![]() ![]() Slugs, cockroaches, crickets, worms, grubs, and so forth all make a good meals for a box turtle. The animal matter consumed by a box turtle is most commonly insects. Hatchlings are almost exclusively carnivores until they are older. When they are younger and still growing, they need extra protein in their diet. states, you need a permit to legally keep a box turtle DietĪs stated earlier, box turtles eat both insects and plant matter. In parts of the world, including several U.S. It’s important that you do your research before taking one as a pet. ![]() There lifespan shortens in captivity in many cases. Their tank or enclosure must simulate their wild environment to reduce stress and help them live longer. Speciemens who have been handled by humans while young will however be more mellow than wild specimens. Since they have not been domesticated, they are still very much wild animals even when bred in captivity. It is important to remember that box turtles are not “toys” and have no need for “play”.īox turtles are a bit of a challenge to take care of for some people. Most box turtle preservation organizations and experts such as Jim Harding of the Michigan State University Museum recommend against giving box turtles as pets to small children. Young children tend to handle them too much, too roughly and move them to fast which causes the turtles stress. They do not like to be handled too much and should be handled by a calm and gentle adult. Most box turtles are safe to pick up and will not bite humans but you should still not pick them up too often or tempt fate by brushing your finger at their snout.īox turtles do not make suitable pets for small children. ![]() Some of the species/subspecies come in brilliant colors and designs. They make popular pets because they are relatively docile but still somewhat exotic looking. It is important to give them an equally varied diet in captivity to ensure proper nutrition. Their main food source is invertebrates, such as insects and worms, but they also eat a lot of vegetable matter, including leaves, fruits and berries. In the wild, box turtles are omnivores that will eat lot of different things. It is also important to provide them with a suitable diet. They need exposure to real sun or proper artificial light to stay healthy. It gets its common name from being found in several of the dryer states, such as Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.īox turtles are popular pets, both within their native range and abroad. Desert Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata luteola, H.M Smith and Ramsey 1952).Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata ornate, Agassiz 1857)Ī subspecies of the Western box turtle.While it does not have an official endangered rating (outside of connection to the main species, Common box turtle which would place it at vulnerable) locals have reported seeing less and less of them in recent years. This subspecies is endemic to the Mexican state of Yucatan. Yucatan Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina yucatana, Boulenger 1895).There are export laws against in place to protect them, and they are rarely seen in the pet trade. Mexican Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina Mexicana, Grey 1849).They are more enduring of new surroundings than most box turtles, and is thus to be regarded as one of the better subspecies to keep as pets. It gets its common name from its iconic three toes on its hind legs. Three Toed Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis, Agassiz 1857).This subspecies can be found along the Gulf of Mexico, ranging between the American states of Louisiana and Florida. Gulf Coast Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina major, Agassiz 1857).This subspecies gets its name due to being found almost exclusively in the state of Florida, although it occasionally can be found in southern Georgia. Florida Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina bauri, Taylor 1895).It is one of the more well-known subspecies and its official status is vulnerable. This subspecies gets its common name due to being located in the eastern United States. Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina, Linnaeus 1768).Common Box Turtle (Terrapene Carolina, Linnaeus, 1758)- The most prominent and well known type of box turtle, of which most of the North American subspecies hail. ![]()
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