Florida box turtles ( Terrapene carolina bauri) are captivating reptiles native to Florida and the Keys. Their unique appearance and relatively small size make them popular among reptile enthusiasts. This article provides a detailed guide to understanding their needs in captivity.
Understanding Florida Box Turtles
Appearance and Characteristics
Florida box turtles typically measure between 4 to 6 inches in length. Their shells feature a dark brown or black background adorned with numerous thin, bright yellow markings. They possess sharp claws, aiding in climbing, and males often exhibit bright red or orange eyes, with longer, thicker tails compared to females, which usually have dark red or brown eyes.
Natural Habitat and Behavior
These turtles are commonly found in humid environments such as marshes, swamps, and forests. Unlike some other box turtle species, Florida box turtles remain active throughout the year, slowing down during the winter months but not hibernating.
Lifespan
Florida box turtles are a long-term commitment, with lifespans often exceeding those of common pets like cats or dogs. In the wild, they can live for over 50 years, while captive individuals typically live around 40 years.
Setting Up the Ideal Habitat
Outdoor vs. Indoor Enclosures
The best habitat for a Florida box turtle is an outdoor one, as it allows for natural sunlight and temperature variations. However, indoor enclosures can be suitable if designed properly.
Read also: Carnivorous Turtles in Florida
Outdoor Enclosure Design
- Location: Choose a site that isn't overly wet and provides both shade and sunlight throughout the day.
- Size: A 4’ x 8’ pen can comfortably house 3-4 adult turtles.
- Barriers: Construct walls at least 24 inches high with a smooth surface to prevent climbing. Sink the walls at least 12 inches into the ground to deter burrowing. Consider adding an underground barrier of bricks laid on their side and buried flush with the ground to prevent digging, as turtles often dig at corners and where walls meet the ground.
- Top Cover: Cover the top of the pen with wide mesh, such as chicken wire, to protect against predators.
Indoor Enclosure Design
- Enclosure Size: A good rule of thumb for housing box turtles indoors is to use the following formula from the German Society for Herpetology & Terrariums, based on the animal’s expected adult length: Length = 8x adult length, Width = 4x adult length, Height = 2x adult length. Considering that eastern box turtles max out at 8″/20cm, the minimum recommended enclosure size for one eastern box turtle is 5.5’L x 3’W x 1.5’H, or 14 square feet of floor space. In metric, that’s 1.6m x 0.8m x 0.4m, or 1.3 square meters. Larger is strongly recommended! A large Rubbermaid tub can serve as a suitable indoor enclosure. Glass enclosures are not recommended.
- Substrate: Use a substrate layer of 6-7 inches, with pea gravel at the bottom and a mix of moss and sand on top. A mix of half peat moss and half coconut coir, moistened, is also a safe and easily maintained option. Other options include: DIY temperate mix: 40% organic topsoil, 40% Zoo Med Reptisoil, 20% play sand, Zoo Med Eco Earth, Zoo Med Reptisoil, Exo Terra Plantation Soil. Layer at least 1″/2.5cm of leaf litter on top of the substrate, preferably more. Keep lots of plants, even fake ones, as well as leaves on the tank floor to help hold in the moisture as well.
- Water Area: Provide a shallow water area using a plastic pan or plant saucer, sunk into the substrate for easy access. These turtles enjoy soaking, so the water should be replaced daily and the dish cleaned weekly with an animal-safe disinfectant. The water area should be filtered using a fish tank or pond filter.
- Hiding Spots: Include hiding spots such as flower pots turned on their sides and partially buried, providing both hide spots and shade.
- Feeding Area: Designate a square area made from slate or paving stone as a feeding area to prevent ingestion of substrate.
- Plants: Use non-toxic plants like Hostas to provide additional hiding spots and create a more natural environment.
Essential Environmental Factors
- Temperature: Maintain a basking area temperature of 84-88°F (29-31°C) and a cool zone temperature of 70-75°F (21-24°C). Indoor heating should be turned off at night to allow for a nighttime temperature drop.
- Humidity: Florida box turtles require high humidity, ideally between 60-80%, with daytime levels never dropping below 51%. Increase humidity by misting the substrate and surfaces with a handheld pressure sprayer in the morning.
- Lighting: UVB lighting is essential for proper calcium metabolism. Use fluorescent (tube or spiral bulbs) or mercury vapor bulbs designed specifically for reptiles. A UVB bulb isn’t bright enough to replicate daylight. To get a little closer to this goal, you will need to supplement with a bright, 6500K T5 HO fluorescent or LED lamp, long enough to span 3/4 to the full length of the enclosure.
- Basking Spot: Provide a basking spot with a 75w Philips PAR30 Halogen Flood Bulb (one for juveniles, at least two for adults) and one or two Zoo Med Deluxe Porcelain Clamp Lamp fixtures. Use a plug-in lamp dimmer to adjust the temperature as needed.
Dietary Needs
Omnivorous Diet
Florida box turtles are omnivores, requiring a diet that consists of roughly 50% animal matter and 50% plant matter. Variety is key to ensuring balanced nutrition, as they can quickly become bored with the same foods.
Animal Protein Sources
- Earthworms
- Mealworms
- Black soldier fly larvae
- Hornworms
- Crickets
- Slugs
- Snails (captive-bred only)
Other options include black soldier fly larvae, chicks (pre-killed), crayfish, darkling beetles, discoid roaches, dubia roaches, egg (cooked), grasshoppers/locusts, hornworms, isopods, mice (pre-killed), millipedes, quail chicks (pre-killed), silkworms, and superworms.
Plant Matter Sources
- Squash
- Raspberries
- Cantaloupe
- Honeydew melon
- Papaya
Other options include apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, cactus pads/fruit, cherries, collard greens, dandelion greens/flowers, endive, grapes, kale, mulberries, mushrooms (edible), mustard greens, peaches, persimmons, plums, romaine lettuce, strawberries, and sweet potatoes.
Supplements
Sprinkle food with Repashy Superveggie supplement powder to ensure adequate nutrient intake. Provide a cuttlebone as a calcium source and to help keep the turtle's beak trimmed. A carotenoid supplement like Repashy Superpig can help maintain vibrant coloration.
General Care and Maintenance
Quarantine
Quarantine new turtles before introducing them to existing ones to prevent the spread of viral or bacterial infections.
Read also: Kissimmee Massage
Hygiene
Remove droppings as soon as possible and disinfect the enclosure regularly using Rescue brand disinfectant or a mixture of 1 tablespoon bleach to 1 cup of water, rinsing thoroughly afterward. Disinfect bowls at least weekly.
Handling
Handle turtles gently, scooping them up from below rather than grabbing them from above to minimize stress. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling.
Observation
Periodically check your turtle for any signs of parasites. Captive-bred turtles kept indoors are less likely to develop parasites.
Conservation and Ethical Considerations
Florida box turtle populations are declining rapidly due to habitat loss, road mortality, and over-collection for the pet trade. It is illegal to own more than two Florida box turtles in the state of Florida without a permit. Never take a Florida box turtle from the wild. Instead, consider adopting a turtle or purchasing from a reputable breeder.
Read also: Continuing Education for Florida LMTs