Box Turtle Care Infographic

Want a printable version of this infographic? Click here!

Properly Equipped Enclosure:

• Size: A 75-gallon or 40-gallon tank is recommended, equivalent to dimensions of 36×12 inches.
• UV Source: Box turtles require UV light to survive, with direct sunlight being more beneficial than artificial UV lights.
• Heat Lamp: Since box turtles cannot regulate their body temperature, they need an external heat source.
• Accessories: To reduce stress or anxiety, box turtles need space and some alone time.
• Outdoor Habitat: For multiple box turtles, an outdoor habitat is best. It should be predator-proof, have fresh water, and logs for basking.

Environment:

The infographic emphasizes that indoor box turtles need sufficient heat and light. If kept in low temperatures, they will be less active.

It includes a temperature and humidity chart for different box turtle species:

• Eastern Box Turtle: Daytime temperature of 70-75°F, nighttime temperature of 65-70°F, with around 60% humidity.
• Ornate Box Turtle: Daytime temperature of 70-90°F, nighttime temperature of 65-75°F, with around 40% humidity.
• Three Toed Box Turtle: Same as Eastern.
• Florida Box Turtle: Same as Ornate.

Diet:

List of Fruits and Vegetables for Box Turtle: Mustard greens, green cabbage, blackberries, green beans, papaya, apple, grapes, butternut squash, broccoli, watermelons.

List of Live Food for Box Turtle: Crickets, earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, mealworms, snails, slugs, minnows, wax worms.

Health:

Lists common diseases, their causes, and cures:

• Scratch: Caused by an accident or attack; cure with diluted chlorhexidine or betadine.
• Fly on Skin: Open skin or severe wounds; clean the area and apply antibiotic ointment.
• Irregular Shell Growth: Metabolic bone disease; requires proper diet and sunlight.
• Shell Rot: Fungus or bacteria; keep the turtle clean and apply antibiotics.
• Swollen Eyes: Vitamin A deficiency; ensure proper diet and treat with antibiotics.