box turtles what do they eat and how do they get water?

Question

i just got one and i would like to keep him /her healthy for my neices turtle race in the next monththank you

Answer 1

You really should have done all of this research before getting it. They aren't just simple feed water and let them live. They have many needs. Here is a good care sheet.
3 toed box turtle: http://www.repticzone.com/caresheets/1022.html
Eastern Box : http://www.repticzone.com/caresheets/184.html

Good luck on keeping him/her healthy

Answer 2

Looks like you've already gotten a couple of good answers. Where did you get the turtle? If from the wild and you haven't had it long enough for disease to set in, you should return it to exactly where you found it. If from a pet store, it's too late. Even if it was captured from the wild, it'll never be able to go back. If you ever decide to get rid of it, speak to a herp society rather than just dumping it somewhere.

Answer 3

To keep a boxie happy and healthy sort of depends on which species it is.

For most...
- Big pen space, ideally outdoors. 4x4 is about right for an adult.
- Moderate temps, in the 80's usually. Avoid too warm of temps!
- High humidity for Eastern Box Turtles- around 80-100%. Ornates and Three-toes can handle more normal levels of about 70%.
- Water dish that it can easily get into and out of for soaking and drinking, but no deeper than about 1.5".

The diet is varied. In the wild the eat mostly insects, worms, snails, etc. and a little vegetation.

Try this:
- 1/3rd worms, crickets, 'superworms', etc. (but not too many mealworms- their shells are too hard to digest eassily.)
- 1/3rd turtle pellets, cooked chicken, weight-control cat food (if dry, pre-soak it), sardines with bones, or similar low-fat meats.
- 1/3rd dark leafy greens, yellow-orange veggies, berries, mushrooms, etc. Variety is good here.

You can learn more about this species at sites like:
- http://www.austinsturtlepage.com
- http://www.boxturtlesite.info