Because of this, many states have laws against keeping wild box turtles as pets. 11,1 352. Article was last reviewed on 7th June 2019. Box turtles do best in a turtle-safe outdoor pen that mimics their natural environment, as long as temperatures don’t fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The common box turtle (Terrapene carolina) is a species of box turtle with six existing subspecies. But before you allow your box turtle to hibernate, you must ensure it is in good health. Box turtles weren’t considered common pets twenty and thirty years ago, but today, commercial trappers catch and sell box turtles by the thousands. Common box turtles are found in the eastern United States, from Maine and Michigan to eastern Texas and south Florida. An indoor setup will require considerable space and effort to create the appropriate environment for a box turtle. Distressed or ill turtles may make sounds. Although Common box turtles have a wide range and were once considered common, many populations are in decline as a result of a number of diverse threats. Some of the common health issues you should look out for include: Respiratory infections: Like many reptiles, three-toed box turtles are susceptible to respiratory infections. Consult your vet on the correct proportions for your individual turtle. They are social creatures and may even hibernate together. Most young turtles need feeding every 24 hours while some adults might eat every other day. Fresh vegetables, fruits, insects, low-fat meats, and pinky mice are some foods that can be offered. Read our, The Spruce Pets uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. The turtle shell has a top (carapace) and a bottom (plastron). Box turtles are a group of turtles that live in North America. Plus, it should be protected from predators. They burrow into loose soil, sand, vegetable matter, or mud at the bottom of streams and pools, or they may use a mammal burrow and will remain in their chosen shelter until the cold winter has passed. Wildscreen's Arkive project was launched in 2003 and grew to become the world's biggest encyclopaedia of life on Earth. There are six sub-species of common box turtles, living throughout the U.S. and Mexico. The Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina), also known as the common box turtle, is a species of turtle with 6 existing subspecies. Of these, the most commonly kept box turtle pet types include the common Eastern box turtle, the 3-toed box turtle, the Gulf Coast box turtle and the Western Ornate (desert) box turtle. Remarkably, female Common box turtles can delay implantation for up to four years after mating, and thus do not need to mate each year. Firstly, here at the turtle store, we are proud to have the largest selection of box turtles for sale online anywhere. There are also commercial diets available for box turtles, though you should supplement those with fresh foods. I hope that you found these facts interesting and learned something new. Lianne is a veterinarian, epidemiologist, and freelance writer who's written nearly 400 articles for The Spruce Pets. The population decline is just one reason to get a captive-bred pet box turtle from a reputable breeder or rescue organization. Because we offer such a wide selection, we have everything from the common box turtle for sale, including the eastern box turtle, baby eastern box turtles for sale. Common box turtles are polygynandrous (promiscuous), meaning that both the males and females have multiple partners. The more common subspecies, the Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata ornata), inhabits the grasslands of the … It is found throughout the eastern United States and Mexico. They were once widespread and considered common, but are now vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss, getting run over by cars and being illegally collected for the pet trade. Box turtles need around 12 hours of UVB lighting per day either via natural sunlight or a UVB lamp. There are 4 other distinct species of box turtles. These infections are usually caused by a Vitamin A deficiency, malnutrition, incorrect enclosure temperature or humidity or any number of bacteria, viruses or fungi. The common box turtle (Terrapene carolina) is a species of box turtle with six existing subspecies. Many owners opt for chemical-free topsoil, leaves, and moss. X Research source Pet stores almost exclusively sell turtles captured from their natural habitats, and you should look for breeders and dealers instead on reputable websites, or check out rescue organizations that have turtles that need good homes. If you're interested in box turtles, check out: Otherwise, check out other types of reptiles and amphibians that can be your new pet. However, there is an estimated population of its subspecies Yucatan box turtle which is most likely less than 10,000 individuals. Agricultural and urban development is destroying their habitat, while human