Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all,

My name is Nate and I'm new to this forum. I moved to New Mexico last fall from Maine. When in Maine I had a group of box turtles that lived happily outside all year round. When I moved I placed my turtles with knowledgable people and came to new mexico petless. I am now looking to acquire a trio of Easterns. I know that almost all chelonians are better off living in outside enclosures. My problem though. Easterns are very intolerant of dry weather. Besides monsoon season, where I live is very dry. Do you think that due to high temps and low humidity I would be better off setting up a highly monitored indoor enclosure or to risk an outside habitat?

I've thought that if I do keep them outside that I should keep them on a layer of mulch and peat to keep humidty up. That's all I've been able to come up with thus far. Your comments and ideas are very appreciated.

Nate

I think it would be better for you and the turtles if you got a different species. Then again. If you planted heavily and watered daily, you may pull it off.

That is something I've definitely thought of...different species. My wife and I are both really set on Easterns but if it would only be a death sentence, or a miserable life for them I would definitely go for another species. Does anyone think 3 toeds would tolerate my climate better?

Nate

Nate in NM maybe you'll be like me, you'll find needy ornates soon & won't have to worry about bringing in a nonnative species.
I live very close to the border of NM & I know people over in that state who have wound up with ornates as I have, not looking for them they just happen.
It's very easy to keep native boxies in their native land without worrying about the climate.
3 toed come from a more humid climate so I think it'd be a little harder to keep them as it would be Easterns but if you could get non desert plants to grow maybe it could be done.
Me, I can't get anything to grow that doesn't require a desert climate but I haven't had any topsoil brought in, I live on sand.

Anyway look how beautiful some ornates are

-----
PHRatz