Spike the box turtle is becoming inactive.

[Spiketheboxturtle]

Hi,

Just created this account in hope to get some good information on how to better care for my box turtle.

We got this turtle in April from the animal shelter. We believe it is a 3 toed box turtle.

Within the last week he or she has become less active. Appears to be more skittish. Eating much less. Spending most of his time in his little brick house.

We are wondering if this is normal, and if not what to do.

Turtle lives in Southern California a block from the coast. Daytime highs have been in the 70's lately with lows in the high 50's.

The picture of spike in the water is from a couple months ago, and the other photo is of his yard.

 

[wellington]

Temps too low.
@Yvonne G can help

 

[mark1]

how much sunlight hits that turtles yard ? is that the natural ground he is living on ? he'd be more at home with clumps of grass and shrubs he could dig into/under ....... they love rain it gets them active , and high humidity they like ......

 

[Yvonne G]

Yeah, what Mark said!

Also, to add to that, she may be able to climb out of there. They're good climbers and escape artists. I would add another layer of bricks on top of the existing and instead of the wire going straight up, bend it at a right angle so it goes inward to the enclosure.

Every morning sprinkle the enclosure with the hose. Add some wiggling worms. Give her fruit and veggies plus greens, then a bit of animal protein on top of that (worms, crickets with the legs pulled off, bits of cooked chicken, etc.).

Until she gets used to living there and feels safe in the enclosure, she may stay hidden a lot, but a bit more cover would help her feel safe when she's out and about.