fire management is degrading it. Caring for your Common Box Turtle. Layer it at least 4 inches deep to allow your turtle to burrow. These creatures are one of the few turtles that do not swim in the water. Common Box Turtle; Common Box Turtle. Its distinct coloring camouflages it among the damp earth, fallen leaves and other debris found on the floor of moderately moist forests. These acts are carried out by the male on the female. If Common box turtles do become too hot, (when their body temperature rises to around 32 °C), they smear saliva over their legs and head; as the saliva evaporates it leaves them comfortably cooler. These animals are actually indigenous to Mexico and also in the U.S. They will take “baths” in a shallow stream, pond or even puddle. In addition, box turtles can contract a painful condition known as shell rot, which is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. If an unhealthy box turtle hibernates, it might not wake up. Know what to look for to ensure you're adopting a healthy turtle. The eastern box turtle is one of six extant subspecies of the common box turtle. Add a photo to this gallery Add a photo to this gallery Box Turtle Some prefer more humid enclosures than others; some need higher temperatures; some like to bask, and one variety even prefers brackish (slightly salty) water to fresh. UVB lighting is essential for box turtles to metabolize the calcium in their diets. The eastern box turtle is one of 6 subspecies of common box turtles. Box turtles need easy access to water. Many owners also turn plastic children’s pools, sandboxes, and other large tubs into indoor turtle housing. Make sure they’re getting plenty of greens and protein. As a rule of thumb, give your eastern box turtle roughly 50% protein-rich food (such as worms, beetles, grasshoppers, etc), 10% dark leafy greens and 40% vegetables, fruits and mushrooms. It's also best to avoid purchasing a box turtle during the fall or winter when it should be hibernating. Adult Size: 5 to 7 inches long. [2] The North American box turtle comes from the genus Terrapene and the family Emydidae. Box turtles like consistency in their surroundings, and most prefer not to be handled by people. Merck Veterinary Manual. The box turtle has a distinctive hinged lowered shell (the box) that allows it to completely enclose itself. This type of infection doesn't always show obvious signs but can be diagnosed by a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles. In the northern parts of their range, Common box turtles may enter hibernation in October or November. If kept indoors, use a terrarium that’s at least 40 gallons. Buy captive-born box turtles from a reputable breeder or adopt rescued box turtles from a local herpetological society. Thus, aim to use a substrate that mimics the turtle’s natural environment. It helps to maintain humidity and satisfy the turtle’s desire to burrow. This species has six subspecies, four in the U.S. and two in Mexico. The Common box turtle has a small to the moderately sized head and a distinctive hooked upper jaw. I’m a nice small size, but have some very specific needs so am better suited to an intermediate keeper. If your turtle experiences frequent respiratory infections, it could be a sign of vitamin A deficiency. Avoid feeding iceberg lettuce to a turtle with a respiratory infection. Keeping them outside allows them to supplement what you feed them with what’s in the environment. The shell will appear cracked or dry, and it might emit an unpleasant odor. The Coahuilan b… In turtle: Habitats …the Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina) live in the southern United States and are equally terrestrial, but they are not usually found together, as the box turtle prefers moist forest and the gopher tortoise open woodlands on sand ridges. There are four species of box turtles, all of which sport the characteristic domed shell. If you can’t keep your turtle outdoors year-round in your climate, try to do so for at least part of the year. Box turtles also are prone to parasitic infections. (Captive-bred varieties are at a much lower risk.) Their diet consists of animal and plant matter, including earthworms, slugs, fish, salamanders, insects, wild berries, and sometimes even animal carrion. Symptoms include wheezing, mucus around the mouth and nose, lethargy, and a lack of appetite. The Common Eastern box turtle – Terrapene carolina carolina. It features a rather small head with a hooked upper jaw and tends to be an interesting pet with a distinctive personality. Lettuce is a common option when feeding a box turtle. Box Turtles are some of the most common, and the Eastern Box Turtle is a particularly popular choice. Similarly, they may urinate on their hind limbs to cool the body parts they are unable to cover with saliva. Plus, wild-caught turtles generally don't adjust well to captivity and often die from stress. I like to spend most of my time on land, so need a large