Things You'll Need
- Potting soil with no vermiculite
- Peat moss
- Dye-free natural wood mulch or orchid bark
- Cave or hiding area
- Shallow water dish
- Food dish
- Full-spectrum light
- Heat lamp
- Thermometer and humidity gauge
Instructions
Fill the tank with 2 to 4 inches of potting soil mixed with peat moss. Mix the soil and peat moss about 50/50 to help maintain high humidity. Cover the soil mixture with a 1-inch layer of mulch or orchid bark.
Scoop back enough mulch to place the food dish. Use a shallow dish to allow easy access for the turtle. Worms and crickets don't stay in the food dish. The turtle catches them as they move around. Fruits and vegetables should be removed and the dish cleaned daily.
Dig back enough mulch and soil to place a water dish large enough for the turtle to sit in and spread its legs and head, and with enough water to cover the bottom edge of the top shell. It should be easy for the turtle to enter and exit the water dish.
Place a fluorescent light fixture with a full-spectrum bulb on top of the tank by hanging or laying it across. Place a basking light, to provide heat, on one end allowing the turtle to seek the temperature needed to function and digest food. Basking lights are sold in a clip-on style with a reflector surrounding the bulb. They may be placed on screen or mesh to keep them from touching anything flammable.
Use a cave structure, often sold in pet stores, to provide cover and security to the turtle in a cool area of the tank. Escaping the heat and taking a break during the day is common box turtle behavior. They are more often seen after a soaking rain in early morning or evening hours.
Mount the temperature and humidity gauge to allow for movement to check various areas of the tank. A spectrum of 70 degrees Fahrenheit on one end to 90 degrees, under the basking light, on the opposite end allows the turtle to choose the comfortable temperature. Ensure humidity is kept high, 50 to 70 percent, by heavy misting with a spray bottle when necessary.