Box turtles, of the terrapene genus, certainly do best outdoors, where they can roam more freely. This does not mean, however, that all of us who live in an apartment cannot provide them with a cozy home! We just have to work hard to create a quality indoor habitat.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Choose the Container
Step 1. Get a large container
Box turtles need a lot of space. A small bathtub or aquarium isn't big enough for them.
- The best box you will find is a "turtle board": a low rectangular wooden box that measures at least 1 meter wide, 2 meters long and 50 cm high. As for the maximum measurements, there are none! There is no "turtle board" too big - make it as big as you can!
- A horizontally grounded bookcase might be fine (of course, after you've removed the shelves).
Method 2 of 3: Prepare the Habitat
Step 1. Put some substrate
Cover half of the fence with ordinary soil (it must not have chemicals or fertilizers), and the other half with sphagnum. Sphagnum is an excellent substrate because it retains water well, just water it daily with warm water.
Talk to your vet before choosing another type of soil, as some (such as wood chips) can be dangerous for your turtle
Step 2. Set up one or more shelters for your turtle, as these animals really like to hide
An inverted flowerpot will do just fine.
Step 3. Put a lamp that produces heat
You will need to place it at the far end of the enclosure so the turtle can easily move elsewhere if it starts to feel too hot.
Step 4. Put a source of ultraviolet rays
Ultraviolet rays are those of the sun. If you can get your turtle to sunbathe for at least an hour a day (through a window or patio, for example), it will be perfect! But if you can't, buy an ultraviolet lamp. In pet shops, you can find ultraviolet lamps which, at the same time, produce heat: it could be very convenient!
Method 3 of 3: Enrich the Habitat
Step 1. Place obstacles to climb, for example rocks and logs
- Use flat, wide stones a couple of centimeters high for your turtle to climb on; also, use things that are both light and strong at the same time.
- If your turtle is still small it is best to use objects that are not too big, to make sure they are easier to climb.
Step 2. Create an area where the turtle can swim
You can use a solid paint tray, as it has a deep area and a shallow one. Place it in a corner and fill it with warm water. It will also be the drinking water supply for your turtle! Alternatively, you can create a separate area for the turtle to swim: get a tank large enough and fill it with warm water, so it's deep enough to swim in, and put rocks in it for him to stop on. Let your turtle swim about 3 times a week and leave it in the water until it feels like it is enjoying it.
Advice
- Pay attention to what your turtle likes and dislikes. Not all turtles are the same. This is a guide only, and your turtle will know better than us what they like!
- You could take your turtle for exercise supervised by you. A non-chemical grassy lawn, or your living room - the important thing is that you let them explore a little bit of the world every now and then!
- If your turtle is active and curious, they are probably happy too.
- If you are going to use an aquarium, then attach a paper barrier along the outer perimeter to cover the bottom half of the tank. Turtles can bump into glass, and if you don't cover it with something they will! The paper creates a visible barrier and at the same time gives a sense of security to the turtles.
- If you want to put real plants, be careful! Your turtle will likely try to eat them, and many of them could be bad for it. Always ask your vet first which plants might work and which aren't.
Warnings
- Another common mistake is not giving the turtle enough space to live. Make sure your box turtle has enough space!
- Most people make the mistake of creating a habitat that is too dry, more suitable for land turtles. Don't make the same mistake! Box turtles are land turtles, but they want a moist habitat at the same time!