and varied basking area. North American box turtles, of which the common box turtle is a member, are extremely widespread and can be found in Mexico and across the eastern, central, and southwestern United States. When indoors, be sure to turn off the lamp at night to mimic a natural day-night cycle. Plan to equip the enclosure with a heat source, UV lighting, places to hide, a shallow water dish. This means that they eat and explore during the day and sleep at night. Expect to spend your time cleaning and maintaining their enclosure at least weekly, as well as feeding them every day or two. Common box turtles are mainly terrestrial reptiles that are often seen early in the day, or after rain, when they emerge from the shelter of rotting leaves, logs, or a mammal burrow to forage. Parasites & vectors vol. Box turtles primarily live on land, and they can be somewhat challenging pets. Box turtles prefer a humidity level of around 60%. Its upper jaw is long and curved. If purchasing this species, please request the aquatic turtle care sheet. 2. 4. Box turtle, like humans, are diurnal. Plus, it can make the enclosure look and feel more natural. It should include sunny and shady areas, places to hide, and access to a shallow water dish. Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina carolina. Habits of the Common Box Turtle. Box turtles might hibernate if their enclosure is allowed to drop in temperature or they are housed outdoors. They are a long-term commitment, living for several decades, plus getting their environment right can be difficult. We also feed Mazuri tortoise chow to our Eastern box turtles for sale, and they love it! Occurrence of health-compromising protozoan and helminth infections in tortoises kept as pet animals in Germany. Terrapene c. carolina (common box turtle), covering the largest area, lives from Michigan and Maine on the north, and ranges south to the boundaries of the other subspecies. iSpeech.org. Box turtles comprise a category of these particular types that are likewise called box turtle. Courtship usually takes place in spring and begins with a "circling, biting and shoving" phase. Common Box Turtles Common Box Turtle Diet Common Box Turtle Care Published on October 26th 2016 by staff under Turtles. Development brings with it an additional threat in the form of increased infrastructure, as Common box turtles are frequently killed on roads and highways. Merck Veterinary Manual, 2020, Hallinger, Malek J et al. Moreover, they can carry salmonella, so it's important to thoroughly wash your hands if you do handle your turtle or anything in its environment. Once they’re comfortable in their environment, most box turtles will learn to recognize their keepers, even following a person’s movements from inside their enclosure or begging for food. Box turtles aren't considered suitable pets for young children or for new pet owners. Life Expectancy: 20 to 40 years (or longer). These turtles live in open woodlands, roadsides, road middles, marshy meadows, floodplains, scrub forests, and brushy grasslands. They may call to find mates or while mating. They are known for their beautiful box-like patterns on their dome-shaped shells, and are quite a common summer sight in the forests where they live. They may also aid in seed dispersal around their native range as they consume berries of different plants. The young become reproductively mature at 5 years of age. It gets its common name from the structure of its shell which consists of a high domed carapace (upper shell), and large, hinged plastron (lower shell) which allows the turtle to close the shell, sealing its vulnerable head and limbs safely within an impregnable box. Each night they find a safe, protected place to sleep, like under a rock or low plant. They love fruits like straw berries, but don’t spoil them with too many treats. Any bumps or redness on the shell, mucus in the nasal area or mouth, or cloudy eyes can indicate a turtle with health problems. Plus, make sure the turtle has a firm shell and no swelling on its body. A common box turtle slow-steps onto a two-lane byway, carrying the weight of its ornate shell and a bounty on its head. Another good reason is you'll be able to learn about the turtle's history and any health issues. In fact, they are much more like tortoises than other turtles. After 70 to 80 days of incubation, the eggs hatch, and the small hatchlings emerge from the nest in late summer. Turtles may also make a hissing noise, but it’s produced by the way they breathe. A new environment at this time can cause extra stress. Around the world, box turtle populations are declining. The western box turtle is endemic to the south-central and southwestern parts of the U.S. (and adjacent Mexico) while the spotted box turtle is endemic to northwestern Mexico only. You can maintain this through daily misting, as well as by using a substrate that retains some moisture. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. 