Box turtles are omnivores which means they will eat a variety of both animal and plant based foods.
Eastern box turtle habitat aquarium.
Build a box turtle pen inside.
They can be found in forests wetlands meadows prairie edges and freshwater lakes streams and ponds.
Sphagnum moss is an excellent addition to your base box turtle substrate.
In a habitat for common or eastern box turtles use plants like collard greens strawberry plants parsley and clover.
The eastern box turtle is one of six extant subspecies of the common box turtle.
To create an indoor box turtle habitat start by getting a container that s at least 3 square feet per every 8 inches long your turtle is.
Even if your box turtle spends most of her time outside you ll most likely need an indoor pen too.
They re highly susceptible to human activity and are often hit by cars and agricultural machinery.
The proportions of animal versus plant based food items will depend on both the age and the species of box turtle that you are feeding.
Organic soil sphagnum moss and cypress mulch this is a combination recommended for eastern box turtles from austin s turtle page.
All habitats are terrestrial but these turtles are fond of soaking in shallow puddles streams and the edges of ponds.
If you live in an area where the eastern or three toed box turtle is native use any other non toxic native plants.
Maintain at least 70 humidity with daily misting.
Specifics for ornate box turtles.
The eastern box turtle is the state reptile of both tennessee and north carolina.
Make sure to add a compost area where your turtle can find worms.
The eastern box turtle is fairly catholic in its habitat choices thriving in woodlands hillsides meadows fields sand dunes and marshy areas.
Generally hatchlings and juvenile box turtles are more carnivorous than adults which are typically more herbivorous.
It prefers land to water but enjoys very moist conditions.
Placing the shallow pool of water in the turtle s habitat also helps with humidity.
You can use a plastic container a glass aquarium or a turtle table but avoid wire cages since they re not safe for turtles.
The eastern box turtle is classified as vulnerable due to habitat fragmentation and destruction as well as illegal collection for the pet trade.
It has a high domed rounded hard upper shell called a carapace.
The eastern box turtle prefers a humid environment that mimics a moist forest floor.
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.
Coconut fiber mixed with sphagnum moss.
This is because sphagnum moss does a really good job of holding moisture and heat.
A box or plastic tub filled with substrate plus hiding and feeding spots makes a nice indoor box turtle habitat.