How can I tell the age of my box turtle

[Carson.goss]

I have what i think to be a gulf coast box turtle and i would like to know his age, but I don't know how to tell.

his shell length is about 5 inches and a width of about 3 1/4 inches

 

[dmmj]

unless you know the hatch date, sadly you can't tell

 

[domalle]

I have what i think to be a gulf coast box turtle and i would like to know his age, but I don't know how to tell.

his shell length is about 5 inches and a width of about 3 1/4 inches

The annual growth rings on a turtle's shell are not always 'annual.' The rings denote cycles of seasonal growth.
But your little turtle is very young, probably less than five years old.

 

[Carson.goss]

The annual growth rings on a turtle's shell are not always 'annual.' The rings denote cycles of seasonal growth.
But your little turtle is very young, probably less than five years old.[/QUOTE

unless you know the hatch date, sadly you can't tell

how big do you think he will get?

 

[domalle]

Terrapene carolina major, the Gulf Coast Box turtle, is the largest of the 'carolina' or eastern form of American box turtles.
I think average adult size is around seven inches. But you should research this on your own and get all the information you
can about these remarkable turtles off the internet and this forum.

 

[Carson.goss]

Terrapene carolina major, the Gulf Coast Box turtle, is the largest of the 'carolina' or eastern form of American box turtles.
I think average adult size is around seven inches. But you should research this on your own and get all the information you
can about these remarkable turtles off the internet and this forum.

thnx for your reply it was very helpful

 

[dmmj]

Sadly growth rings are very unreliable way of trying to Age a tortoise or turtle. they grow depending on how much food they get lean years they grow slower years of plenty they grow much faster and once they reached the adult size they stop growing but continue to age.

 

[Carson.goss]

unless you know the hatch date, sadly you can't tell

hey thnx for the input also will you look at my other thread on what type of tortoise i should get there is more info in the thread

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Really beautiful turtle.