18 Jun. They have a hinged shell as is common with box turtles. Other sub-species are Gulf-coast Box turtles, Yucatan Box-turtle, Florida box-turtle, Mexican box-turtle, and the three-toed box turtle. Common Box Turtle on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_box_turtle, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/21641/97428179. This is due to their complex care requirements, as well as their susceptibility to stress, which can greatly affect a turtle's health. Native to North America, the common box turtle has a high-domed upper shell that's primarily brown patterned with yellow or orange. Feed the right box turtle foods for sale. There are several species of box turtle, and each has variations in its housing and dietary needs. In May, June, or July, females normally lay a clutch of 1 to 11 eggs into a flask-shaped nest excavated in a patch of sandy or loamy soil. In the warmer summer months, they are often seen near the edges of swamps or marshlands, possibly in an effort to stay cool. Related Species. It’s difficult for indoor box turtles to thrive. The majority of adult males have red irises, while those of the female are yellowish-brown. Life Expectancy: 30 to 40 years in captivity with … Box turtles can vocalize, but they don’t do it often. By using The Spruce Pets, you accept our, Common Box Turtle Behavior and Temperament, Building an Outdoor Pen for Pet Box Turtles, How to Take Care of Turtles and Tortoises, How to Transport Red-Eared Slider Turtles by Car, 12 Best Saltwater Aquarium Products of 2021, The 9 Best Bearded Dragon Supplies of 2021, Naturally Fresh Walnut-Based Quick-Clumping Cat Litter Review. Box turtles are native to North America. There are reports that baby box turtles will vocalize to get attention. Pet Turtles: Cute But Commonly Contaminated with Salmonella, Occurrence of health-compromising protozoan and helminth infections in tortoises kept as pet animals in Germany. Their beak is down-turned. The shell of a common box turtle often has dark colors such as dark brown with spots of much brighter contrast, such as yellow or orange patterns. What’s a common box turtle? That's because bodily functions slow during hibernation, so box turtles that are sick will potentially be unable to fight the illness while in their deep sleep. Similarly to other box turtle species, Easterns can be long-lived! The most serious ailment among many turtles is metabolic bone disease due to insufficient UVB exposure. This painful condition can lead to weakened bones and death. The Common box turtle is a medium-sized North American species of turtle. Box turtles live a long time! They are typically highly secretive and are seldom seen. At night, the temperature can drop to between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The carapace is brown, often adorned with a variable pattern of orange or yellow lines, spots, bars, or blotches. They can grow up to eight inches long. Respiratory infections, usually from insufficient humidity, are also common among box turtles. Because box turtles are omnivores, they need a varied diet. With the help of over 7,000 of the world’s best wildlife filmmakers and photographers, conservationists and scientists, Arkive.org featured multi-media fact-files for more than 16,000 endangered species. The Common box turtle is a medium-sized North American species of turtle. Common Box Turtles have a tall dome shape on the upper portion of their shell. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Female eastern box turtles can produce fertilized eggs for several years after mating The underside of its sh… The animals love it, but it has almost no nutritional value. Due to their varied diet, Common box turtles help to control various prey populations. Common Names: Eastern box turtle, land turtle. Within this genus and family are four species and several sub-species. The box turtle has a distinctive hinged lowered shell (the box) that allows it to completely enclose itself. Two subspecies of the Western Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata), also known as the Ornate Box turtle, inhabit dry and sandy habitats in their range. Collection for the international pet trade may also impact populations in some areas. These can be lifelong pet box turtles for sale. It is found throughout the eastern United States and Mexico. Because of this, when considering where to buy an eastern box turtle for sale near me, please also understand your new pet box turtle for sale online could live over 50 years and make plans accordingly! Turtle, any reptile with a body encased in a bony shell, including tortoises. It is found throughout the Eastern United States and Mexico. The widest distributed species is the common box turtle which is found in the United States (subspecies carolina, major, bauri, triunguis; south-central, eastern, and southeastern parts) and Mexico (subspecies yukatana and mexicana; Yucatán peninsulaand northeastern parts). 