It has a high domed rounded hard upper shell called a carapace.
Eastern box turtle habitat aquarium.
They re highly susceptible to human activity and are often hit by cars and agricultural machinery.
A box or plastic tub filled with substrate plus hiding and feeding spots makes a nice indoor box turtle habitat.
This is because sphagnum moss does a really good job of holding moisture and heat.
To create an indoor box turtle habitat start by getting a container that s at least 3 square feet per every 8 inches long your turtle is.
The vivid orange and yellow markings on its dark brown shell distinguish it from other box turtles as do the four toes on its hind feet.
Build a box turtle pen inside.
Eastern box turtle habitat in the temperate united states eastern box turtles have a very wide habitat range.
Coconut fiber mixed with sphagnum moss.
The eastern box turtle is the state reptile of both tennessee and north carolina.
Generally hatchlings and juvenile box turtles are more carnivorous than adults which are typically more herbivorous.
It prefers land to water but enjoys very moist conditions.
Make sure to add a compost area where your turtle can find worms.
The eastern box turtle is one of six extant subspecies of the common box turtle.
They can be found in forests wetlands meadows prairie edges and freshwater lakes streams and ponds.
You can use a plastic container a glass aquarium or a turtle table but avoid wire cages since they re not safe for turtles.
All habitats are terrestrial but these turtles are fond of soaking in shallow puddles streams and the edges of ponds.
Box turtles are omnivores which means they will eat a variety of both animal and plant based foods.
Even if your box turtle spends most of her time outside you ll most likely need an indoor pen too.
In a habitat for common or eastern box turtles use plants like collard greens strawberry plants parsley and clover.
The eastern box turtle is classified as vulnerable due to habitat fragmentation and destruction as well as illegal collection for the pet trade.
Specifics for ornate box turtles.
In many areas the winter is too cold to leave box turtles outside and hibernating brumating your turtle is risky.
Sphagnum moss is an excellent addition to your base box turtle substrate.
Maintain at least 70 humidity with daily misting.
The eastern box turtle prefers a humid environment that mimics a moist forest floor.
Organic soil sphagnum moss and cypress mulch this is a combination recommended for eastern box turtles from austin s turtle page.
The proportions of animal versus plant based food items will depend on both the age and the species of box turtle that you are feeding.
If you live in an area where the eastern or three toed box turtle is native use any other non toxic native plants.