what do box turtles eat and how do you take care of them?!?

Answer 1

Some good resources for more information include:
http://www.boxturtlesite.info
http://www.austinsturlepage.com
http://www.tortoisetrust.org

Diet depends on which kind of Box Turtle, but the Eastern eats mostly insects, and a little 'forage' it finds as it wanders.

In captivity, I like a mix of about 1/3rd 'bugs'- worms, insects, snails, arthropods, etc. Mealworms are OK snacks but the tough shell is not good for the turtle.

Another 1/3rd is lean meats. I prefer well-soaked weight-control cat food, but you can also use things like cooked chicken, beef heart, hard-boiled eggs, sardines, turtle pellets, etc.

The last 1/3rd is a salad of a mix of dark leafy greens, colorful veggies (but not corn or peppers), mushrooms, and fruits that are semi-native (apple, pear, strawberry, etc.)

Avoid fatty or oily meats (hamburger, tuna, hot dogs), spinach, Iceberg or other light green lettuces, too much cabbage or related plants (cauliflower, brocolli, etc.), citrus, sugary things, grains and breads, and most table scraps (some are great though!)

The basic care of the Eastern box turtle is that it needs a decent size space, heated to a moderate temp (mid 70's F is good) with a good temp range in it, and high humidity- 70% or so.

The sites above have more info on this, and the info for the other popular pet box turtles.

Answer 2

First of all, if you found it, let it go where you found it. They are becoming more and more rare because of over collecting and encroachment to their environment. They also carry parasites that could kill them if they are not allowed to roam in search of their special diet that control these problems. If it is an exotic box turtle or captive bread one, that's another story. They love worms, snails, and slugs. Mushrooms, berries, fruit, collard greens are also good. Sprinkling some Vitamin D on its food on a regular basis is a good idea. Box turtles are prone to eye infections as well. This is due to a lack of nutrition. Taking care of them is a big responsibility. They need to have a clean, feces free enclosure. A shallow water bowl that will be able to fit the turtle in it, so it can soak. They love to hide under things. I have used a half shoe box cut out one side. His terrarium needs to be at least a 30 gallon long tank. The bigger the better. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

If you only feed your turtle lettuce and carrots, it will die from malnutrition. Box turtles are omnivorous and require both animal protein and fruits/veggies.

My box turtle is nearly 20 years old. I have fed her half of the cans of fancy feast wet food at a time (on avg every 3 days, but sometimes she eats more often, and sometimes less often). I additionally give some fruits and veggies (what we have around). Mine particularly likes blueberries, raspberries, and pieces of strawberry. If you are going to give it greens, give it spinach, not lettuce--lettuce has no nutritional value to it. Make sure all food you give it is room temperature at the coldest.

When left to their own choice, box turtles will often eat themselves into malnutrition by picking out bananas and lettuce--which they love, but aren't enough to sustain them, so don't provide these at every meal.

Other than that, they need a shallow water dish and a warm undertank heater, as well as a place to hide (like a half log), and a cool place.

Answer 4

box turtles can eat broccoli, lettuce (not ice burg), collards, snails, ham, chicken, turkey(no sauces/lean), apple, turnip greens, worms, kale, banana, and corn(limit). CAULIFLOWER IS POISONOUS along with straw berries and tomatos(leaves only) also remember that celery is hard for them to digest. Turtle care is simple 1. clean poop 2. clean water daily 3. feed every other day 4. mist habitat with water regularly 5. when handling hold at back and support bottom of shell 6. take out for play time when weather premits 7. spend time with your turtle (turtles love attention). basic equipment is a hiding structure, water dish, ther/hydrometers, climbing toys, UVA/UVB floresent light, and heat lamp. Good luck with your box turtle if you need more info go to www.turtletrust.org if you take care of your turtle good he can be a life time companion

Answer 5

Box turtles should be fed a diet of fresh mixed vegetables, fruits, and pellet foods You could also give them apples, peaches, strawberries, grapes, and romaine lettuce The Iceberg head lettuce doesn't have any nutrition.

Once in a while, you can give it corn on the cob,hard-boiled eggs and some lean chopped meats. They also like live foods like worms, meal worms and even crickets.

Answer 6

Start off with a couple blades of grass and leaves. Then go with moths, flies(dead) and a couple of dragonflies. they are mainly vegitarians and bug eaters.
AJ

Answer 7

lettuce and carrots work well. Just make sure you have a water and heat source in their habitat.