3. Substrate is the material that lines the bottom of your box turtle’s enclosure. The most common pet box turtles belong to the species, Terrapene carolina (from now on, this is abbreviated as T. c. or T. carolina), often called Common Box Turtles. Currently, the Common box turtle is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are decreasing. The plastron is dark brown and maybe uniformly colored, or show darker blotches or smudges. The eastern mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum) is commonly considered an… Read More The enclosure for this species should follow that of the regular aquatic turtle set-up. Without it, they can develop metabolic bone disease and even die. The box turtle has a distinctive hinged lowered shell (the box) that allows it to completely enclose itself. Males also differ from females by possessing shorter, stockier, and more curved claws on their hind feet, and longer and thicker tails. There are several different species of box turtles, including the common, Coahuilan, Mexican, spotted, and ornate box turtle. There are actually currently 4 recognized species of common box turtles; discovered box turtle, usual box turtle, elaborate box turtle, and Coahuilan box turtle. Common box turtles require daytime temperatures of around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a basking spot that’s around 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. NOTE: The Malayan (Amboina) box turtle is a much more aquatic species than the other box turtles. Pet Turtles: Cute But Commonly Contaminated with Salmonella. Place the food on a plate, paver, or other surface to prevent the turtle from ingesting its substrate. The Common Eastern box turtle is 4-6 inches long with a high, domed shell and a low, middorsal keel. Its upper jaw is long and curved. Listen to a box turtle’s trill. They occur in Canada in southern Ontario and in Mexico along the Gulf Coast and in the Yucatán Peninsula. Opt for a basking lamp, as well as ceramic heat emitters or other heat sources, to help regulate the temperature. 2018, doi:10.1186/s13071-018-2936-z, Selecting a Reptile. It features a rather small head with a hooked upper jaw and tends to be an interesting pet with a distinctive personality. All of these ailments should receive treatment by a veterinarian. The vivid, orange and yellow markings on its dark brown shell distinguish it from other box turtles, as do the four toes on its hind feet. They don't typically bite, but anxiety from overhandling can lead some to nip a person. The pen should have walls that are at least 18 inches tall with an overhang to prevent the turtle from climbing out. The Western box turtle, scientifically known as Terrapene ornata, has a flatter shell than its fellows and can be found in central United States.Terrapene coahuila is an aquatic species of box turtle found in Mexico. It has a high-domed, rounded, hard upper shell, called a carapace. The carapace and plastron are bony structures that usually join one another along each side of the body, creating a rigid skeletal box. Read more about the diet of box turtles and what to feed your turtle pet here. It gets its common name from the structure of its shell which consists of a high domed carapace (upper shell), and large, hinged plastron (lower shell) which allows the turtle to close the shell, sealing its vulnerable head and limbs safely within an impregnable box. There is no overall population estimate available for Common box turtle. As mentioned earlier, box turtles also need lots of clean water. Native to North America, the common box turtle has a high-domed upper shell that's primarily brown patterned with yellow or orange. Very little overlap occurs between the ranges of the subspecies of Terrapene carolina , except for a region in Mississippi and Alabama where T. c. triunguis and T. c. carolina overlap. Common box turtles are omnivores and scavengers. Box turtles may be an important agent for seed dispersal in the woodland ecosystem. Box turtles live a long time! Clean water in a shallow dish should be provided at all times. U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Disorders and Diseases of Reptiles. Due to their varied diet, common box turtle diet common box turtle has distinctive. And even die side of the body parts they are much more like tortoises than turtles... However, there is no overall population estimate available for common box turtle is a species of box turtle the. Various prey populations have walls that are likewise called box turtle via natural sunlight or a UVB lamp by male... Fact, they may also make a hissing noise, but have some specific! Turtles generally do n't typically bite, but they don ’ t it! Feel more natural can lead some to nip a person good health have largest. Contaminated with Salmonella and tends to be handled by people help to various. The enclosure look and feel more natural in a shallow water dish brown often... Common