The ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata ornata) is a captivating terrestrial reptile native to the central United States. Known for its distinctive appearance and engaging personality, this turtle has become a favorite among reptile enthusiasts. This article provides a detailed guide to the proper diet and care of ornate box turtles, ensuring their health and longevity in captivity.
Introduction to Ornate Box Turtles
Ornate box turtles are named for their domed shell and hinged plastron, which allows them to tightly enclose themselves for protection. Reaching lengths of 4-6 inches (10-15cm), they exhibit dark brown to black coloration with striking white to gold radiating patterns on each scute. Markings on their legs and face often display vibrant yellow, orange, and red hues. Mature males are typically distinguished by their red irises and longer tails.
Primarily found in the American Midwest, ornate box turtles inhabit states such as Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming, Missouri, and Illinois, with smaller populations in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Their natural habitat and behavior inform the best practices for their care in captivity.
Enclosure
Size and Environment
Providing an appropriately sized enclosure is crucial for the well-being of ornate box turtles. These active reptiles need ample space to explore, forage, thermoregulate, and express natural behaviors. A general guideline for enclosure size, based on the German Society for Herpetology & Terrariums, is:
- Length: 8 times the adult length
- Width: 4 times the adult length
- Height: 2 times the adult length
Given that ornate box turtles typically reach a maximum length of 6 inches (15cm), the minimum recommended enclosure size for a single turtle is 4 feet long x 2 feet wide x 1.5 feet high (120 x 60 x 30cm), providing at least 8 square feet of floor space.
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Indoor vs. Outdoor Housing
Experts generally agree that housing box turtles outdoors is ideal whenever possible. Outdoor enclosures should be placed in locations with well-draining soil and access to both shade and sunlight throughout the day. Enclosure walls should be at least 2 feet tall, smooth to prevent climbing, and buried at least 12 inches into the soil to deter burrowing. Covering the top of the pen with wide mesh, such as chicken wire, is essential to protect against predators. Triangular caps at the corners can further prevent escapes, as box turtles are adept climbers and diggers.
For those living in climates unsuitable for year-round outdoor housing, an appropriately sized indoor enclosure is necessary.
Recommended Indoor Enclosures
- Kages 4’x2’x2′ Premium PVC Reptile Enclosure with 7″ Substrate Board
- Zen Habitats 4’x2’x2′ Meridian PVC Reptile Enclosure
- Toad Ranch SF48 4’x2’x19″ Luxury Reptile Enclosure
- Dubia.com 48″x24″x18″ PVC Reptile Enclosure
Larger enclosures are always recommended to provide ample space for the turtle to thrive.
Lighting
Ornate box turtles are diurnal, requiring exposure to bright light and UVB during the day for optimal mental and physical health. A consistent light cycle of 14 hours per day during summer and 10 hours per day during winter helps replicate natural seasonal rhythms.
UVB Lighting
UVB lighting is essential for vitamin D3 synthesis and calcium absorption. For ornate box turtles, the following is recommended:
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- Arcadia T5 HO 6% or Zoo Med T5 HO ReptiSun 5.0 UVB bulb
- Reflective T5 HO fixture (Arcadia or Vivarium Electronics)
- Bulb length should be approximately half the length of the enclosure, positioned on the warm side near the heat lamp.
The distance between the UVB lamp and the turtle's basking area is crucial. If there is mesh between the lamp and the turtle, the basking area should be 13-14 inches (33-36cm) below the lamp. Without mesh, the distance should be increased to 17-18 inches (43-46cm). Using a Solarmeter 6.5 to measure UV Index (UVI) and achieve a UVI of 3.0-4.0 in the basking area is highly recommended.
Daylight Lighting
A UVB bulb alone is insufficient for replicating daylight. Supplementing with a bright, 6500K T5 HO fluorescent or LED lamp, spanning 3/4 to the full length of the enclosure, is necessary to achieve adequate brightness.
Heating
As cold-blooded animals, ornate box turtles rely on external temperatures to regulate their body temperature. In the wild, they bask in the sun to warm up.
Indoor Heating
- Basking area temperature: 90-95°F (32-35°C)
- Cool zone temperature: 70-77°F (21-25°C)
A halogen flood heat bulb, such as the 75w Arcadia Halogen Heat Lamp, along with Zoo Med Deluxe Porcelain Clamp Lamp fixtures, is ideal for creating an evenly heated basking area. A plug-in lamp dimmer can be used to adjust the temperature as needed.
Turn off indoor heating at night to allow for a natural temperature drop. If nighttime temperatures in outdoor pens fall below 50°F (10°C), provide a shelter with lightless heating, such as a ceramic heat emitter or radiant heat panel set to 60°F (16°C). Bring the turtle indoors if winter temperatures drop below 25°F (-4°C).
Read also: Feeding Your Box Turtle
Measuring Temperature
Use a digital probe thermometer with the probe placed on the basking surface to measure the basking area temperature. A second digital probe thermometer should be placed on the opposite side of the enclosure to monitor the cool end.
Humidity
Ornate box turtles thrive in slightly more arid conditions compared to other box turtle species. Monitor humidity levels and adjust accordingly.
- Hatchlings: 60-70%
- Adults: 30-60%
A digital probe hygrometer, with the probe placed in the middle of the enclosure, is essential for monitoring humidity levels.
