What is the best water temp. for box turtles?

Question

I have a fairly large container in my turtle's box that he can drink/soak in and he loves it. I've seen many different opinions on the temperature this water should be though. Some say around 80 or higher, and have a cooling area also. I've also read that turtles are most active in the wild after it has rained and the ground they walk on is around 60-65, so this is preferable. Any opinions on which is correct? My turtle's box is basically room temperature, probably 70 degrees or so, but I have a heat lamp pointed at his water and it gets pretty warm, high 80s/low 90s sometimes. He stays in the water, though, and really likes it, so is it ok to do this in the winter only? I live in NJ by the way and have his box next to a window so he can see outside, so he might get a draft from it.

Answer 1

i have over 30 box turtles and we just turn the sink to warm and stick it in a plastic tub remember water not too hot and soak them in there but if you have a turtle that is used to a certain tempature dont change it you can put the turtle in shock

Answer 2

It depends on what kind of box turtle you are getting. Most box turtles only require a water dish that will cover up to 1/3 of their shell. They use it for drinking, soaking, and pooping in, so it's important to change the water daily. I usually dump the water, rinse, then dry with a paper towel then let it dry out completely for 10-20 mins. under the light before refilling with clean fresh water everyday. Box turtles are mainly land dwellers, that like to dig and cover themselves when resting but, humidity for some species is important, they also need the tank sprayed with water once or twice a day with water. You should really find out what species you want or can care for and do the research before you get any reptile. Look up multiple caresheets online then decide how much time and money you can invest or are willing to spend before you actually get the animal.

Answer 3

Don't get so picky over unimportant issues. Drinking water/soaking water should be 'room temp' for the tank. Worry instead about things like tank temps (60-65 is a little cool, but not bad), humidity, and lighting.

A heat lamp pointed at the water is no big deal- it generates humidity and tank heat.

A tank by the window, however, IS a big deal- it allows a draft, and he light coming through the glass will shift wavelength becoming what we usually call a 'deathray'- heat rays that can overheat the tank.

We would rather see UVB lighting used in the tank than light through windows- especially since UVB does not pass through glass.

Good box turtle info can be found at http://www.bosturtlesite.info or http://www.austinsturtlepage.com

Answer 4

Tepid or about room temperature is perfect.
This is because a turtles' shell is a surprisingly sensitive structure because of the many nerves embedded in it.
Anything hotter or colder would be like directly hitting a nerve with a hammer.....PAINFUL !

Answer 5

Try 321 decress so we can have some barbcude turtle!

Answer 6

100 degrees celcius. And after he's boiled for 5 minutes, he will taste great!

Answer 7

room temp. might move away from window til it gets warmer out

Answer 8

28 degree celsius.

Answer 9

ROOM TEMPERATURE!!!!! Not to hot and not to cold! To chot can give them a shock and to cold can freeze them