How to Care for Boxer Turtles

Boxer turtles, most commonly known as box turtles, are turtles with a hinged shell. This allows the box turtle to completely retract into its shell when it feels threatened. Box turtles are often found in forests or meadows. Unlike other turtles, box turtles don't spend as much of their time in water. However, they do need a place to soak. There are several different types of box turtles, and each type requires slightly different care. However, most box turtles require the same basic care, and are relatively easy to keep as pets.

Things You'll Need

  • Terrarium-type habitat
  • Secure habitat lid
  • Soft substrate
  • Water dish
  • Terrarium plants and decorations
  • Full-spectrum UVB lighting
  • Heat source
  • Assorted turtle foods
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a large amount of space for the box turtle. Box turtles can be kept inside or outside, if the temperatures and climate is similar to the box turtle's natural habitat. Outdoor enclosures should be about four feet square for one box turtle. Indoor enclosures should be as large as possible, with a minimum size of three feet long and one foot wide. Although glass terrariums can be used, an opaque container, such as a plastic storage container, is a better choice. Turtles that can see through the glass often feel stressed, and may bang against the glass, injuring themselves.

    • 2

      Place a secure lid on the habitat. Box turtles are clever and will escape whenever possible. A tight mesh lid, small link fencing or a cover with many holes poked in it works well. If you're keeping the turtle outdoors, you'll also need to dig into the ground, securing the fencing about six inches under the surface, so that the turtle can't dig out.

    • 3

      Fill the bottom of the habitat with a substrate of soil, moss or a commercial reptile bedding. Box turtles like to burrow, so this substrate should be deep enough that the box turtle can completely bury itself if it wants to.

    • 4

      Place a large water dish in the terrarium. This should be large enough that the turtle can climb all the way in. It should also be easy for the turtle to get in and out of it. Clean the water dish and give fresh water daily.

    • 5

      Add fake terrarium plants, hollow logs and other terrarium decorations that will provide hiding places for the box turtle.

    • 6

      Install a full-spectrum UVB light over the enclosure. This ensures that the turtle will get the correct amount of vitamin D. If you're keeping the turtle outside, you can skip this step.

    • 7

      Install a heat emitter or heat bulb at one end of the habitat. This creates a basking area and keeps the habitat warm. The basking are should be between 85 and 90 degrees F, while the rest of the habitat should be between 75 and 85 degrees F. If your outdoor temperatures are not similar to these temperatures, you'll need to keep your turtle inside.

    • 8

      Mist the habitat every day. This keeps the substrate moist and creates humidity, which is necessary to the turtle's health. The humidity should be between 60 and 80 percent.

    • 9

      Feed the box turtle an assortment of meaty foods, such as earthworms, grasshoppers or mollusks, and herbaceous foods, such as strawberries, carrots and endives, every day. Sprinkle a calcium supplement on the food. Feed the turtle on a flat rock. This is more natural, and it trims the turtle's nails.