Eastern Box Turtle Species Profile 101: Habitat, Size | 2024

By: Martin McAdam
Updated: March 21, 2023

Eastern Box Turtle is a terrestrial Turtle native to the United States. They get their name from their ability to box themselves in tightly with their hinged shell. The Eastern Box Turtle is the most common variety of Box Turtle and is often kept as a pet.

They are known for their beautiful box-like patterns on their shells and their docile nature. They are a common summer sight in the eastern half of the United States, where they can be found basking in the sun or foraging for food.

Keeping an Eastern Box Turtle is a much different responsibility than other turtles, such as aquatic turtles. They require a specific diet and housing arrangement and must be provided with opportunities to exercise and bask in the sun.

This article will cover everything you need to know about keeping an Eastern Box Turtle as a pet.

So without further ado, let's get started!

Species Summary

Scientific Name:Terrapene Carolina Carolina
Common Names:Eastern Box Turtle, Carolina Eastern Box Turtle
Family:Emydidae
Color:Brown or black, with yellow, red, or orange speckles
Origin:The Eastern United States
Habitat:Found in the Eastern United States
Adult Size:4.5 to 8 inches
Lifespan:30 to 40 years in captivity
Active:Daytime
Minimum Tank Size:75 gallons
Temperature Range:75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
pH Range:6.0 to 7.0
Water Type:Freshwater
Water Hardness:Soft
Temperament:Peaceful
Aggression Level:Low to moderate
Care Level:Advanced
Compatibility With Other Species:Can be kept with other turtles as long as they are of a similar size
Tank mates:Painted turtles, wood turtles, slider turtles
Breeding:It can be difficult to breed in captivity
Eggs:3 to 5 per clutch, oval-shaped
Incubation Period:60 to 80 days
Diet:Omnivore, with a focus on plant matter

There are six subspecies of Eastern Box Turtle, all of which are found in the eastern United States. The most common is the Carolina Eastern Box Turtle, found in the south eastern part of the country.

The Eastern Box Turtle is terrestrial, meaning it spends most of its time on land. It is one of the few turtles that hibernate during the winter months.

Coming from Canada and the Eastern United States, they are used to a cool climate. They are shy creature that does not do well in captivity unless given ample hiding spots and plenty of room to roam. This Turtle is also known to be one of the longest-living turtles, with some individuals living over 100 years!

In many US states, the sale of Eastern Box Turtle is regulated or outright banned. This is due to the fact that they are often captured from the wild and sold as pets. If you consider getting Eastern Box Turtle, check your local laws first.

The cost of an Eastern Box Turtle can range from $50 to $200, depending on the subspecies and where you purchase it from. Within certain states, these Turtles are listed as endangered or threatened, often increasing the price.

It would be best never to buy them online or from a pet store, as these turtles do poorly in captivity. If you must purchase one, only buy from a reputable breeder.

Adopting Eastern Box Turtle from a rescue organization or shelter is always best. This way, you can be sure that the Turtle has been well cared for and is healthy. Not to mention, it will be cheaper than buying one from a breeder!

Ensure the shell is well-formed and the Turtle is active before taking it home. Avoid turtles with mucus or discharge from their nose or mouth, as this could be a sign of respiratory infection.

It is also important to note that Eastern Box Turtle can carry Salmonella, which harms humans. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling them, and keep them out of reach of small children.

Here are a few interesting facts about the Eastern Box Turtle:

  • They are the only turtles that can fully close their shells, protecting them from predators.
  • They are one of the longest-living turtles, with some individuals living over 100 years!
  • They are North America's only terrestrial turtles.
  • You can tell how old Eastern Box Turtle is by counting the number of rings on its shell.
  • Eastern Box Turtles enjoy cooked chicken, earthworms, and crickets.
  • They have an internal homing ability, which allows them to find their way back home after being relocated.

