How to Care for Box Turtles
- 1). Create a habitat that is close to the box turtle's environment in the wild. Set up a large plastic pond liner or concrete mixing container. Place the habitat in a location outside where it always receives partial shade and partial sun, ideally on the east side of the house. Punch drainage holes in the bottom. Cover the bottom with humid or moist bedding material such as bark chips, top soil and peat moss. Include a shelter in the habitat so the turtle can retreat when necessary. Plant herbs or vegetable plants in the enclosure so the turtle can graze.
- 2). Measure the highest and lowest temperatures throughout the day and night using a minimum/maximum recording thermometer, making sure you provide adequate heating or cooling for the turtle. Add a reptile rock heater to the habitat if temperatures in your area drop below about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Provide a pond and a burrowing area composed of sand and top soil to allow your turtle to stay cool in climates where the temperature rises above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 3). Feed the box turtle a varied diet consisting of half animal protein and half plant matter. Divide the plant matter into one part fruit and three parts vegetables. Vary the items from each category daily.
- 4). Clean the habitat regularly. Change the bedding material and clean the pond weekly.
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