The Turtle Dilemma

[The Benedictine]

Damn turtle keeps trying to escape.

 

[ofafeather]

Damn turtle keeps trying to escape.

Yeah, they’ll test the boundaries, for sure.

 

[The Benedictine]

Yeah, they’ll test the boundaries, for sure.

I've got a screen and a rock on top now. She escaped earlier. Left her for ten minutes and she made it over 100 feet.

 

[Sig]

Keeping turtles can seem like an easy task, but that is very deceiving. One of the biggest turtle hurtles is overfeeding. You can't let your turtle get fat. Their shell doesn't grow as fast as their body. This can cause shell deformation and keep the turtle from being able to tuck it's legs and head.
Box turtles are relatively healthy, but there are viruses then can get, and are known for "shell rot".
They need to be kept VERY clean. Both the turtle and their habitat. Intestinal parasites are also common, especially if they are outside a lot....which I highly suggest doing. Being outside helps with their overall health, and can keep them from vitamin deficiency and bordum.
Believe it or not, bordum can cause mental health issues in turtles...and most other animals.
Finally, they CAN live a very long time. Most captive Boxers live about 25 years, mostly due to owner neglect unfortunately. But I've seen 60+ year old Box turtles in our clinic. They can last generations in a family.
Next to parrots, turtles and tortoises are the most abandoned pet.
They dont need a ton of care, but they need specialized care. Find a good Vet who is experienced with exotics.
Turtles are hilarious if you pay attention. They are smarter than most dogs...and they love to play.

 

[The Benedictine]

Keeping turtles can seem like an easy task, but that is very deceiving. One of the biggest turtle hurtles is overfeeding. You can't let your turtle get fat. Their shell doesn't grow as fast as their body. This can cause shell deformation and keep the turtle from being able to tuck it's legs and head.
Box turtles are relatively healthy, but there are viruses then can get, and are known for "shell rot".
They need to be kept VERY clean. Both the turtle and their habitat. Intestinal parasites are also common, especially if they are outside a lot....which I highly suggest doing. Being outside helps with their overall health, and can keep them from vitamin deficiency and bordum.
Believe it or not, bordum can cause mental health issues in turtles...and most other animals.
Finally, they CAN live a very long time. Most captive Boxers live about 25 years, mostly due to owner neglect unfortunately. But I've seen 60+ year old Box turtles in our clinic. They can last generations in a family.
Next to parrots, turtles and tortoises are the most abandoned pet.
They dont need a ton of care, but they need specialized care. Find a good Vet who is experienced with exotics.
Turtles are hilarious if you pay attention. They are smarter than most dogs...and they love to play.

Once I get this little lady set up I might gift her to a nephew. I haven't decided yet. It does seem like a fun bit of work though.

 

[The Benedictine]

OK so the new terrarium arrived. I need to pick up some top soil for substrate. Little girl going to be happy for now. Will need a bigger one in a few years.

 

[The Benedictine]

Perfect size for her. I will be updating to a 50gl tank when she gets bigger.

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

 

[pappymac]

I've always been a fan of releasing turtles into the wild where they belong.

 

[PaulRVA]

The yard here in Virginia has been full of them the last few days.
They must be parachuting in

 

[The Benedictine]

I've always been a fan of releasing turtles into the wild where they belong.

This is a captive bred turtle. Releasing them into the wild is a death sentence.

 

[The Benedictine]

She apparently prefers worms to crickets guys. Great thing too since a few crickets escaped and they have decided to start a band in my house.