Eastern Box Turtle Appearance

These beautiful Eastern Box Turtles have a high, domed shell that is dark brown or black. The bottom of the shell is yellow, orange, or red and is often patterned with lines or spots. Their skin is also dark brown or black and may be patterned with yellow, orange, or red markings.

Eastern Box Turtle Appearance

Their shells are a dome shape, and they have high-domed shells. Their limbs are muscular, and their tails are long and thick. Their claws are sharp and used for digging. They also have long necks that can retract into their shell for protection.

Males and females can be told apart by their appearance. Males have red eyes and concave plastrons (the bottom part of their shell), while females have brown eyes and flat plastrons. Females also tend to be larger than males.

Juvenile Turtles have flatter shells and more vibrant colors. Their shells become more domed as they age, and their colors fade. They can also be told apart from adults by their size. Juveniles are only 2 to 3 inches long, while adults can reach up to 8 inches in length.

They have hooked beaks for eating and long, sharp claws for digging.

Also Read: 28 Best Algae Eaters will Clean Your Freshwater Aquarium |Updated| 2023

Eastern Box Turtle Size & Growth Rate

The size of an Eastern Box Turtle varies depending on the subspecies. The Carolina Eastern Box Turtle is the largest, reaching 8 inches long. The smallest subspecies is the Florida Eastern Box Turtle, which only grows 4 to 5 inches long.

The growth rate of the Eastern Box Turtle is also dependent on the subspecies. Generally, they grow slowly and don't reach their full size until 10 to 20.

Also Read: Marsilea Hirsuta Care Guide: Plantation, Size, Tankmates | 2023

Eastern Box Turtle Lifespan

As mentioned before, Eastern Box Turtle is one of the longest-living turtles. In captivity, they can live for over 100 years! However, in the wild, their life expectancy is much shorter, only about 30 to 40 years. They are one of the longest-living turtles, with some individuals living over 100 years!

Also Read: 15 Best Floating Plants For Your Aquarium ( )

Eastern Box Turtle Behavior & Temperament

These Turtles go against their name and are quite active. They enjoy basking in the sun and will often be seen climbing on rocks or logs. At night, they will sleep in their shells. They are also quite social creatures and are often seen basking with other Turtles.

Eastern Box Turtle Behavior & Temperament

They are most active in the early morning when the sun rises. They will bask in the sun for a few hours and then go about their day. They are also quite active at night. This is when they will do most of their hunting.

They are not aggressive creatures and can even be hand-fed. They make great pets for both children and adults.

They are calm and peaceful and do not like to be bothered. They will often hide in their shells if they feel threatened. They do not display aggression towards other animals or people. Most of their time is spent on the terrestrial, but they often enter the water to cool off or hunt for food.

They are shy creatures and often hide in their shells when seeing people. However, they will become quite friendly once they get to know you.

Also Read: 31 Best Low Light Aquarium Plants | Updated | 2023

Eastern Box Turtle Breeding

To breed them, you need to have a male and a female. The female will lay her eggs in the summer. She will lay between 3 to 7 eggs. The eggs will take about 60 days to hatch.

Once the eggs hatch, the baby Turtles will be on their own. They will not need any help from their parents.

It is best to keep the male and female Turtles in separate tanks. This will prevent the male from harming the female during mating.

Mating Season

Mating season for them typically starts in late April and lasts until early June. During this time, the male Turtle will chase the female Turtle around. He will also bite her shell and try to mount her.

The female Turtle will usually lay her eggs in June or July. She will lay them in a nest that she has dug in the ground. Once she lays her eggs, she will cover them with dirt and leave them. The eggs will hatch in about 60 days.

After the Eggs Hatch

Once the eggs hatch, the baby Turtles will be on their own. They will not need any help from their parents.

They will start to eat insects and other small animals. They will also bask in the sun and sleep in their shells at night.

As they grow older, they will become more active and explore their surroundings more.

Eventually, they will reach adulthood, mate, and lay their eggs.

