Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok so I FINALLY found some CB eastern box turtle hatchlings. However, the same day I found those, my friend offers me one of his 7 easterns (LTC I believe) for free. Which should I choose? I'm leaning towards my friend's because I wouldnt have to wait for it to come via mail. Thanks for your help and have a happy Thanksgiving.

>>Ok so I FINALLY found some CB eastern box turtle hatchlings. However, the same day I found those, my friend offers me one of his 7 easterns (LTC I believe) for free. Which should I choose? I'm leaning towards my friend's because I wouldnt have to wait for it to come via mail. Thanks for your help and have a happy Thanksgiving.

That's a tough decision. You'll have to make that one but I'll tell you this....the first thought that came to my mind is that it's getting cold across the nation which means the mail gets cold too. There's always risk with mailing them.
You have a happy Thanksgiving too!
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PHRatz

Yea this is a hard decision. I have never seen a baby box turtle in person, only in photos. Also I put on my Christmas list that Herp Habitat by Lee's because I was so determined to get a hatchling. I really think I'll choose one of my friend's easterns. I think I can find a spot in my house to temporarily keep an adult, but I'll have to work on the outdoor pen over the winter. Is it OK to keep easterns outside year round in the area around Philly? It's a quiet suburban area in case you're wondering.

Well, I'd go for the 7 adults, because 1) they're free and 2) if you want to breed, you have a breeding group.

Are you in PA? Make sure your friend writes you a letter explaining that he's giving you the turtles. There are native reptile regulations in PA, and you'll need proof of how you acquired those eastern box turtles. I'd have common and scientific name in the letter, with a date and your friend's address.

Also, there are proposed regulations in the works right now that would make owning native box turtles illegal, but grandfathering might be allowed, so keep that letter.

Katrina

>>Also, there are proposed regulations in the works right now that would make owning native box turtles illegal, but grandfathering might be allowed, so keep that letter.
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>>Katrina

Anybody can write a letter saying certain dates, etc. and not have it mean much legally speaking. I'd get anything like that witnessed and notarized prior to getting the turtles in order to help make things go smoother if the authorities want to cause a stink over the legality of the turtles...photos too to have shell patterns and such established as timeline proof that the turtles are the same, etc. if questioned later down the road.
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PHWyvern

Well....I'd go for the seven too, but I dont think I have room for 7. Maybe 2 or 3? Probably am gonna have to stick to one because of my parents. I don't live in PA, I live NEAR PA. I will NOT give my location out online for my protection. I will say I need a reciept or something to apply for my permit, but I guess a letter will be fine for someone who just owns them for a hobby? He doesn't breed these turtles I believe.