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The Box Turtle: Species Guide – All Turtles

The Box turtle is one of the best turtles to keep as pets. While there are several box turtle species in existence, the one commonly kept as pets is the eastern box turtle, also known as the common box turtle.

This terrestrial turtle is easy to care for and doesn’t require an aquarium. They are easy to feed and hardly ever suffer any health issues. This makes them low maintenance, clean, and a great pet for beginners who aren’t experienced in keeping turtles

With the exception of the aquatic box turtle, also known as the Coahuilan box turtle, all box turtles are land-based creatures.

This timid creature is native to both the United States and Mexico, though there is an Asian species of box turtles living in the Eastern region of the globe.

Box turtles are easy-going reptiles whose needs in captivity are highly complex, though this does not stop animal lovers from making them common pets.

Because most wild turtles live in climates that have a wide range of temperatures, they need to hibernate three to five months out of the year in order to stay alive.

During these cold temperature spells, food is not as plentiful and the weather does not permit normal bodily functioning.

It is during this time turtles tuck themselves tightly into their uniquely hatched shells and stay sheltered until spring. While some may assume this is a safe period, it is actually quite dangerous.

These turtles must retain minimal bodily functions: digestion stops, heart rate slows, and eye movement ceases. This period is common for turtle deaths.

Box Turtle Facts & Information

  • Experience level: Beginner
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific name: Terrapene spp.
  • Average adult size: 4 to 8 inches
  • Lifespan: 40 years
  • Clutch size: 4 to 5 eggs
  • Egg incubation period: 50 to 70 days
  • Food: Turtle Food, green leafy vegetables, and insects
  • Terrarium size: 70 gallons
  • Average temperature: 85°H/75°L
  • UVB lighting: needed
  • Average price range: $120 to $400
  • Conservation status: Lower Risk – Near Threatened on IUCN Red List (Common box turtle)

Terrapene (North American Box Turtles)

Terrapene (North American Box Turtle) peeking through leaves in Ohio, USA
Terrapene (North American Box Turtle) peeking through leaves in Ohio, USA. – Source

1. Common Box Turtle (includes the Eastern Box Turtle & Three-toed Box Turtle)

Common Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) on dry leaves and sticks in Illinois, USA
Common Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) on dry leaves and sticks in Illinois, USA. – Source
  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina
  • Subspecies: Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina), Three-toed box turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis), Florida box turtle (Terrapene carolina bauri), and Gulf Coast box turtle (Terrapene carolina major)
  • Average Adult Size: 4 to 7 inches
  • Lifespan: 40 years+
  • Average Price Range: $140 to $350

The common box turtle is probably the most popular box turtle species kept as pets and the species that usually comes to mind when box turtles are mentioned.

The eastern box turtle which is the nominate subspecies is widely kept as pets, and so is the three-toed box turtle.

The common box turtle has a high dome-like carapace and a hooked upper jaw. Common box turtles are generally brownish to black in color with yellowish or orangish patterns of lines and blotches.

The three-toed box turtle also has three toes on the back feet.

2. Coahuilan Box Turtle

Coahuilan Box Turtle (Terrapene coahuila) walking on dry land in Mexico
Coahuilan Box Turtle (Terrapene coahuila) walking on dry land in Mexico. – Source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific Name: Terrapene coahuila
  • Common Names: Coahuilan box turtle, aquatic box turtle
  • Average Adult Size: 4 to 7 inches
  • Lifespan: 50 years+
  • Average Price Range: n/a

The Coahuilan box turtle is the only member of the genus Terrapene (box turtles) that spends almost all its time (90%) in water.

As such, you can say that the Coahuilan box turtle is the only aquatic box turtle. Unsurprisingly, the Coahuilan box turtle is also known as the aquatic box turtle.

The Coahuilan box turtle has dark skin and a dark carapace. The plastron is hinged. Like other box turtles, the Coahuilan box turtle can retreat totally into its shell. Sadly the Coahuilan box turtle is an endangered species.

3. Mexican Box Turtle

Mexican Box Turtle (Terrapene mexicana) on sand in Mexico
Mexican Box Turtle (Terrapene mexicana) on sand in Mexico. – Source
  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina mexicana or Terrapene mexicana
  • Average Adult Size: 6 to 8 inches
  • Lifespan: up to 100 years
  • Average Price Range: n/a

Very little is known of the Mexican box turtle. In fact, many consider the Mexican box turtle to be a subspecies of the common box turtle.

