Reptile Beginner-Andrea

[TheLadyAkita]

Hello, my name is Andrea and I would like to start this message off with the fact that I am an animal lover, but acknowledge my complete lack of understanding on how to care for reptiles. I recently discovered that a family member has had a box turtle living in their basement for nearly 20 years and somehow has miraculously survived on only mealworms. (Supposedly she won't eat anything else) In two weeks (after I have acquired all the proper tank, bedding, housing, ect) I plan on bringing her into my home. Obviously the first thing on my agenda will be a vet visit as she has literally algae growing on her shell, and it is deteriorating in some spots. I have a friend who works at a zoo who has given me lots of valuable information, but wanted to reach out to larger crowds as well for more input. At this point I'm panicking a little because I want the best life for her possible given her awful one for so long. I just have a few questions about diet!

If she won't eat because she only eats "moving things" is there a better substitute, and way to ensure she is getting nutrients that she needs?

What are some things that I should start out trying to feed? fruits, veggies, leafy greens ect?

Preferences on calcium additive brands?

Also because of the shell issues I will be keeping her indoors in a 40 gallon aquarium, but will take her outdoors weather permitting for her to have access to the sun, clover, dandelions ect. I have purchased a terra cottage pot bottom as a food dish, large plastic water access, and log hide large enough for her to hide under. I have a blue day bulb with a timer, and ceramic heater.

Any thing else I will need before I obtain her?

 

[ZEROPILOT]

She/he desperately needs a UV SOURCE.
Either in the form of sunlight or a strip florescent UV TUBE.
There are box turtle care and food sections here on this forum. But I can not link you to them on my device.
Someone else will be along soon.
Welcome

 

[TheLadyAkita]

She/he desperately needs a UV SOURCE.
Either in the form of sunlight or a strip florescent UV TUBE.
There are box turtle care and food sections here on this forum. But I can not link you to them on my device.
Someone else will be along soon.
Welcome

The blue lights I bought say they provide UVA lighting, and I was told only to allow this for 12 hours a day 8-8 and then leave the ceramic heater on all the time.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

The blue lights I bought say they provide UVA lighting, and I was told only to allow this for 12 hours a day 8-8 and then leave the ceramic heater on all the time.

UVA lighting grows algea.
Your turtle needs UVB for calcium and D3 absorption for his bones and shell.

 

[jsheffield]

Welcome to TFO!

You'll find lots of great posts/info HERE


Jamie

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi, and welcome!

Here's a nice article to read when you have a box turtle that is a picky eater:

box turtle won't eat

Box Turtles Not Eating Well Researched and compiled from information by Mary Hopsen Most new turtle keepers try too hard to make their new turtle happy. It is best to look at how wild turtles live for the best information. There are NO box turtles living in the wild eating only wax worms...

tortoiseforum.org

 

[TheLadyAkita]

Hi, and welcome!

Here's a nice article to read when you have a box turtle that is a picky eater:

box turtle won't eat

Box Turtles Not Eating Well Researched and compiled from information by Mary Hopsen Most new turtle keepers try too hard to make their new turtle happy. It is best to look at how wild turtles live for the best information. There are NO box turtles living in the wild eating only wax worms...

tortoiseforum.org

This post is amazing! Thank you so much!

 

[Maggie3fan]

That's a great article Yvonne....Try berries... box turtles LOVE berries. Remember tough love...she can only eat what YOU give her. She needs 100% different care...gonna be hard...but good for you...

 

[TheLadyAkita]

That's a great article Yvonne....Try berries... box turtles LOVE berries. Remember tough love...she can only eat what YOU give her. She needs 100% different care...gonna be hard...but good for you..View attachment 286623.

I plan on updating about her progress and any other issues I come across, but know she needs to rescued. I will get some berries for her when I go to the store for the remainder of her supplies!