what is the cheapest and easiest to care for box turtle or tortoise to keep as a pet?

Question

i would love to have a reptile as a pet, and have always loved turtles, and dont want a water turtle, so i would like a box turtle or tortoise

what is the cheapest and easiest to care for

Answer 1

I would start with an Eastern Box Turtle. It is relatively cheap to buy and has fairly cheap housing.

The problem with Box Turtles and tortoises is the need for sheer space. An adult Box Turtle should be in a space about 4'x4', and a small tortoise in about an 8'x4' space. Aquariums are not good.

They also need reliable heating, lighting, humidity, and diet- which adds up quickly.

For more info, try http://www.tortoisetrust.org or http://www.boxturtlesite.info

Answer 2

I really like box tortoises or Russian tortoises. buy i would suggest that you get a box turtle because the russian can live up to a 100 years old. i don't know how to make a indoor tank setup but i have an outdoor one. for my outdoor shelter i used a tub and filled it with soil + sand but the most product that i use even for my indoor pets is Bed A Beast. the cage itself is some wood planks that are stuck around the tub (to prevent digging under the fence) then i have some plastic plants and i made an underground cave that is big so my tortoise can turn and what not and i can see him. But there are many was to do your tank and if you have your tortoise outside make sure that it is warm enough and humid for it. Here is my best pros and cons list of a tortoise pros they are a pretty easy pet they do not need a lot of attention like a bird or dog (but still good to give) they do not get sick very easy. very easy to feed Cons they can carry salmonella so you need to wash your hands (but you should wash your hands after holding any animal) they can go hibernation some owners have trouble with that it harder and more expensive to take to the vet need a big cage

Answer 3

Check out the care sheets on www.anapsid.org for in depth answers to your question. In brief, tortoises (box turtles are really a tortoise) need large enclosures to roam, a good quality tortoise chow, fresh vegies daily, some species eat fruit, and some need insects. Some need large pools to soak in and water bowls kept clean. The pools must be kept very clean, as tortoises will mess them up quickly. They need UVB bulbs 8-12 inches from their basking area or natural sun every day for 10-12 hours. They need a heat source of 95-100F in one area to bask so they can warm up and digest food. Turtles and tortoises are not cheap or easy to care for--they are exotic animals that need specific care. They may survive in substandard conditions, but they certainly won't thrive or live a long and healthy life.

Answer 4

We had a box turtle and we kept it out on the back porch. It did just fine there. Then get some turtle food at the pet store.

Answer 5

American boxing turtles are great as pets. I have one and they are really easy. I just let mine go around the house and sometimes the backyard, and they are friendly. Mine doesn't bite at all, and is really playful. But to take care of it, just have plenty of water around because they love to bask in it. You can just have some bowls and rocks and stuff lying around if you want it to roam if you don't have other pets, or a big aquarium with bark and some rocks, and some pools. But they like to eat lettuce, and some shredded carrots, and especially strawberries. My turtle LOVES strawberries.

Answer 6

There are several kinds of tortoises. Research!!! They can live past 75 years and require some of the most expencive care to keep them healthy. My sister runs a rescue in Florida and they need to be kept out in the sun for 10-12 hours a day everyday or their shell becomes soft and rots. They need fresh veggies, and 70% of their food is grass. Are you willing to live in a grassless yard? ..LOL Seriously! They also can get very big and need to live in a shed.

Answer 7

If you're looking for cheap and easy, don't get a box turtle.