The Mexican box turtle looks very much like the three-toed box turtle. It has a dark carapace and dark skin. Sometimes, you can find yellow markings on the carapace.

4. Spotted Box Turtle (includes Northern Spotted Box Turtle & Southern Spotted Box Turtle)

Spotted Box Turtle (Terrapene nelsoni) in grass in Sonora, Mexico
Spotted Box Turtle (Terrapene nelsoni) in grass in Sonora, Mexico. – Source
  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific Name: Terrapene nelsoni
  • Subspecies: Northern spotted box turtle (T. n. klauberi) & Southern spotted box turtle (T. n. nelsoni)
  • Average Adult Size: 5.5 to 6 inches
  • Lifespan: 50 years+
  • Average Price Range: n/a

The spotted box turtle looks just like the common box turtle, however, the body and shell is spotted with countless dots. These spots give the spotted box turtle its common name.

The species’ name is Terrapene nelsoni. The specific name is in honor of Edward William Nelson, a great American biologist.

There are two subspecies of the spotted turtle and these include the Northern spotted box turtle (T. n. klauberi), which is endemic to northern Sinaloa, along with Sonora and Chihuahua in Mexico; and the southern spotted turtle (T. n. nelsoni) is endemic to southern Sinaloa as well as Nayarit and Jalisco.

Spotted turtles are rarely kept as pets.

5. Western Box Turtle (includes Ornate Box Turtle & Desert Box Turtle)

Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata) walking on a wooden plank in El Paso, Texas, USA
Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata) walking on a wooden plank in El Paso, Texas, USA. – Source
  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific Name: Terrapene ornata
  • Subspecies: Ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata ornata) & Desert box turtle (Terrapene ornata luteola)
  • Average Adult Size: 4 to 7 inches
  • Lifespan: 32 to 37 years
  • Average Price Range: n/a

The western box turtle is a relatively popular turtle. You can find a few of these box turtles as pets. Their shell is much flatter than other box turtles.

They are usually dark brown to black with bright yellow stripes. The desert box turtle has more stripes than the ornate box turtle.

Ornate box turtles can be found in Louisiana, eastern Texas, and western Indiana.

Desert box turtles can be found in northern Mexico, Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas.

6. Yucatán Box Turtle

Yucatán Box Turtle (Terrapene yucatana) walking on the forest floor of Yucatan, Mexico
Yucatán Box Turtle (Terrapene yucatana) walking on the forest floor of Yucatan, Mexico. – Source
  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific Name: Terrapene yucatana
  • Common Names: Yucatán box turtle
  • Average Adult Size: 4 to 6 inches
  • Lifespan: 50 years+
  • Average Price Range: n/a

The Yucatán box turtle is endemic to the Yucatan peninsula. As an endemic species, they can be found in this singular region.

Also, the Yucatán box turtle is a species on its own, it is sometimes treated as a subspecies of the common box turtle.

The shell of this turtle is lightly colored with star-shaped dark spots. Its limbs and heart are also lightly colored.

The Yucatán box turtle is very rare in the United States so don’t expect to find one.

Cuora (Asian Box Turtles)

Asian Box Turtle (Cuora spp.) sitting on a grassy log in Thailand
Asian Box Turtle (Cuora spp.) sitting on a grassy log in Thailand. – Source
  • Experience level: Intermediate
  • Family: Geoemydidae
  • Scientific name: Cuora spp.
  • Average adult size: 4 to 8 inches
  • Lifespan: 25 to 38 years
  • Egg incubation period: 50 to 70 days
  • Food: Fish, turtle food, green leafy vegetables, and insects
  • Terrarium size:  70 gallons
  • Average temperature: 85°H/75°L
  • UVB lighting: Needed
  • Average price range: $120 to $400
  • Conservation status: Critically Endangered to Endangered on IUCN Red List

Asian box turtles belong to the family Geoemydidae and the Genus Cuora which includes 12 species.

This particular species is characterized by the dome of its shell, from low to high. Three kneels on the carapace are usually the markers that are used to distinguish these turtles.

Both the Chinese box turtle and Malaysian box turtle belong to the same family and have similar traits.

These box turtles are known for their hardiness and can make great pets.

