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I was wanting to know if a plastic kiddy pool would be alright enclosure for a single eastern box turtle for it to live outside in?

crocker

I don't see why not, as long as its got a drainage plug or hole to keep it from getting full of water when it rains.

I thought kiddy pools become like an oven in summer?
I wouldn't think they'd be big enough either..

It wouldnt heat up a whole lot with it turned rightside up with dirt and leaves halfway filling it in a shaded area would it? Would it be big enough for a 4 incher or less turtle?

thanks
crocker

No, it won't heat up like an oven, although I wouldn't put it in full sun if you can avoid it. I've got my 2 year olds and some of my 1 year olds in two kiddie pools on my deck. They are both filled with several inches of damp peat moss. I've got half of a hollow tree trunk (section) in each for a hiding "cave", as well as piles of leaves and I'm adding plants.
I have a plant saucer in each pool for a water dish.
The deck is sunny part of the day and shady other parts of the day. The plastic sides of the pool get warm sometimes but the substrate does not. And it is nice and cool under those logs. I think this is ideal for juvenile turtles. If you're going to put an adult in one, i'd get the biggest you can find.
I'll try to post a photo of my pool setups tomorrow.

I'd say it would be an adequate short-term home. It would probably not be deep enough for over-wintering/hibernating purposes. Also, it might not be deep enough to have a good soil level and still have high enough walls to prevent escapes.
for juniors it would probably be fine, but I'd want to cover it somehow, just as an added precaution.
If you look through the archives you'll find lots of creative solutions to housing issues, most of which are quite easy on the budget.

I kept florida box turtle juveniles in a large kiddie pool for about half a year a long time ago. The only problem i found was that the pool wasn't deep enough to provide space for a thick, deep substrate that boxies like to burrow into. If i had layed the soil as deepas i had wanted, they would have been able to escapeeasily.There were no other serious problems. But then, i lived in Florida at the time so temperature wasn't an issue. The pool was on a screened porch but faced an open area so one side was sunned and one side shaded. Depending upon where you live and how you position the pool it may be difficult to keep the temperatures right. But a brooder lamp with a stand or a light hanging from a chain might help. Also, though, boxies DO like to roam so only the biggest size pool and the smallest turtle would probaly be something i'd put togther now.

there is also the issue of predator proofing. Unless you cover the top or keep it in an enclosed area, many animals will be able to get in and tear up your turtle.