Humid Hideout
Regardless of whether the turtle is housed indoors or outdoors, it must have access to a humid hideout. This can be a cave or hide box placed on the cool end of the enclosure, lined with moistened substrate to create a humid microclimate.
Increasing Humidity
Use a handheld pressure sprayer to moisten the substrate and other surfaces in the enclosure each morning to increase general humidity levels.
Substrate
A well-drained, naturalistic substrate that mimics the turtle's native habitat is best. Layer the substrate at least 4 inches deep in indoor enclosures and 12 inches deep in outdoor enclosures.
Substrate Options
- DIY semi-arid mix: 60% organic topsoil, 40% play sand
- Zoo Med Eco Earth
- Zoo Med Reptisoil
- Exo Terra Plantation Soil
New ornate box turtles should undergo quarantine before naturalistic substrate is added to their enclosure.
Enclosure Décor
Decorations play a vital role in enriching the ornate box turtle's environment. Enrichment items encourage exercise, stimulate natural instincts, and promote overall well-being.
Décor Ideas
- Hideouts/burrows/caves
- Hollow logs
- Flat stones
- Dirt mounds
- Piles of leaf litter
- Edible, drought-resistant plants
The Tortoise Table is an excellent resource for determining safe plants to use in the enclosure.
Cleanliness
Regular maintenance is crucial for maintaining a healthy environment. Remove feces and urates daily, and scoop out and replace contaminated substrate. Substrate should be completely replaced every 3-6 months depending on depth and enclosure size.
Diet and Nutrition
Ornate box turtles are omnivorous, consuming both plant and animal matter. A balanced diet should consist of roughly 50% animal matter and 50% plant matter. Young and growing turtles should be fed as much as they can eat daily, while adults should be fed every other day to prevent obesity.
Protein Sources
- Black soldier fly larvae
- Chicks (pre-killed)
- Crayfish
- Darkling beetles
- Discoid roaches
- Dubia roaches
- Earthworms
- Egg (cooked)
- Grasshoppers/locusts
- Hornworms
- Isopods
- Mice (pre-killed)
- Mealworms
- Millipedes
- Quail chicks (pre-killed)
- Silkworms
- Snails (captive-bred only)
- Superworms
Plant Matter
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blackberries
- Cactus pads/fruit
- Cantaloupe
- Collard greens
- Dandelion greens/flowers
- Endive
- Grapes
- Kale
- Mulberries
- Mushrooms (edible)
- Mustard greens
- Persimmons
- Romaine lettuce
- Squash
- Strawberries
- Sweet potato
- Tomatoes
Commercial Diet Options
- Reptilinks
- Mazuri Tortoise Diet
- Repashy Veggie Burger
- Arcadia OmniGold
Variety is key to providing balanced nutrition, as ornate box turtles are known to become bored with eating the same foods. Offer a diverse range of food items to ensure they receive all necessary nutrients. Food should always be offered on a plate or tray to prevent accidental ingestion of substrate.
The "Mash"
A nutritious turtle "mash" can be created by combining steamed sweet potato, cooked lean ground turkey, raw mushrooms, shredded carrot, raw corn, red leaf lettuce, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Finely chop all ingredients, drain excess liquid, and mix thoroughly. This mash provides a broad spectrum of nutrients and can be altered to suit individual turtle preferences. Other ingredients that can be added or replaced include strawberries, mulberries, ground chicken, venison, squash, peaches, bananas (for picky eaters), and dandelion. Always research ingredients to ensure they are non-toxic and safe for consumption.
Supplements
Sprinkle food with Repashy Superveggie supplement powder to ensure the turtle receives the right nutrients. Provide a cuttlebone in the enclosure as a calcium source and to help keep the turtle's beak trimmed.
Drinking Water
Ornate box turtles require constant access to clean drinking water. Replace the water daily and scrub the dish with animal-safe disinfectant weekly, as turtles tend to foul the water quickly. A large flower pot saucer sunk into the substrate makes an excellent water dish.
Handling and Interaction
While turtles generally dislike handling and prefer to be left alone, ornate box turtles often tolerate human interaction well. Many learn to appreciate gentle shell rubs and may even take food from fingers or feeding tweezers.
When handling is necessary, scoop the turtle up from below with your palm rather than grabbing it from above. Support the body and legs with two hands, maintaining a firm but gentle grip to prevent falls.
Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling your pet to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Health Considerations
Wild-Caught vs. Captive-Bred
Wild-caught or farm-raised ornate box turtles should be thoroughly inspected for parasites and health issues. Captive-bred turtles are generally more accustomed to handling and captivity.
Quarantine
New ornate box turtles should undergo a quarantine period to prevent the spread of disease to existing collections.
Hibernation
In the wild, box turtles hibernate during the winter months. In captivity, hibernation can be managed indoors or outdoors. If hibernating outdoors, provide a den with moistened peat moss, straw, or leaf litter to encourage burrowing and prevent dehydration. Monitor the den every 2-3 weeks to ensure the turtle remains hydrated. For indoor hibernation, fill a plastic container with straw or moistened leaf litter and place it in a cool room. Check on the turtle every 2-3 weeks and soak it in tepid water for 20-30 minutes. A veterinarian should examine your box turtle to ensure he is healthy enough for hibernation. If your turtle shows any symptoms of illness (eye or nasal discharge for example), he should not be hibernated.
Salmonella
Children should not handle box turtles to prevent Salmonella infections and bites. Small fingers and toes resemble a favorite food of box turtles.