Pet Box Turtles in the Yard
A healthy, happy box turtle in a natural environment.
Box Turtle Care & Other "Turtle" Stuff! :)
Care of captive bred pet box turtles..
A box turtle is a great, low maintenance pet for a small yard. Just be sure that your yard is very, very securely fenced so that your turtle can't get out and wander away. Your box turtle needs plenty of space - at least 9 square feet. Be sure it has soft dirt to dig in, a shady place to rest all day, and a water dish to soak in.
Your box turtle will need attention every couple of days during warm weather, but he or she will hibernate during the winter. Just be sure to watch for your pet box turtle when spring comes and be sure to have water available.
What DO box turtles eat?
Feed your box turtle fresh fruits and veggies. Strawberries, peaches, oranges, bananas, dark green leafy veggies like spinach, kale, romaine, and other dark lettuces. Do not feed iceberg lettuce. It has no nutritional value, and your pet can starve to death eating it.
An occasional spoonful of dog food (no more than one or two times a week) is appreciated. Box turtles also like bugs like earthworms, crickets, etc. Buy them from a pet store or a bait store. That way you will be sure they haven't been exposed to any pesticides.
Where to get pet box turtles...
Buy your pet box turtle from a reputable breeder who does not catch them in the wild. Or better yet, obtain your pet from a turtle rescue. Never catch wild turtles yourself. They are protected.
How long do box turtles live?
Be sure you are prepared to take good care of your box turtle for a long, long time. They can live to be 125 years old!
Copyright: SuzanneBennett: October 1, 2008