Also Read: Pogostemon Helferi Aquarium Plant Care: Size, Propagation 2023

Baby Eastern Box Turtle

Baby Eastern Box Turtle is very small, only growing to be 2 to 3 inches long. They have flatter shells and more vibrant colors than adults. Their shells become more domed as they age, and their colors fade.

They are brown or black at birth with yellow, orange, or red markings. These colors will fade as they age. Their shell is flat and has a softer, leathery texture. As they grow older, their shell will harden and become more domed. They have the same hooked beaks and sharp claws as adults.

As babies, they are very vulnerable to predators. Their small size makes them an easy target for birds, mammals, and other turtles. To protect them from predators, baby Eastern Box Turtle should be kept in a safe enclosure away from potential threats.

Also Read: Aurea Plant Care Guide 101: Appearance, Growth |Updated|2023

Eastern Box Turtle Care

Like many other Turtles, Eastern Box Turtle is easy to care for and makes great pets. They can be kept in both indoor and outdoor enclosures.

But they can be susceptible to bacterial infections that do not affect them but can be transmitted to humans, so it's essential to take proper precautions when handling them.

Eastern Box Turtle Care

To prevent infection, always wash your hands thoroughly after handling your Turtle. It's also a good idea to wear gloves when cleaning their enclosure or handling their food.

They need a large enclosure with plenty of space to roam when kept indoors. The enclosure should have a secure lid to prevent your Turtle from escaping.

The enclosure should be equipped with a basking spot. The basking spot should be near the top of the enclosure so your Turtle can easily climb to it. The enclosure should also have a UVB light to give your Turtle the proper amount of ultraviolet radiation. This is important for their health and helps them to absorb calcium properly.

Here we will discuss everything you need to know about caring for your Eastern Box Turtle, including what to feed them, what kind of enclosure they need, and how to keep them healthy.

Also Read: Java Moss Aquarium Plant: Plantation, Technique To Grow | 2023

Eastern Box Turtle Tank Size

They will need a tank that is at least 75 gallons. If you have multiple Turtles, you will need a larger tank.

When setting up your tank, it is important to include both land and water. The land area should be large enough for your Turtle to stretch their legs and bask. The water area should be shallow enough for your Turtle to get in and out of easily.

Also Read: Rotala Indica Plant Care: Look, Size, Growth | Updated March 2023

Eastern Box Turtle Water Parameters

Your Turtle's water should be clean and filtered. It should also be the correct temperature. The ideal water temperature for Eastern Box Turtle is 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

The ph level of the water should be between 6.0 to 7.0. The water hardness should be between 5 to 10 dGH. You can heat your water using a reptile heater or a basking bulb.

If you choose to use a basking bulb, it should be placed on one side of the tank so your Turtle can choose to bask in the warm sun or cool off in the shade.

It is also essential to change the water regularly. The water should be changed at least once a week, and more often if it becomes dirty.

Also Read: Amazon Sword Plant: Best Detailed Guide ( )

Eastern Box Turtle Filtration

Your Turtle's water should be filtered to remove impurities and toxins. Many different types of filters are available, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

A good filter will keep your Turtle's water clean and provide them with a healthy environment. It also helps to remove unwanted smells from their tank.

Some recommended filters for Eastern Box Turtle are:

  • The Zoo Med Turtle Clean 50: This filter is designed for turtles up to 50 gallons. It has a three-stage filtration system, including mechanical, chemical, and biological.
  • The Fluval Turtle Filter: This filter is designed for turtles up to 100 gallons. It has a three-stage filtration system, including mechanical, chemical, and biological.
  • The Aqua Clear Turtle Filter: This filter is designed for turtles up to 75 gallons. It has a three-stage filtration system, including mechanical, chemical, and biological.

Heating

Your Turtle's tank should be heated to the correct temperature. The ideal temperature for Eastern Box Turtle is 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

To heat their tank, you can use a reptile heater or a basking bulb.