1. Chinese Box Turtle

Chinese Box Turtle (Cuora flavomarginata) climbing on a rock in Okinawa, Japan
Chinese Box Turtle (Cuora flavomarginata) climbing on a rock in Okinawa, Japan. – Source
  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • Family: Geoemydidae
  • Scientific Name: Cuora flavomarginata 
  • Common Names: Chinese box turtle, yellow-margined box turtle, shìshéguī, and golden-headed turtle; 
  • Average Adult Size: 7.7 inches
  • Lifespan: 100+ years

The Chinese box turtle is endemic to Southeast Asia. As you may have figured out, this reptile is endemic to China where it lives in the Yangtze, Pearl, and Fuchun River systems. The species can also be found in Japan, specifically in southern Ryukyu and Tiawan in the Tamsui River.

The golden-headed turtle is highly aquatic as most Asian box turtles are. The species is also terrestrial. The golden-headed turtle can be found in aquatic habitats such as rivers, streams, and rice patties. The species also live in grasslands, evergreen forests, and hillsides. 

This species is also popular in the pet trade. They are quite harder to care for than the North American box turtles but with a bit of care and planning, caring for a Chinese box turtle should be straightforward. 

2. Malaysian Box Turtle

Malaysian Box Turtle (Cuora amboinensis) walking through grass near Samui Island, Thailand
Malaysian Box Turtle (Cuora amboinensis) walking through grass near Samui Island, Thailand. – Source
  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • Family: Geoemydidae
  • Scientific Name: Cuora amboinensis 
  • Common Names: Malaysian box turtle, Southeast Asian box turtle, and the domed Malayan box turtle
  • Average Adult Size: 8 inches
  • Lifespan: 25 to 30 years

The Malaysian box turtle is commonly known as the Asian box turtle or the Amboina box turtle. This species is also kept as a pet. The needs of C. amboinensis are similar to that of other Asian box turtles. 

Similar to the Chinese box turtle, the Malaysian box turtle requires an aquatic setup with a significant amount of dry land. The land-to-water ratio of the enclosure should be 50/50. 

You can find this species throughout Southeast Asia in many countries. 

You can identify this chelonian by its black or dark olive head and the three yellow stripes on either side of the head.

There are also four subspecies of the Malaysian box turtle. These include:

  • the Burmese box turtle (Cuora amboinensis lineata), which is endemic to Myanmar; 
  • the domed Malayan box turtle (C. a. kamaroma), which is endemic to Cambodia, southern Laos, central and south Viet Nam, Thailand, Borneo, Singapore, and Malaysia; 
  • the West Indonesian box turtle (C. a. couro), which is endemic to the southern Indonesian islands; and 
  • the Wallacean box turtle (C. a. amboinensis), which is endemic to the eastern Indonesian islands.

3. Chinese Three-striped Box Turtle

Chinese Three-striped Box Turtle (Cuora trifasciata) swimming along the surface of water taken by Arthur Chapman
Chinese Three-striped Box Turtle (Cuora trifasciata) swimming along the surface of water taken by Arthur Chapman.
  • Family: Geoemydidae
  • Scientific Name: Cuora trifasciata
  • Common Names:  golden coin turtle, Chinese three-striped box turtle 
  • Adult Size: 10 inches to 12 inches

On the carapace/upper shell of the golden coin turtle, there are three dark stripes.

These stripes give this chelonian its common name. The top of the head is also golden which gives the chelonian its other common name. 

This chelonian is endemic to Hainan and Hong Kong. 

This reptile isn’t usually kept as a pet.

4. Bourret’s Box Turtle

Bourret's Box Turtle (Cuora bourreti) walking on the forest floors of Vietnam
Bourret’s Box Turtle (Cuora bourreti) walking on the forest floors of Vietnam. – Source
  • Family: Geoemydidae
  • Scientific Name: Cuora bourreti
  • Common Names: Rua hop bua-re (Vietnamese), Indochinese box turtle, central Vietnamese flowerback box turtle, Bourret’s box turtle 
  • Average Adult Size: 8 inches

This reptile is endemic to Laos, and central Viet Nam. The species is moderately sized reaching a straight carapace length of about 8 inches or 20 cm.

Cuora bourreti is also considered a subspecies of C. galbinifrons, commonly known as the Indochinese box turtle.

