So a random turtle comes in my back yard....

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But I'm not in Florida so how did it get here? I live in a very "cement" neighborhood nothing really wild for it to eat. I'm down for the challenge as I can see up a 8x6(pen) enclosure for it. Just want to be 100% sure it belongs back in the wild. I'm reading alot of care sheets as we speak.

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Must have been someone's pet that escaped.I once found a box turtle while walking home one day.It actually crossed in front if me as I walked past a driveway behind a row of homes.That one had to be someone's pet as well.


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krichardson said:
Must have been someone's pet that escaped.I once found a box turtle while walking home one day.It actually crossed in front if me as I walked past a driveway behind a row of homes.That one had to be someone's pet as well.


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I'll go door to door I know I'd want my turtle back if it escaped....

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Doesn't look like a Florida box to me. They are typically taller and more narrow. This looks like an ornate or western, but I could be mistaken.

Still, there aren't really any boxies endemic to Cali, but for a tiny pocket or two--sorry, didn't realize that was where you were. Looking for the owner is likely the right way to go, though it was probably released by someone bored with it.
 
I really need to check to see if there's a page 2 on these threads. - N
 
Wiggles92 said:
It looks like you've found yourself a new pet considering that releasing it is probably illegal (most states have laws against releasing nonnative species). Just be sure to get it into a bigger home ASAP & do plenty of reading on it.
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Well he didn't eat the bananas I gave him... do I need more pics to show u guys to get a proper id so I can do proper reserch? Can some one write me up a quick care sheet, a genral care sheet. I'd really appreciate it thanks guys


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Vicious_Fish said:
Terrapene ornata
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I repeat......



I've been keeping and breeding box turtles for over 20 years. They are NOT the easiest species to keep indoors if at all. They need an outdoor setup. Now I did do an IP lookup of your address and they are not native to your state so this is a feral/escaped pet.
 
He's in California, would an outdoor set-up be adequate as a year-round home? And, just cuz I gotta ask, why are they so hard to keep indoors?

Good luck, Zfishies. Keep us posted!

And, one more thing, I am a firm believer that all members of the family must have a(t least one) name....
 
KellyFrancis said:
He's in California, would an outdoor set-up be adequate as a year-round home? And, just cuz I gotta ask, why are they so hard to keep indoors?

Good luck, Zfishies. Keep us posted!

And, one more thing, I am a firm believer that all members of the family must have a(t least one) name....
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Yes, the OP could keep this species outdoors all year long.

In short, the reason why most Terrapene species don't do well it captivity when kept indoors is because they need a cooling period to reset their internal biological clocks so to speak. Basically they should be able to Brumate (hibernate) for a few weeks to a few months every year. This is EXTREMELY important for Terrapene carolina, especially the Eastern Box Turtle. If not allowed to do this they will become stressed, stop eating and eventually die. Box turtles also need a varied diet that dry pet store canned turtle food can't cover. They also need a LOT of room. They have pretty large home ranges and enjoy having space to stretch out and move around. That's something a little store bought aquarium can't provide.
 
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