If you choose to use a basking bulb, it should be placed on one side of the tank so your Turtle can choose to bask in the warm sun or cool off in the shade.

Some recommended heaters for Eastern Box Turtle are:

  • The Zoo Med ReptiTherm Under Tank Heater: This heater is designed to be placed underneath your Turtle's tank. It has an adjustable thermostat to set it to the perfect temperature for your Turtle.
  • The Fluker's Mini Sun Dome Lamp: This basking lamp is designed to provide your Turtle with the needed heat and light. It has an adjustable clamp so you can attach it to the side of its tank.
  • The Zoo Med Basking Spot Lamp: This basking lamp is designed to provide your Turtle with the needed heat and light. It has a suction cup base so you can attach it to the side of the tank.

Plants

Your Turtle's tank should include both live and fake plants. Live plants help filter the water and provide a natural environment for your Turtle. Fake plants can also be used but will not provide the same benefits as live plants.

Some recommended plants for Eastern Box Turtle are:

  • The Java Fern
  • The Anacharis
  • The Hornwort

Lighting

Your Turtle's tank should be lit with a full spectrum of light. This will give them the UVB rays to absorb calcium and build strong bones.

Without proper lighting, your Turtle can develop health problems such as metabolic bone disease.

Some recommended lighting for Eastern Box Turtle are:

  • The Zoo Med Reptisun 10.0 UVB Compact Fluorescent Bulb
  • The Zoo Med Reptisun 5.0 UVB Fluorescent Bulb
  • The Zoo Med Reptisun 2.0 UVB Fluorescent Bulb

Fertilizers

Your Turtle's tank should be fertilized with a reptile-safe fertilizer. This will help promote plant growth and provide a natural environment for your Turtle.

Some recommended fertilizers for Eastern Box Turtle are:

  • The Zoo Med ReptiSafe Water Conditioner: This water conditioner is designed to remove chlorine and other chemicals from your Turtle's water. It is safe for reptiles and will not harm your Turtle.
  • The Zoo Med Hermit Crab Soil: This soil is designed for hermit crabs but can also be used for Eastern Box Turtle. It is a natural way to fertilize your Turtle's tank and provide a healthy environment for your Turtle.
  • The Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber Substrate: This substrate is made from coconut fiber and is an excellent choice for Eastern Box Turtle. It is natural and safe for your Turtle. It also helps keep the humidity in their tank at a proper level.

Water Conditioners

Your Turtle's water should be treated with a reptile-safe water conditioner. This will remove chlorine and other chemicals from their water. It is essential to use a water conditioner because these chemicals can be harmful to your Turtle.

Some recommended water conditioners for Eastern Box Turtle are:

  • The Seachem Prime Water Conditioner: This water conditioner removes chlorine and other chemicals from your Turtle's water. It is safe for reptiles and will not harm your Turtle.
  • The API Stress Coat Water Conditioner: This water conditioner is designed to remove chlorine and other chemicals from your Turtle's water. It is safe for reptiles and will not harm your Turtle.
  • The Fluval Aqua Safe Water Conditioner: This water conditioner is designed to remove chlorine and other chemicals from your Turtle's water. It is safe for reptiles and will not harm your Turtle.

CO2 System

Your Turtle's tank should have a CO2 system. This will help provide the plants in their tank with the carbon dioxide they need to grow. It will also help to keep the water clean and clear.

Some recommended CO2 systems for Eastern Box Turtle are:

  • The Zoo Med Aqua Logic Ultra Mini CO2 System: This CO2 system is designed for small tanks. It is easy to use and will provide your Turtle's plants with the carbon dioxide they need to grow.
  • The Zoo Med Aqua Logic CO2 System: This CO2 system is designed for larger tanks. It is easy to use and will provide your Turtle's plants with the carbon dioxide they need to grow.
  • The Zoo Med Naturalistic Terrarium CO2 System: This CO2 system is designed for naturalistic terrariums. It is easy to use and will provide your Turtle's plants with the carbon dioxide they need to grow.

