Box Turtle Setup

[Vicious_Fish]

Wow, very nice easterns and pen.

They really aren't that common anymore, it's too bad...very cool that you breed & release them, do you grow them out at all or just release the hatchlings?

Thank you!

Yes, I try and grow them out for a year and then release them the following spring so they have a little more size to them. Also, their shells harden a little bit more which gives them some additonal protection. Lots of animals out there would love to eat a baby box turtle so if this gives them a head start, it's worth it.

 

[CTU2fan]

That's why I asked...once they've grown out a bit their chances are much better. It's amazing to me how different the babies look compared to the adults, that's pretty rare in turtles.

 

[benzjamin13]

That looks like a great set up! They must be happy!

 

[Vicious_Fish]

That's why I asked...once they've grown out a bit their chances are much better. It's amazing to me how different the babies look compared to the adults, that's pretty rare in turtles.

When the babies hatch, they are pretty plain. Most of the time they have just 1 yellow spot for each scute. They really start getting colors when they are 3-5 years old. And no two box turtles look the same. Both my turtles look pretty different as you can see.

Yes benzjamin13, they are happy from what I can tell. This cage is almost twice the size of their last one.

 

[vicedretard]

i dont think i have ever seen a thread started by vicious that didnt get rave reviews about his care or setups...vicious you are one dedicated mutha who know alot about care for many critters...thats super cool that you are trying to re-establish the wild pop.

 

[Vicious_Fish]

lol, thanks vicedretard, thats means alot! I've always loved reptiles and I enjoy giving advice on their care (relating or course to species I know about). Thats why I never have any advice on snakes because well....I've never really kept any but a few natives species!

I would love to have many other different species of reptiles but as you know, they can be a lot of work. I believe if you can't give the animal all the needs it should have to keep it healthy and happy, then you shouldn't have it. I too have somewhat more then I can handle at the moment but I'll make it work (baby leopard gecko suprise).

I see far too many species kept in minimal sized enclosures, without even the basic needs to survive. I always highly recommend doing research before you buy anything, be it a cheap Green Anole or an extremely large Burmese Python. I like to think of reptiles as more than just a disposable, cold-blooded pet!

 

[Vicious_Fish]

Just thought I'd share a couple of pics of the male Eastern Box Turtle I aquired yesterday. I traded him for a 12'x10' piece of pond lining. Pretty sweet deal because I get the stuff for free.

He's pretty nice looking and already likes one of my girl box turtles because I found them mating this morning when I went out to check on them. Hopefully I will have some more babies again in the spring.

 

[Sarcosuchus]

Wow they are so beautiful, really cute...it must be so fun to take care of them. Thanks a lot for sharing, awesome setup.

 

[The Amazonian]

Are they the "Slowskies" LOL great set up!!!!