5. McCord’s Box Turtle

McCord's Box Turtle (Cuora mccordi) juvenile on a wooden table
McCord’s Box Turtle (Cuora mccordi) juvenile on a wooden table. – Source
  • Family: Geoemydidae
  • Scientific Name: Cuora mccordi
  • Common Names: McCord’s box turtle
  • Average Adult Size: 5.5 inches

Little is known about this chelonian. It is not commonly kept as a pet. If you ever have one as a pet, its care is similar to that of other Asian box turtles. 

The species is endemic to Guangxi province in China. This pet is valuable in the pet trade and usually sells for thousands of dollars. 

6. Southern Vietnam Box Turtle

Southern Vietnam Box Turtle (Cuora picturata) hatchling walking on greenery
Southern Vietnam Box Turtle (Cuora picturata) hatchling walking on greenery. – Source
  • Family: Geoemydidae
  • Scientific Name: Cuora picturata
  • Common Names: Southern Viet Nam box turtle, southern Vietnamese box turtle

The species is regarded as having the highest dome of all Asian box turtles. The upper shell is described as resembling the helmet of a conquistador. The head of this species is yellowish with grayish reticulation. 

You can find this species in southern Viet Nam specifically the southern mountainous regions.

7. Zhou’s Box Turtle

Zhou's Box Turtle (Cuora zhoui) on dirt and wood chips
Zhou’s Box Turtle (Cuora zhoui) on dirt and wood chips. – Source
  • Family: Geoemydidae
  • Scientific Name: Cuora zhoui
  • Common Names: Zhou’s box turtle

Very little is known about Zhou’s box turtle. This turtle has only been seen on the Chinese food market and in captive breeding programs set up by conservation organizations such as the Allwetterzoo Münster in Germany.

The species have a yellow head and a greenish or dark brown carapace. 

8. Yunnan Box Turtle

Yunnan Box Turtle (Cuora amboinensis) sitting in the grass in Singapore
Yunnan Box Turtle (Cuora amboinensis) sitting in the grass in Singapore. – Source
  • Family: Geoemydidae
  • Scientific Name: Cuora amboinensis
  • Common Names: Yunnan box turtle
  • Average Adult Size: 6 to 7 inches

Similar to most species of the genus Cuora, little is known about this species. The species was considered extinct until a specimen showed up in the pet trade in 2004. 

The species is endemic to Yunnan from which it gets its common name. 

Females of the species reach a carapace length of about 7 inches while males of the species reach a carapace length of 6 inches according to IUCN

9. Keeled Box Turtle

Keeled Box Turtle (Cuora mouhotii) walking up some mossy rocks in Vietnam
Keeled Box Turtle (Cuora mouhotii) walking up some mossy rocks in Vietnam. – Source
  • Family: Geoemydidae
  • Scientific Name: Cuora mouhotii
  • Common Names: Keeled box turtle, Mouhot’s turtle, jagged-shelled turtle, keel-backed terrapin
  • Average Adult Size: 6 to 7 inches

This species inhabits the forests of Thailand, Bhutan, Viet Nam, Laos, India, China, and Myanmar. Two subspecies make up these species and these are C. m. mouhotii and C. m. obsti.

The back end of the shell is serrated. This characteristic gives the turtle most of its common names. The carapace is dark in color. The plastron is similarly colored as well. 

While little is known about the habitats of the species, the partially webbed nature of the feet suggests that the species is a land-dwelling chelonian.

10. Indochinese Box Turtle

Indochinese Box Turtle (Cuora galbinifrons) on moist rocks in Hong Kong
Indochinese Box Turtle (Cuora galbinifrons) on moist rocks in Hong Kong. – Source
  • Experience Level: Advanced
  • Family: Geoemydidae
  • Scientific Name: Cuora galbinifrons
  • Common Names: flowerback box turtle, Vietnamese box turtle, Indochinese box turtle
  • Average Adult Size: 8 inches

You can find this species in Guangxi and Hainan in China, Laos, and Viet Nam.

The species is moderately sized and reaches a carapace length of about 8 inches or 20 cm. This species is relatively common on the international pet trade market when compared to other Asian box turtles.

C. galbinifrons is a cool forest turtle and as such requires cool temperatures in captivity. Although little is known about the eating habits of this reptile, it is considered to be omnivorous.

In captivity, it accepts a mix of insects, mice, lean meat, and vegetation. This species can be tough to care for and requires a humid and quiet enclosure with temperatures below 82 °F but not below 70 °F. 

