Box Turtle Care
Helping your pet live a long, happy life is your job. With the purchase of any pet come the accompanying new responsibilities. If you want your box turtle to live a long, healthy and happy life, there are some things about box turtle care you need to aware of. As you might expect, it will take a bit of work, but the steps you need to take are essential in creating a comfortable place for your little friend to thrive.
The first important decision you need to make, one you must have decided long before you bring your turtle home, is where he is going to live. If you keep your box turtle outside, try to make the environment closely resemble his natural habitat. There should be plenty of sun, as reptiles need outside heat to keep them warm, but shade too so he does not become overheated. Water that is deep enough for swimming is important for turtles, as are plants and insects to eat. If you decide to create an indoor home, proper box turtle care dictates that a soft cushion of mulch should be placed in a large opaque container. Provide hiding places like a hollow tube or log and an eating area. A pool should be provided that is deep enough for submerged swimming. Box turtles enjoy humid, damp climates so spray the home with a squirt bottle every day.
In your box turtle’s home, keep the temperature between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit with a UV-B lamp. Also, if your turtle lives inside, sun exposure for at least an hour a day is recommended for good box turtle care. While he is spending time outside, take advantage of his absence to change the water. Clean, warm water is desired by box turtles and necessary to promote a healthy immune system.
Food is obviously an essential part of a box turtle’s health. It is your responsibility to provide healthy food for your pet. Foods high in calcium are needed for box turtle care, including boiled and crushed eggshells and cuttlebone, available at your local pet store. Balance your turtle’s diet with half fruits and vegetables and half meat. Mix up his diet by feeding him different things each day. This way, he will not get bored with his food or become addicted to any one food. If you spend the proper amount of time and energy on your box turtle, you will have him around as your friend for a long time to come.
