Setting Up an Indoor Box Turtle Tank

A small habitat built to include all the turtle's needs is necessary for a healthy pet. "Tank" is not only a glass aquarium but sometimes a large plastic water tank. While too little room is possible, too much is not possible and the box turtle does better with a larger enclosure. Provide enough space to ensure the turtle is able to have a heated, warm basking area and a cooler, darker retreat and hiding spot. The three common types of box turtles found in the United States are the eastern, three-toed and ornate. Check the laws for your state to determine if it is legal to keep the species or if a permit is required.

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
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Instructions

    • 1
      Mulch helps maintain higher humidity.

      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.

    • 2
      Worms and crickets provide protein in a box turtle's diet.

      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.

    • 3

      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.

    • 4
      Full-spectrum flourescent bulbs are available to simulate sunlight.

      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.

    • 5

      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.

    • 6
      Misting with water daily helps keep the humidity up in a box turtle tank.

      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.