11. Pan’s Box Turtle

Pan's Box Turtle (Cuora pain) in the corner of a tank
Pan’s Box Turtle (Cuora pain) in the corner of a tank. – Source
  • Family: Geoemydidae
  • Scientific Name: Cuora pani
  • Common Names: Pan’s box turtle, yellow-headed box turtle

This species is endemic to Hubei, Sichuan, and Shaanxi in China.

This species has a bright yellow head which contrasts with the rest of its body. The turtle may have been named after Pan Lei or its behavior of enclosing itself within its shell. 

12. Yellow-headed Box Turtle

Yellow-headed Box Turtle (Cuora aurocapitata) climbing up a mossy rock
Yellow-headed Box Turtle (Cuora aurocapitata) climbing up a mossy rock. – Source
  • Family: Geoemydidae
  • Scientific Name: Cuora aurocapitata
  • Common Names: golden-headed box turtle, Yellow-headed box turtle

This proposed species is commonly considered a subspecies of the Pan’s box turtle.  The turtle can be found in Anhui province in China.

Box Turtle Care Sheet

Box Turtle Habitat

Box turtle in its dry leaf enclosure taken by Ryan Somma
Box turtle in its dry leaf enclosure taken by Ryan Somma.

Most box turtles are terrestrial animals. The common box turtle can be found on moderately moist forest floors. Desert box turtles are native to arid areas.

The aquatic box turtle even prefers an aquatic environment. Regardless of the box turtle, I recommend a humidity level of about 60 percent is recommended.

Enclosure

Box turtles are best housed outside as long as the temperature doesn’t fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have space I strongly recommend this. Box turtles don’t need a large enclosure to be comfortable.

An enclosure that measures 4ft by 4ft should be a large enclosure for the turtle. The walls of the enclosure should be about 18 inches high with an overhang. Owing to their small size, this should suffice for most box turtles.

Additionally, the wall should be about 10 inches underground to prevent the turtle from digging out.

The enclosure should have a shallow water dish and several hiding spots (part of the enclosure should be shaded and parts should receive sunlight). It should also protect the turtle from predators such as raccoons.

If you are unable to keep the box turtle outdoors all year round get a tortoise table or a terrarium that has a capacity of at least 40 gallons.

You can also improvise. Some owners repurpose sandboxes, large tubs, and even plastic kiddie pools into indoor box turtle enclosures.

Just ensure that the turtle is housed in a place that receives natural sunlight, as their reptile nature doesn’t let them regulate their own body temperature. 

Substrate

Because the enclosure needs to be moderately humid, use a substrate that retains moisture well. I recommend an equal mix of sphagnum moss, peat moss, and dampened topsoil.

Other substrate choices include coco coir, eco earth, and even aspen shaving. The substrate should be about 4 inches deep.

Some turtle keepers recommend that you avoid sand or any gritty material as it can cause intestinal impaction.

Temperature

When housed indoors, provide both a UVB source and a heat source.

The Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle UVB & Heat Lighting Kit is a great choice since it has the capability to house dual bulbs covering both heating and UVB and it includes the bulbs in the purchase.

The temperature of the basking area should be around 85 to 90 F, while the cool end of the enclosure should have a temperature of about 70 F.

As you can see, the enclosure needs to be large for this temperature gradient to be created.

Consider installing thermometers at both the cool end and the warm end to monitor the temperatures within the enclosure.

Similarly, you can use a single thermometer to check the temperature regularly. This is very important if it’s your first time caring for a turtle.

Lighting

Sunlight is the best source of light for the turtle, but when the box turtle is housed indoors, you need to provide UVB lights for the turtle.

As mentioned above the Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle UVB & Heat Lighting Kit is a great fit for that.

The lights should be on for no more than 10-12 hours a day. You can use a timer to manage that as well.

Turtles absorb light in a process called basking. This is where they use natural sunlight to make themselves dry, and warm, and absorb nutrients from the sun. Another reason why turtles bask is to regulate their body temperature, and in turn, their metabolism.

Since turtles are cold-blooded animals, they need to regulate their temperature to ensure proper digestion of their food. They can’t digest their food efficiently in cold temperatures. For this reason, turtles need their share of sunlight.

If your turtle doesn’t get any access to natural sunlight, UVB lighting in the house is suggested. Turtles need Vitamin D3 to process the calcium in their diet.

