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

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Okay thanks everyone right now he is in a 10g outside I can set up the pen by Monday will that be fine? I'm going to tape black paper on the sides so he won't always try to get out. I think he might of eaten one of the banana slices in there. What should I get him to eat? Anything else I can do untill Monday to start getting him to eat/and make him feel comfy

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
I live in southern colorado and have a box turtle that looks very similar, he lives in our garden, all summer long he eats all the grubs and worms we give him, he also loves corn, cantaloupe, strawberries, and pretty much anything else fruity. When fall comes he buries himself in the garden, only to reappear again around the 15th of May each year. I realize not everyone has a 40x30 garden fenced to keep critters like bunnies and turtles in, but you may be able to build something outside for it.
 
Zfishies said:
Okay thanks everyone right now he is in a 10g outside I can set up the pen by Monday will that be fine? I'm going to tape black paper on the sides so he won't always try to get out. I think he might of eaten one of the banana slices in there. What should I get him to eat? Anything else I can do untill Monday to start getting him to eat/and make him feel comfy

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
Click to expand...

Maybe hold off on the black tape unless you want a cooked turtle ,if he's out side and if you're in Cali like you said you are we're in the 90's in long beach lol


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
Vicious_Fish said:
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.
Click to expand...

Just an idea: Would keeping it in an indoor pen then moving it to an unheated garage for the winter work? Just trying to give the OP some more options.
 
Random thought...Is it possible to house-break it? Like a cat. Give him a potty zone and let him have the run of the house? (Piggyback off Wiggles' idea...)
 
Instead of taped paper I'll put some wood agenist each side of the glass, still got my questions for the diet :) so for the winter I should move him to an indoor pen?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
from what i understand he kinda needs to be outside in the outdoor pen all winter too so it can go thru a period of hibernation so imo you should build the pen and leave him out there year round
 
archers said:
from what i understand he kinda needs to be outside in the outdoor pen all winter too so it can go thru a period of hibernation so imo you should build the pen and leave him out there year round
Click to expand...

Got it. How about the foods I should get him for now? I just lightly misted him just now with the hose and set up the barriers uploadfromtaptalk1344984548348.jpguploadfromtaptalk1344984560765.jpguploadfromtaptalk1344984573542.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
That's going to be way to small for that turtle to get a proper temperature gradient in. You're going to kill it if it gets too warm. Best thing to do is to find a safe corner of your yard that gets morning/afternoon sun light. Buy some garden fence and those green metal garden poles that you can attach the fencing to. Give it something to hide in like a flower pot on it's side and a bowl of shallow water to drink from. Some mulch to bury it's self in will be greatly appreciated too. Heck, even at this point the largest rubbermaid tub you can buy is still better than a 10 gallon.

This species of box turtle is more carnivores than others. For food try to go with a varied diet of earth worms, crickets, thawed shrimp, and if you can catch them from a safe location grasshoppers. For veggies try grated carrots, yellow squash, zucchini, tomatoes, and fruits like bananas, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, prickly pears.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom