Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i have a northeastern box can he mate with any other kind of box like ornata or asian box turtles?

>>i have a northeastern box can he mate with any other kind of box like ornata or asian box turtles?

You probably have an Eastern box turtle and they can mate with ornates and probably even with some Asian species, BUT it is not recommemded to breed different species of box turtles! In my opinion it is not biologically ethical. These turtles have different habitat requirements and would normally not be in close contact. We should respect the uniqueness of the various species and not try to make mixtures that may or may not be fertile or even healthy.
-----
Tess
Kingsnake.com Forum Host

Although it may not be ethical to cross breed different types of box turtles, it can make them legal. Most state have laws concerning "native" species, but when the species are crossed they do not fall under the law as being native. Breeders of wolfs found that although they are highly regulated, when crossed with a dog they are not federally protected. Due the high degree of enforcement it may be the only way in the future to have any form of box turtle. Florida prohibits any North American box turtle other than the ornates to be bought or sold. They belive that should the eastern, three toe, or Gulf Coast cross with the Florida box it would be difficult to protect and regulate the Florida box turtle. Most states "hybreds" are not regulated.