Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,
I am looking for some helpful info on box turtles. My son will be 10 next month and for the last couple months has been be getting books from the library and also reading online about turtles. He has made his mind up that he wants an eastern box turtle. We live in MI and I have read that they are found here as well as in Ohio. My questions are:
1) what type of outdoor pen is required for the turtle. (he really wants a younger turtle that he can grow with). How much shading, bush, water area, etc will the turtle need.
2) I have read that the hibernate during the winter, how long is this hibernation period.
3) I have read conflicting articles about the turtle and the winter. Some say that they leave the turtle outside so it's in a natural environment and goes thru the correct hibernation..others say that the turtle needs to be brought inside, placed in n inside pen with special lighting, heating, several inches of media, etc. If you supply the turtle with lighting and heat, doesn't this go against the needed hibernation period? Don't they need the cold to tell them it's time for hibernation?
Any other information that can be given will he appreciated also. Thanks in advance.
Robert

First and foremost, well done for doing research on the subject before acquiring a pet.

Eastern box turtles are protected by law (to varying degrees) in every state in which they occur, and Michigan is no exception. Because they are considered a Species of Special Concern, have you determined whether or not you can legally acquire and own one?

The collection and keeping of wild EBTs is prohibited there. However this is usually the case everywhere with many turtle species and there are usually some provisions for keeping captive bred and adopted turtles. Call the Michigan DNR or a local branch of fish and game that may be able to tell you what is required (proof) that it's not a wild turtle and whether you'll need a permit.

Since this is a new pet, in other words no one is experienced in keeping them already, I suggest against a baby. This myth that that kids need a baby animal (like a kitten or puppy) because it's better is silly. There are plenty of adults that need homes - more so with adult boxies and their long life spans.
So I really suggest you go with an adult who will be a bit more forgiving of any mistakes, and will likely interact more with people rather than hide. Look into adopting - that will definitely cover the proof part that the turtle isn't wild collected.

You didn't mention where you are in Michigan. Certain parts, like the UP/northern tip, may force you to bring a boxie inside. Especially since the last couple of winters sound like they've been a bit rough.

And of course, remember this will more or less be YOUR pet. A lot of the care and set up will be beyond a child still. Food prep, for example, involves knives, food processor (if you want to save time), and even handling raw meat from time to time.
Should getting an EBT be out of the question due to regulations there are other species that will be fine outside there during the summer and can be brought in during the winter.