Can you keep Western Box Turtles in the state of Texas and what do they eat?
2007-02-15 08:42:57 · 7 answers · asked by P 3 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
3 boxies are found in Texas- Western/Ornate, Gulf Coast and Three-toed.
I do not believe that it is illegal to collect or keep box turtles in Texas at this time- although there is a federal law against the sale of any kind of turtle under 4" long.
The REAL question is- are they good pets. Of all of the box turtles, the Western or Ornate is the hardest to keep healthy and happy in captivity.
In the wild, they eat about 75% bugs, worms, etc. and the rest is 'forage'- whatever plants they can find. In captivity there are many diets you can try. My favorite is a 3-part plan.
In this plan, you feed a baby or small turtle every day, and an older turtle every 2 days, and an adult every 3. A portion is about the size of the head (if you sort of pack it all together tightly.)
Every day combines about 1/2 of a serving of some sort of pelleted food- alternating between a weight-control cat food pellet (soaked and softened), and a box turtle pellet food.
The other half rotates between:
MEATS- live or canned crickets, worms, bugs, etc. (but not mealworms) AND/OR cooked chicken, organ meat, cooked eggs, canned cat or carnivore food (good quality stuff), etc. (low fat stuff only, please.)
PLANTS- dark leafy greens, green grasses, yard plants, mushrooms, strawberries, other fruits or veggies. Try to use 2-4 different items each serving.
Lightly sprinkle every other meal with reptile vitamins, and once a week sprinkle with calcium carbonate supplement (Rep-Cal, for example).
The one big thing is to not get locked into any one food too much- rotating between pellets, changing types of foods being served as often as possible, etc. helps avoid iet-related problems.
2007-02-15 11:18:39 · answer #1 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course you can keep a Western Box Turtle in Texas. I have adopted both box turtles and tortoises from the humane society and they've been great pets!
2007-02-15 12:14:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they are legal. There is a push to stop the collection of wild box turtles since their numbers in the wild are sharply declining. If you shop around you should be able to find a captive bred box turtle. I know you asked what they eat and you will find that info when you read this: http://www.kingsnake.com/rockymountain/RMHPages/RMHpr01.htm
Before you bring one home make sure you have done a bit more reading so you have all the bases covered for providing your new turtle friend the appropriate care it deserves and have it's new home set up before you bring it home.
P.S. I wonder what kind of vet can't spell salmonella? I wonder where Iluvgerry went to vet school, if you went at all...
2007-02-15 11:42:35 · answer #3 · answered by chiropteragirrrl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not sure. You would have to check to see if it is native in your area. Far as I know only the three toed is found in Texas and thats far east texas. Check with the local authorities.
2007-02-15 09:37:17 · answer #4 · answered by macholizard 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far as I know ALL turtles are illegal because of the spread of sellaminella.
2007-02-15 08:47:58 · answer #5 · answered by iluvfavre 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
only the ones with green-cards.
2007-02-15 08:50:49 · answer #6 · answered by alex s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
www.lllreptiles has them if you want to buy one:)
2007-02-15 11:09:12 · answer #7 · answered by DarkDejection(JF) 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