LQ

Sorry, thats EARTHWORMS not earworms! LOL

LQ