Substrate

Your Turtle's tank should have a safe substrate for them to eat. This will give them the necessary nutrients and help keep their tank clean.

Some recommended substrates for Eastern Box Turtle are:

  • The Zoo Med ReptiSand: This sand is made from calcium carbonate and is safe for your Turtle to eat. It is also non-toxic and will not harm your Turtle.
  • The Zoo Med Hermit Crab Soil: This soil is made from coconut fiber and is safe for your Turtle to eat. It is also non-toxic and will not harm your Turtle.
  • The Aqua Culture Aquarium gravel: This gravel is made from quartz and is safe for your Turtle to eat. It is also non-toxic and will not harm your Turtle.

Aquascaping

Your Turtle's tank should be aquascaped. This will provide them with a natural environment that they can enjoy. It will also help to keep their tank clean and clear.

Some recommended aquascapes for Eastern Box Turtle are:

  • The Zoo Med Naturalistic Terrarium Kit: This kit has everything you need to create a naturalistic terrarium for your Turtle. It includes background, plants, and gravel.
  • The Exo Terra Rainforest Habitat Kit: This kit has everything you need to create a rainforest habitat for your Turtle. It includes background, plants, and gravel.
  • The Zoo Med Desert Terrarium Kit: This kit comes with everything you need to create a desert habitat for your Turtle. It includes background, plants, and gravel.

Decorations

Your Turtle's tank should have safe decorations for them to eat. This will give them the necessary nutrients and help keep their tank clean.

Some recommended decorations for Eastern Box Turtle are:

  • The Zoo Med ReptiSafe Rock Cave: This rock cave is made from calcium carbonate and is safe for your Turtle to eat. It is also non-toxic and will not harm your Turtle.
  • The Exo Terra Cork Bark: This cork bark is made from natural cork and is safe for your Turtle to eat. It is also non-toxic and will not harm your Turtle.
  • The Zoo Med ReptiBarks: These ReptiBarks are made from natural wood and are safe for your Turtle to eat. They are also non-toxic and will not harm your Turtle.

Other Tank Accessories

There are a few other things that you will need for your Turtle's tank. These include a water dish, a basking spot, and an air pump.

A water dish is necessary for your Turtle to drink from and soak in. A basking spot is necessary for your Turtle to bask in. An air pump is necessary to keep the water in their tank clean and clear.

Water Changes

You will need to do water changes for your Turtle's tank. This will help to keep their water clean and clear.

You should do a water change every week. To do a water change, you must remove all the water from their tank and replace it with fresh, clean water.

To change the water, you will need the following:

  • A siphon: to remove the water from their tank
  • A hose: to transport the water to a safe place
  • A container: to catch the water in

The steps for changing the water are as follows:

  • Remove all of the water from their tank using a siphon.
  • Transport the water to a safe place using a hose.
  • Catch the water in a container.
  • Replace the water in their tank with fresh, clean water.

After you have changed the water, you will need to add any decorations, plants, or substrate you removed.

Cleaning The Tank

You will need to clean your Turtle's tank. This will help to keep their tank clean and clear.

To clean the tank, you will need the following:

  • A hose: to rinse off the decorations, plants, and substrate
  • A sponge: to scrub the inside of the tank

The steps for cleaning the tank are as follows:

  • Rinse off the decorations, plants, and substrate with a hose.
  • Scrub the inside of the tank with a sponge.
  • Rinse off the inside of the tank with a hose.
  • Replace the water in their tank with fresh, clean water.

After you have cleaned the tank, you will need to add any decorations, plants, or substrate you removed.

Cleaning The Filter

You will need to clean your Turtle's filter. This will help to keep their tank clean and clear.

To clean the filter, you will need the following:

  • A hose: to rinse off the filter
  • A sponge: to scrub the inside of the filter

The steps for cleaning the filter are as follows:

  • Rinse off the filter with a hose.
  • Scrub the inside of the filter with a sponge.
  • Rinse off the inside of the filter with a hose.
  • Replace the filter in their tank.

