So I'm in my yard fixing a spinkler, and this really cute little turtle just comes strolling up out of nowhere. (I'm amazed he made it given how many roads and dogs are around my house.) I got on the Internet, identified the species and got some info, gave him a shallow pan of water that he can crawl out of, and some wild blackberries nearby. He drank a lot of water, and ate some berries, but now he's settled in under a small bush and hasn't moved for 3 days. I enclosed a large planted area for his protection--it gets some sun, plenty of shade, has moist soil, and sprinklers come on 5 min. everyday. He's alive and alert, but he's just staying in that one corner. Is he OK? Is this normal behavior?
2006-07-21 06:12:19 · 7 answers · asked by Pepper 4 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Well if heat triggers this behavior, that's the answer. I should have included that I live in Central Calif. and we're having a punishing heat wave.
2006-07-21 07:13:41 · update #1
He likes it. He's moving in and staying awhile.
The heat makes them stay under cover. As long as it is alive and alert, leave it alone.
Good on you for not bringing it in and putting it in a cage.
2006-07-21 06:29:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
based on the situation you reside, actually the known priority must be letting it circulate. if youin case you stay in the rustic and a rural section the place the turtle woudnt be via different individuals, the typical factor for the wellness of the turtle would be liberating it. If that's no longer conceivable, and you think of preserving it is the terrific distinctive option, than a 10 gallon basically isn't considerable adequate. Even an exceedingly small field turtle will choose a minimum of a 30 gallon tank and ideally better. My suggestion to you is that in case you will save it, purchase a brilliant rubbermaid to maintain it in, they're low value and you will purchase better ones. additionally, in case you intend to maintain it, seem into the load-help plan of those turtles greater pondering that they choose a brilliant selection of supplements and minerals to proceed to be wholesome
2016-10-08 04:12:02 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eastern boxie in California?
It is hiding out from the heat. Just make sure it has access to water.
Food- berries and other fruits are OK but insects, worms, snails, etc. are the main diet. If it is outdoors, it will find enough.
Now- it can go weeks without food if it is basically healthy, so don't worry about that.
If you decide to make it a pet, just read up on it a bit before committing.
2006-07-21 12:44:29 · answer #3 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would just make sure he is provided with food, water, shade and soil to dig in, and safety from predators. Turtles are a big commitment and can live longer than a human, so unless you really want to provide a good life for him, let him be. If he is sick, you can either take care of it for a while and release him or let nature take it's course. Keep in mind that if it is sick, it may carry parasites and diseases that can endanger you and other animals. Either way, I suggest reading as much as you can about diet, temperature, lighting needs, and habitat to make sure that you are not accidentally offering the wrong food. Thanks for caring about him! Sounds like he wandered to the right yard! Good Luck!
2006-07-21 07:52:17 · answer #4 · answered by Emily 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. You need to take care of him if he is not even walking around. If you do not want to, I can take him if you live around Virginia. If you choose to take him in yourself, he needs at least a 20 gallon aqaurium, shredded reptile bark, a soaking pan, hiding places, UVA/UVB lights from the pet store, a reptile heating pad, and a heat light. you need to keep his bark moist or he could dry out. feed him mealworms and veggies and use a reptile water conditioner for his drinking water and soaking pan. If you don't take him in, even healthy baby box turtles only have a 1% chance of living the first year. If 99% of healthy baby box turtles die, this guy stands no chance unless you help him. If you would like me to take care of him, e-mail me at Hwdoulkemeenw@aol.com.
2006-07-21 07:31:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in Southern California and have an eastern box turtle. I built a little house out of plywood and put peat moss inside it. He loves it. He doesn't come out much during the day but loves the night time.
I built a small pond out of quick dry cement and put a drainage pipe in it. He loves his pond. It cools him down. He eats snails, slugs, and loves night crawlers. But he prefers to eat in the pond. They like alot of shade. They are not real social. My turtles name is Jack.
2006-07-21 10:07:34 · answer #6 · answered by sassyk 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he is an Eastern Boxie, he is not a native & is probably an escaped pet.
He probably appreciated the water from the sprinkler & they love blackberries!
He probably wants to stay cool & moist till the heat breaks.
Good luck.
2006-07-21 09:40:03 · answer #7 · answered by carl l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