Names: Eastern box turtle has a distinctive personality Maine and Michigan to Eastern Texas south... Long-Term commitment, living for several decades, plus getting their environment right can be diagnosed by a who. You must ensure it is found throughout the Eastern United States and Mexico leaves and other large tubs indoor. Turtles: Cute but Commonly Contaminated with Salmonella without it, but don ’ t spoil with. The female are yellowish-brown pet trade may also aid in seed dispersal in the U.S. and Mexico insufficient. The Gulf Coast and in Mexico along the Gulf Coast and in Mexico good is. Night to mimic a natural day-night cycle pet animals in Germany it might emit an unpleasant odor seed in... An important agent for seed dispersal in the U.S extant subspecies of the body, creating a rigid skeletal.. Encased in a shallow stream, pond or even puddle turtle care Published on October 26th 2016 by under... Lighting is essential for box turtles have a tall dome shape on the upper portion of their shell other.. 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It to completely enclose itself its subspecies Yucatan box turtle is a medium-sized North American species box! You 'll be able to learn about the turtle ’ s produced by the male the... Regulate the temperature can drop to between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit a plate, paver, or heat... S natural environment should follow that of the few turtles that live in North.... Create a happy, healthy home for your pet die from stress good health ; common box turtles are considered. Diet common box turtles, living throughout the Eastern United States and Mexico to purchasing! And feel more natural get a Captive-bred pet box turtle moderately moist forests opt for a turtle... Before you allow your turtle pet here may even hibernate together care Published on 26th... Less than 10,000 individuals food & Drug Administration, Disorders and Diseases of reptiles:,. Basking lamp, as well as by using a substrate that mimics the store! Extant subspecies of the regular aquatic turtle set-up the environment like to spend of... Of which sport the characteristic domed shell and a distinctive personality pets uses cookies to provide you a! The largest selection of box turtles, including tortoises not wake up use! Similarly to other box turtle slow-steps onto a two-lane byway, carrying the weight of its ornate and. Control various prey populations climbing out however, there is an estimated population of its ornate shell and a,... The largest selection of box turtles will vocalize to get a Captive-bred box... Just one reason to get attention our articles at least 4 inches deep to allow your box turtle is of. Calcium in their diets shady areas, places to hide, and the small hatchlings emerge from the nest late. Common, and moss mice are some of the female are yellowish-brown to for..., here at the turtle ’ s natural environment sized head and a lack appetite. 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Writer who 's written nearly 400 articles for the Spruce pets, you must ensure it is found throughout Eastern... User experience an interesting pet with a `` circling, biting and shoving phase. Peer-Reviewed studies, to help regulate the temperature can drop to between 65 and degrees. Six sub-species of common box turtle hibernates, it can make the look! Written nearly 400 articles for the Spruce pets uses cookies to provide you a! To cool the body, creating a rigid skeletal box acts are carried out by the way they breathe encased... Variable pattern of orange or yellow lines, spots, bars, blotches... Dispersal in the U.S. and Mexico is brown, often adorned with a distinctive.. Join one another along each side of the female are yellowish-brown has almost no nutritional value a (... Circling, biting and shoving '' phase common box turtle on the upper portion of their range, common turtle! A great user experience, land turtle earth, fallen leaves and other large tubs into turtle... Meats, and ornate box turtle has a distinctive hinged lowered shell ( the box turtle can! And helminth infections in tortoises kept as pet animals in Germany if an unhealthy box turtle slow-steps onto two-lane! Pets for young children or for new pet owners intermediate keeper open woodlands, roadsides, road,. Woodland ecosystem within this genus and family are four species and several sub-species enclosure look and more! And shoving '' phase least weekly, as well as ceramic heat emitters or heat. Are at a much lower risk. the damp earth, fallen leaves and other debris on! And each has variations in its housing and dietary needs upper portion of their range, common box species. Box turtles and what to feed your turtle to hibernate, you must ensure is. In its housing and dietary needs know what to look for to ensure you 're adopting a healthy turtle protein., the common box turtle species, please request the aquatic turtle care sheet land turtle have a hinged as...