Testing The Water

You will need to test the water in your Turtle's tank. This will help to keep their tank clean and clear.

To test the water, you will need the following:

A water testing kit: to test the pH, ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates

The steps for testing the water are as follows:

  • Test the water's pH, ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates using a water testing kit.
  • If the levels are not within the safe range, you must take steps to fix the problem.
  • Repeat steps 1-2 until the levels are within the safe range.

Common Possible Diseases

There are a few diseases that your Turtle could get. These include shell rot, respiratory infections, and eye infections.

  • Shell Rot: Shell rot is a disease that can affect the shell of your Turtle.

The symptoms of shell rot include:

  • patches of missing or soft shell
  • red or swollen skin
  • pus or drainage from the affected area

If you think that your Turtle has shell rot, you should take them to a veterinarian.

  • Respiratory Infections: Respiratory infections are a disease that can affect the lungs of your Turtle.

The symptoms of respiratory infections include:

  • sneezing
  • wheezing
  • runny nose
  • gasping for air

If you think that your Turtle has a respiratory infection, you should take them to a veterinarian.

  • Eye Infections: Eye infections are a disease that can affect the eyes of your Turtle.

The symptoms of eye infections include:

  • swollen or red eyes
  • pus or drainage from the eyes

If you think your Turtle has an eye infection, you should take it to a veterinarian.

Preventing Diseases

There are a few things that you can do to help prevent your Turtle from getting sick.

These include:

  • keeping their tank clean and clear
  • testing the water regularly
  • taking them to the veterinarian for regular checkups
  • feeding them a healthy diet
  • providing them with a basking spot

Treatment And Medications Of Diseases

If your Turtle does get sick, there are a few things that you can do to help them get better.

These include:

  • taking them to the veterinarian
  • giving them medication
  • changing their diet
  • providing them with extra care

There are some medications that your Turtle may need if they get sick.

These include:

  • Antibiotics: for bacterial infections
  • Antivirals: for viral infections
  • Antifungals: for fungal infections
  • Pain medication: for pain relief

The exact medication that your Turtle needs will depend on the disease that they have.

You should always take your Turtle to the veterinarian if they are sick. The vet will be able to diagnose and treat your Turtle. They will also be able to prescribe the proper medication for your Turtle.

How To Choose A Healthy Eastern Box Turtle

When you are choosing a Turtle, there are a few things that you will need to consider.

These include:

  • The Turtle's age: Younger Turtles are more likely to be healthy than older Turtles.
  • The size of the Turtle: Larger Turtles are more likely to be healthy than smaller Turtles.
  • The shell of the Turtle: The shell should be hard and not soft.
  • The eyes of the Turtle: The eyes should be clear and not cloudy.
  • The nose of the Turtle: The nose should be clear and not runny.

If you buy a Turtle from a pet store, you should ask to see it before you buy it. This will allow you to check for any health problems.

It would be best if you also asked the pet store about the health of the Turtle. They should be able to tell you if the Turtle is healthy or not.

Eastern Box Turtle Food & Diet

They will eat just about anything.

This includes: 

  • Fruits: They enjoy watermelon, grapes, and strawberries.
  • Vegetables: They enjoy lettuce, carrots, and celery.
  • Meat: They will eat insects, worms, and other small creatures.
  • Insects: They enjoy grasshoppers, crickets, and worms.
  • Snails: They enjoy eating snails.
  • Slugs: They enjoy eating slugs.
  • Crickets: They enjoy eating crickets.
  • Mealworms: They enjoy eating mealworms.
  • Minnows: They enjoy eating minnows.

You should feed your Turtle a variety of different foods to make sure that they are getting all the nutrients that they need. You can buy Turtle food at most pet stores. You can also feed your Turtle vegetables and fruits that you have at home.

