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Buy adult Box Turtle online.
Adult Box Turtles—especially Terrapene carolina and Terrapene ornata—are hardy, terrestrial reptiles with fascinating behaviors and long lifespans. They’re ideal for keepers who want a land-dwelling turtle with personality, resilience, and regional variation. Here’s a full breakdown tailored to your level:
🐢 Adult Box Turtle Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 5–7 inches (13–18 cm) shell length |
| Age Range | 7+ years (sexually mature) |
| Lifespan | 30–50 years; some documented over 100 years |
| Behavior | Diurnal, terrestrial, and highly site-loyal |
| Shell Type | High-domed carapace with hinged plastron for full closure |
They’re named for their ability to completely seal themselves inside their shell using a hinge—an adaptation that offers near-impenetrable defense.
🧬 Species Highlights
- Eastern Box Turtle (T. carolina carolina)**
- Native to eastern U.S. forests and meadows
- Shell: Brown with orange/yellow blotches
- Males: Red eyes, longer tails, curved rear claws
- Ornate Box Turtle (T. ornata ornata)**
- Found in central U.S. grasslands
- Shell: Dark with yellow radiating lines
- More active and heat-tolerant than the Eastern subspecies
- Coahuilan Box Turtle (T. coahuila)**
- Only the aquatic box turtle, native to Mexican wetlands
- Rare in captivity and requires a semi-aquatic setup
🏡 Enclosure & Setup
- Indoor Setup:
- Minimum: 120 × 60 cm floor space
- Substrate: Coconut coir, organic topsoil, leaf litter
- Hide spots: Cork bark, logs, moss piles
- Outdoor Setup:
- Secure pen with shaded areas and a water dish
- Depth: 30+ cm fencing to prevent burrowing escape
- Microclimate: Moist leaf litter, native plants, and logs
- Temps:
- Day: 75–85°F (24–29°C)
- Night: 65–72°F (18–22°C)
- Humidity: 60–80% depending on species
- Lighting: UVB essential for shell and bone health
Box turtles do not swim like aquatic turtles—they soak, not dive.
🍽️ Diet & Feeding
- Omnivorous:
- Protein: Earthworms, snails, crickets, boiled egg
- Veggies: Squash, carrots, bell peppers
- Greens: Dandelion, collards, mustard greens
- Fruits: Strawberries, melon, mango (sparingly)
- Feeding Frequency:
- Adults: 3–4x/week
- Juveniles: Daily
- Supplements:
- Calcium + D3 powder 2x/week
- Cuttlebone in enclosure
They’re opportunistic feeders and will forage actively if given space.
🧠 Behavior & Temperament
- Site-loyal: Prefer familiar terrain and routines
- Curious but shy: Will explore but retreat when startled
- Handling: Tolerates brief handling but prefers minimal interference
They’re interactive in naturalistic setups, often seen basking, burrowing, or foraging.
Buy adult Box Turtle online
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