If I move A box turtle from one location to another will it return to the first location? I found one on the highway should I keep it I just recently made a pen if this was to happen itts a good size. I heared box turtles have a homing system! True? Will it go back to the Highway?
2007-07-08 08:11:58 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
The Pen is a good size
2007-07-08 08:12:44 · update #1
Let it go back into the wild. Depending where you live it might have been illegel for you to have removed it from where you found it. Like some have also said disease is another factor. Another factor is that wild animal normally don't take to captive while since it would be hard to provide what it is use to and knows as food.
2007-07-12 06:51:26 · answer #1 · answered by d34532 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, box turtles do have a homing sense and will try to get back where they were before taken at all costs no matter how dangerous or how great of a location you put them in.
You should put him on the side of the highway where he was going but out of harms way.
"Additionally, box turtles have a homing instinct that causes them to try to return to the place of their birth if they are moved. As a result, when box turtles that have been taken as pets are returned to the wild, they will head straight for their natal grounds (1). This journey causes the turtles to encounter many dangers, such as roads, predators, and humans. For these reasons, if you are looking for a pet, you should try to find a captive-bred animal or consider a different pet." http://www.bio.davidson.edu/people/midorcas/research/Contribute/box%20turtle/boxinfo.htm
If you want a box turtle you should adopt one and will need to set up a large glass terrarium with proper heat and uvb lighting..it is pretty expensive.
Here is a good care sheet if you decide to adopt or buy your own http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/cs-easternboxie.htm
Good luck.
2007-07-08 11:50:27 · answer #2 · answered by Adam 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you find a turtle walking across a road..stop your car..get out..and put the turtle on the side of the road..of coarse in a bit (In the direction they were travelling) Turtles are not dumb......if you put it back on the side where it was coming from it will back track again and end up on the road again..They are normally heading towards water!!!!!!
as for keeping a wild turtle in captivity....I do not beleive in this
2007-07-08 08:20:18 · answer #3 · answered by AnimalManiac 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They shouldn't be removed from their habitat. They can spread disease this way. I'd let it go back in a safe area where it came from. And yes, they do have homing instincts and will try to return as much as possible.
2007-07-08 08:16:16 · answer #4 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you were suddenly transported to, say, Alabama, wouldn't YOU try to go home?
Same deal with turtles.
2007-07-08 08:29:52 · answer #5 · answered by Dion J 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