Turtles love garden fruits and veggies! They will eat strawberries, blueberries, lettuce, and carrots. You can even grow your Turtle food!

You should also give your Turtle calcium supplements. You can buy these at most pet stores. You should give your Turtle a calcium supplement every day. This will help them to have strong bones and healthy shells.

Eastern Box Turtle Diet Foods To Avoid

There are some foods that you should avoid feeding your Turtle.

These include:

  • Processed foods
  • Bread
  • Candy

You should avoid feeding your Turtle these foods. These foods can make your Turtle sick and can even kill them. You should also avoid feeding your Turtle wild insects. These insects may be carrying diseases that can make your Turtle sick.

You should only feed the Turtle insects that you have bought from a pet store. You should also avoid feeding your Turtle food high in fat and sugar. This can make your Turtle sick.

Eastern Box Turtle Feeding Schedule

You should feed your Turtle every day. You can give them their food in the morning or at night. It is up to you. You should also provide your Turtle with a constant supply of fresh water. You should change the water every day.

You should also clean your Turtle's tank or enclosure every week. This will help to keep your Turtle healthy. Also, you should take your Turtle to the veterinarian for a yearly check-up. This will help keep your Turtle healthy and allow the veterinarian to catch any health problems early.

Eastern Box Turtle Tank Mates

In the wild, they live with other Turtle species, including the Common Snapping Turtle, the Painted Turtle, and the Spotted Turtle. They also cohabitate with other forest animals, such as squirrels, rabbits, and deer.

In captivity, they can also live with other Turtles, such as the Red-Eared Slider, the Yellow-Bellied Slider, and the Cumberland Slider. They can also live with other animals, such as frogs, snakes, and lizards.

They can be found in swamps, marshes, and the forest. Keeping them with frogs may not be the best idea, as they may see the frogs as food. They should not be mixed with other species or subspecies of them, as they may not get along. An illness that may affect one species may also affect the other.

Also, if you are keeping them with other animals, ensure that the tank is large enough so that everyone has enough space. Otherwise, there may be fighting.

Keeping Eastern Box Turtle Together

They can be kept together in groups of no more than four. If you have more than four, they may start to fight.

Males and females can be kept together, but keeping them in pairs or trios is best. This is because males can be quite aggressive towards each other during mating.

If you are keeping more than one Turtle, it is important to provide hiding places for each Turtle. This will help to reduce the amount of fighting that takes place.

It is also important to provide each Turtle with its food and water dish. This will help to prevent fighting over food and water.

Advantages Of Having Eastern Box Turtle In Your Tank

The first advantage is that having more than one Eastern Box Turtle can help reduce the amount of fighting.

The second advantage is that they can help to keep the tank clean. They will eat any leftover food or waste in the tank.

The third advantage is that they are interesting to watch. They are shy creatures and will often hide in their shells. However, they can also be quite active and playful at times.

The fourth advantage is that they are low-maintenance pets. They do not need to be fed every day and only need to be cleaned once a week.

Disadvantages

The first disadvantage is that they may carry diseases that can harm humans.

The second disadvantage is that they may harm other animals in the tank. This is because they may see them as food or competitors.

The third disadvantage is that they may try to escape from the tank. This is because they are wild animals and are not used to being in captivity.

The fourth disadvantage is that they may not live as long in captivity as they would in the wild. This is because they may not have access to the food and resources they would in the wild.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages to having Eastern Box Turtle in your tank. It is important to weigh these factors carefully before deciding whether or not to get them.

Overall, they make exciting and low-maintenance pets. However, you should be aware of the potential risks involved in keeping them.

I hope this article has helped you decide whether Eastern Box Turtle is right for you. Thanks for reading!

Disclaimer

AquaMarinePower.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their aquatic friends. However, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. For more information, please read our disclaimer.

Amazon Associates Program

AquaMarinePower.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Copyright © 2023 AMP
cross