This vitamin is only produced in their body in the presence of UV light. Setting up a UVB light in the turtle’s enclosure will keep them healthy.

Humidity

As already mentioned, an adult box turtle requires a humidity level of about 60 percent.

Use a humidity gauge such as the Zoo Med Digital Hygrometer to monitor the humidity. Also, mist the enclosure with potable chloride-free water twice to three times a day.

You can do that manually or get a misting system.

Feeding The Box Turtle

Box turtle eating lettuce taken by Jon Hurd
Box turtle eating lettuce taken by Jon Hurd.

American Box turtles are omnivores and eat a mix of plants and meat. When kept outside they will even forage for food. Having some edible plants in the enclosure provides both nourishment and shade.

The box turtle diet needs to be 60 percent animal protein and 40 percent plant matter. Feed them vegetables, fruits, insects, and low-fat meat. You can also give them commercial turtle diets in addition to fresh food.

Vegetables to feed them include collard greens, dandelion greens, romaine lettuce, flowers, duckweed, and many others.

Fruits to feed them include pears, apples, raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. Offer fruits once a week.

Animal proteins to feed them include crickets, grubs, mealworms, superworms, earthworms, roaches, canned snails, 93% lean meat, and pinky mice.

Feed the turtle daily. Provide as much as it can eat. Over time, you will get to know exactly how much they eat. Feed them on plates or other clean surfaces free of debris so they don’t ingest debris.

Always provide a shallow box of clean water at all times.

Box Turtle’s Temperament & Handling

Eastern Box Turtle being held be someone taken by Robert Mitchem
Eastern Box Turtle being held be someone taken by Robert Mitchem. – Source

Box turtles are docile and easy to hold.

They don’t bite and are much more tolerable than other turtles. However, it is still best to handle them only when it is necessary.

Frequent handling can stress them out. This might significantly reduce their lifespan.

If you have kids in the house, ensure that they don’t try to play with them too often to avoid anxiety. Feeding time is also one of the best ways to bond with box turtles.

Most box turtles can recognize their keepers over time.

Box Turtle’s Lifespan

Eastern Box Turtle walking through grass looking up at camera
Eastern Box Turtle walking through grass looking up at camera. – Source

Box turtles have very long lifespans. When properly cared for, they can live to be about 40. In the wild, it is believed that some box turtles can live to be over 100 years old.

Common Health Concerns

Box turtles are capable creatures that can go through most of their entire life free of any serious health complications.

Metabolic bone disease – this is caused by underexposure to UVB light and/or vitamin D and calcium deficiency. Metabolic bone disease is characterized by misshapen limbs and shells.

Underexposure to UVB and vitamin D & calcium deficiencies are interrelated conditions, as not getting enough exposure to UVB light or sunlight leads to turtles not producing enough Vitamin D.

This, in turn, doesn’t let them process or utilize the calcium in their diet properly, which is necessary for the development of their bones.

Metabolic bone disease can lead to death.

Respiratory infections – These infections are usually caused by insufficient humidity or vitamin A deficiency.

To prevent respiratory infections, feed box turtles a wide variety of green leafy vegetables (don’t feed them iceberg lettuce), and ensure humidity levels in the enclosure are right. This will be dependent on the substrate you use.

Signs of a respiratory infection include lack of appetite, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and the presence of mucus from the mouth and nose.

Shell rot  – Another common affliction is shell rot. The shell may appear cracked or dry. It also emits a bad smell. This is usually caused by inadequate heating.

Signs that generally show that your turtle is unwell include blisters and sores, foul-smelling mouth with thick mucus, loss of appetite, cuts and bruises,  swollen unclear eyes, and unresponsiveness.

Your box turtle might also start drinking water more frequently. This is indicative of sickness as well. There might also be some behavioral changes, but if you haven’t had a chance to spend a lot of time with your turtle and don’t know his usual behaviors, this might go unnoticed. 

Another sign you can look for when you want to check if your box turtle is sick is to check their buoyancy. If your box turtle is floating sideways, for example, it might mean that there’s a problem with their shell or bone density and they’re having trouble swimming correctly.

Pricing and Availability

Most box turtle species are hard to come by. The most common species sold as pets is the common box turtle whose subspecies include the Eastern box turtle (T. c. carolina), the Three-toed box turtle (T. c. triunguis), the Florida box turtle (T. c. bauri), and Gulf Coast box turtle (T. c. major).

