Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was looking into getting a gulf coast box turtle, and all the sites I found on the care for them grouped them with the eastern and three toed. I was wondering if anyone could tell me if there is any difference in the care.

Megan, I only keep Easterns, so hopefully you'll hear from Gulf Coast keepers.
My inclination would be to think that, since they are native to a warmer part of the country, possible differences in care would be hibernation requirements (shorter period, if at all).
If you don't get some answers, I'll consult some literature and see what I can come up with for you.
Stephanie

I have kept a couple in the past, as they are native in my area. any difference would be negligible between the three and it would be difficult to be precise anyway unless you lived in the "coastie's" natural range. suffices to say that the "coastie" may prefer it a little more humid and slightly warmer. the range of the three-toed overlaps with the gulf coast, so following the three-toed husbandry will be the closest information vs. eastern husbandry.

Mick
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"A man that should call every thing by it's right name, would hardly pass the streets without being knocked down as a common enemy."

The Complete Works of Goerge Savile, First Marquess of Halifax, 1912.

Megan,

In some parts of their range, Gulf Coast Coast and Eastern box turtles interbreed, so it makes sense that their care is similar. There are two minor differences though. Gulf Coast box turtles freely enter water, swim and walk the bottom of waterways - kind of like a mud turtle. The other difference is than Gulf Coast box turtles get big - much larger than any other U.S. box turtle.

As far as temperatures go, there is some controversy as if they need to, or should be, hibernated. The breeder I got mine from hibernated his breeding adults.

Hope this helps!

Tim