Can you keep a Box Turtle in a big plastic tubberware container?

Question

You know those wons you use to store stuff or to move.

Answer 1

yes actually they can be much happier in a container with opaque sides rather than a glass terrarium because in a glass one, they will constantly be trying to get out.

however they need a LOT of room, so be sure it's a nice big one. also they need a flourescent light to provide uva and uvb rays that they would otherwise get from sunlight. most turtle keepers say it's best to keep them outdoors, where they get sun and have access to a warm pond and fresh 'weeds'. however, if it's not safe for them to be outside (if there are dogs, cats, raccoons, or possums) then indoors is a better option. this site has awesome instructions with pictures on how to make an enclosure using a rubbermaid tub. http://www.boxturtlesite.org/indoor.html

don't forget a heat lamp! obviously they need a big water dish too that's easy to get in and out of. they also need good humidity, so get a new, clean spray bottle and fill it with dechlorinated (use chemicals from a pet store, ask any store employee for 'water treatment chemicals for turtles' and they'll show you what to get) water, and spray the enclosure as often as needed to keep the substrate damp. food needs to be varied, this is very important for box turtles. good veggie choices include collard greens, dandelion greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, squash, carrots, pea pods, green beans, sweet potato. for protein give him earth worms, nightcrawlers, crickets, mealworms, waxworms, other insects available through pet stores or bait shops like beetles, grubs, and redworms. the first few i mentioned are the most readily available and also a favorite of box turtles. buy the bugs, don't go digging in your backyard for them unless you want to give your baby some parasite or fungus or something. they also need fruit like strawberries, blackberries, papaya, grapes, apples, cantaloupe, and kiwis. box turtles LOVE bananas and corn, too, but you can only feed these in moderation due to the necessity to maintain a certain balance of calcium and phosphates and all sorts of nonsense that's complicated. you don't need to know all that as long as you keep the diet varied and wash all fruits and vegetables, and make sure to chop it up so he can grab the food and chew it.

have i babbled enough? well here's a good site to go to http://boxturtlesite.info/diet.html for food, and this place http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/reptilesturtles/a/boxturtles.htm has good links and stuff.

have fun, email me if you need to :)
and good call to use tupperware, by the way. most people immediately think it's cruel because they can't see out, but they often injure themselves when they can see through their tank sides, they bang their heads against the glass and try to climb... it's just not good. rubbermaid is the way to go if you're keeping him indoors. good job!

Answer 2

here's what i think about that.
yes you can as long as it is big enough, the fac is that rubbermaids are better than glass aquarium because torts doesn't really understand clear. the "clear" rubbermaids only go up to about 26 gallons that i've ever found. not that you'd want that anyway but the solid ones i have seen upto 50 gallon and they are quite large.

the problem
that 50 gallons is distributed mostly ina vertical direction. which would be good (not great) for a water turtle but horrible for a tortise.

the solution
if sqaure footage permits it instead of a rubbermaid container get a kiddie pool. they cost about the same ie the largest rubberamid you'd find would be a bout $20 and the same for a kiddie pool and the samellest kiddie pool bould be abotut he same price as a minimum rubbermaid 25 gallond, $8-10. the diiference, the size and dimentions.
the tort would be happier in the pool than the really deep box.

PS don't get the kidie pool with the molded in slide for obvious ramp reasons.


also: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Articles/rubbermaidvsaquarium.htm

PPS also you could construct a rigging system that could hold your lights and heat lmaps and use a small tupper ware cotainer for its water supply and such....


hope this helps

Answer 3

Hi there. It's not a good idea. I tried it and found that a large outdoor enclosure is superior. They need sunshine. The artificial light and heat sources are inferior. Box turtles need to hibernate also to keep their sex hormones functioning properly. Hibernation also enhances their chances for living long healthy lives. When I had mine in Tupperware, his appetite dwindled and his colour faded. Making an outdoor pen is relatively cheap and just better.Now my turtle is a happy camper. Have a nice day

Answer 4

The key word is BIG. The right space for an adult Box Turtle is about 8'x4', and outdoor habitats are healthier than idoors.

However, most of us use big tubs to keep our younger turtles and tortoises in- they are perfect... if big enough!

Answer 5

I wouldn't if I were you. Box turtles need certain amounts of space. even when they're not roaming, they need space. Make sure they have a water container that is not more than one third of the turtles height.

Answer 6

First lets hide his post it notes and then the stapler and the tape. As soon as he has a list of 5 missing things start putting stuff back and find it for him right in plain sight. Oh and about those cups...did you forget the string phones we made at the last party?

Answer 7

no box turtles need some space like a cage or something even a fish tank.

Answer 8

A large one..yes. You will have to make sure it gets the proper lighting and heat though.

Answer 9

Yes as long as its big enough.

Answer 10

definitely, just make sure there is water and food ...