Here are some reputable online stores that offer Box turtles – Backwater Reptiles, and LLLReptile.

Conservation/Threats

Most box turtles are not endangered. The aquatic box turtle (Terrapene coahuila)  is the only endangered box turtle. This is due destruction or modification of their natural habitat.

This is caused by residential & commercial development, agriculture & aquaculture, construction of roads & railroads, shipping lanes, and natural system modifications (dams & water management/use).

The aquatic box turtle is included in CITES Appendix I and protected under  Mexican wildlife and natural resource legislation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are box turtles dangerous?

Box turtles are not dangerous. These are among the friendliest turtles in the world. They are not known to bite or attack humans. And even if they do bite, their bites are innocuous and do not cause injuries.

Regardless of how harmless a turtle is, it still may carry salmonella. This bacteria occurs naturally in reptiles including turtles. Even clean turtles may still carry salmonella. This bacteria can cause food poisoning and salmonella infections. While this infection is generally innocuous, it can have severe consequences in people with compromised immune systems, the elderly, and children.

Are box turtles endangered?

While North American box turtles generally aren’t endangered, every single Asian box turtle is endangered. These endangered turtles include some that are popularly kept as pets such as the Chinese box turtle.

The main cause of the endangered nature of box turtles endemic to Asia is down to the overexploitation of the turtle for human consumption. These turtles are used extensively in traditional medicine.

How many box turtles are left in the world?

The exact number of box turtles left in the world is unknown although the population numbers are in the hundreds of thousands to millions. While the population is large, several species have seen massive drops in wild population numbers.

Is a box turtle a reptile?

The box turtles, like all other turtles, are reptiles as they belong to the order Reptilia. 

What does a box turtle look like?

Box turtles closely resemble tortoises although they are pond turtles. They are highly domed. This means that their shells are domed.

The coloration of box turtles is varied. The common box turtle is brown with yellow blotches, spots, and lines.

Where do box turtles live in the wild?

Box turtles can be found in North America and Southeast Asia. Boxies found in North America include the common box turtle, coahuilan box turtle, Mexican box turtle, spotted turtle, ornate box turtle, desert box turtle, and the Yucatan box turtle.

North American box turtles inhabit woodlands and deserts. They are land-dwelling reptiles except for the coahuilan box turtle which inhabits ponds.

Turtles that live in Southeast Asia inhabit both water bodies and forest floors. These turtles are forest dwellers.

Why are box turtles called box turtles?

They are referred to as box turtles because they can retract their limbs and heads into their shell and completely close off their shells which are hinged. As such, they are boxes.

Conclusion

There are many species of box turtles and all but one are land-based turtles. This is odd as pond turtles are generally aquatic or semi-aquatic.

The most popular box turtles include the eastern box turtle, the three-toed box turtle, and the desert box turtle.

If you are looking to adopt, the easiest turtles to obtain are the eastern box turtle and the three-toed box turtle. If you live in the US, these turtles can be obtained easily from local dealers.

Caring for box turtles is much simpler than caring for many other turtles as box turtles do not require an aquatic setup. As they’re land-dwelling turtles, you can easily own them in your house, provided you take some precautions to keep them safe.

In this article, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about box turtles and what makes them excellent pets. We hope that this article has been helpful.

Feel free to check out the other informational articles on our website, as well! If you have any questions or information, please leave a comment and we’ll get back to you right away.

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Evelyn Miele

Wednesday 16th of September 2020

Question: Do turtles ever walk backward or, do they only walk forward or around something?

TurtlesBunniesPlants

Thursday 19th of March 2020

Shouldn’t the title above the picture be Terrapene Carolina Carolina?

Maggie

Sunday 22nd of December 2019

We have a yard full of 2 species of FL box turtle...the ornate showed herself last week for the fist time...after reading your article I understand better care of her and the rest...I think, as we haven't seen some of them lately they are hibernating. They like bananas, pears, corn flakes and blueberries...they also like cornbread. We have a dish of water for them which they all seem to love, the lay in it when it is hot so we change it several times a day...we enjoy watching them and I have several pictures of them mating.

Cari

Monday 4th of November 2019

Hi, box turtles are common in our area (MO) we noticed one in the same spot for a few days, we finally decided to bring it in, we realized its eyes are sealed shut, not sure what to do :-/ any suggestions?