Kahoona103
New Member
Good day to all,
I am a new Eastern Box Turtle owner. I acquired this little guy about a month after hatching in August of 2019. I live in the New Jersey Pinelands which is a majority of Pitch Pine and oak. The area is rich with eastern box turtles and for years I would find them while hunting or walking. I have even had them lay eggs in my back yard. Then last year I decided to get a box turtle for my grandkids to see and feed and learn about. I did not want to take an adult out of its habitat, so I purchased it from a reputable breeder in the area.
This little guy (Not sure of sex) has flourished in his enclosure. He was two months old when we got him and is now a good two inches. His eyes are perfect. He is alert and hides most of the day. He has water and plenty of hiding areas under the Sphagnum. I do have some questions that I hope the forum members will help me with.
Chief
I am a new Eastern Box Turtle owner. I acquired this little guy about a month after hatching in August of 2019. I live in the New Jersey Pinelands which is a majority of Pitch Pine and oak. The area is rich with eastern box turtles and for years I would find them while hunting or walking. I have even had them lay eggs in my back yard. Then last year I decided to get a box turtle for my grandkids to see and feed and learn about. I did not want to take an adult out of its habitat, so I purchased it from a reputable breeder in the area.
This little guy (Not sure of sex) has flourished in his enclosure. He was two months old when we got him and is now a good two inches. His eyes are perfect. He is alert and hides most of the day. He has water and plenty of hiding areas under the Sphagnum. I do have some questions that I hope the forum members will help me with.
- I have him in natural soils from the woods. (a mixture of sand, peat, Sphagnum & vegetative matter) Is that OK? No problems so far.
- I feed it mealworms, earthworms, wood roaches, grasshoppers, and grubs. He does not take green leaf or fruit. Is this a problem for nutrients?
- How much food should he be fed?
- Heat - The tank is 20 gal long for now. I have two lights, Fluorescent Full Spectrum Terrarium Lamp and an incandescent terrarium light. No heat rock or pad. Temp in the room goes to 65 at night. Do I need a heat source?
- How can you determine sex?
Chief