My ornate box turtle hibernates for 8 weeks regardless of lights and or heat. Even if she can’t see outside she seems to know when the days get longer/shorter. This year when she puts herself to bed, I’m going to let her hibernate in our insulated workshop. There is some evidence that females...
With a kitchen scale, you can make perfectly proportioned “turtle meatballs” then freeze. I use ice trays with lids. As they thaw they get mushy and gross, just the way box turtles like them ?. I make 48 at a time and then supplement with what we’re having for dinner if suitable and in season...
I have an ornate box turtle and a Herman’s tortoise here in Illinois. The box turtle hibernates early Nov-late Mar. Two quick things: if you need a vet the Wildlife Vet Clinic at the U of I is very good. If your box turtle is an ornate it requires a state endangered species permit, it’s free...
I had someone suggest using the wildlife vet at our local university because they spend more time on reptiles than regular small animal vets. You could find a wildlife rehab that could give you a good suggestion.
For adults, I think it helps to keep them somewhere they can hear your voice and the noises of the household. I took in an adult ornate bt and I would talk with her every time I walked by her cage and gave her a few strokes on the shell. After about 6 months she will come out and see what I’m...