subject: Boxturtles As Great Pets [print this page] . There are some species also that are being imported for the pet trade such as the Chinese box turtle and the Malayan box turtle. Almost all of these box turtles have been caught in the wild.
Box turtles are partially aquatic animals unlike the other type of turtles which spend much of their time swimming under water. These Terrapene spp. must have a dry land and water range inside its enclosure for them to do their normal activities just like in the wild.
The American box turtles are found nearly in most place in America from eastern to southwestern part down to the Northern parts of Mexico. These semi-aquatic creatures spend most of their time in woody grassland areas and burrows their selves when sleeping. Hatchling's size is about 1 inches and will grow up to 6 or 8 inches depending upon the specie.
In making a perfect enclosure for your turtle, you can have a cage in suitable equipped outdoor enclosures and indoor ones. The indoor enclosure must be 36" x 12" or you can have the size of a shallow 40 gallon tank. Wood enclosure of the same dimensions high enough so that your turtle can't climb out. In making the land area, mix the soil with finely shredded orchid bark. Remember also that you turtle will need a hide box. You can use cardboard box for this. You must also put a water area in which your turtle can in which your turtle can soak itself. For the temperature, you will need two heat sources, first is a heating pad and a spot light over the side of the tank. For the food, offer food daily to youngsters while every other day to adults. Remember also that turtles are motivated by sight and smell so offer your turtle a varied and colorful diet. In every feeding, there must be both plant and animal products.
Turtles are not suitable as pet for children. Box turtles are becoming scarce so help them propagate and extend their existence so that the future generations can still see these wonderful creatures.
