2Toed Box Turtle Adult Pairs.

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

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