The Box Turtle is a native North American reptile that lives in the United States and Mexico. There are several subspecies of this reptile. They get their name from their characteristic shape. They have a dome-shaped shell, or carapace, and a flat, hinged bottom, or plastron. These two body parts provide protection from the elements and a way to escape predation.
The Box Turtle navigate their world quietly and slowly. They are relatively long-lived when you compare them to other pets of a similar size.
Facts About the Box Turtle
The Box Turtle is a member of the Emydidae family, which includes reptiles that live in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Their defining feature is their shell, which acts as a unique form of protection. As reptiles, they exist primarily in the warmer parts of the planet. However, they are a diverse group of animals that live in a broad range of habitats with varying diets.
The Box Turtle is one of the more popular reptilian pets. As long as you give them what they need, you’ll have a pet that will live a relatively long time. Many of the Box Turtles that you find in pet stores are native to South Carolina. However, the number of wild Turtles has dwindled in recent years, putting a halt to these practices.
Biggest Factors Impacting Box Turtle Growth
Like many animals, male Box Turtles are larger than females. Therefore, the sex of your pet is a significant factor among the many that you must learn to manage. Another critical one is your Box Turtle’s living conditions. In nature, these reptiles live in warm and often humid areas.
UVB Exposure
The best housing for Box Turtles replicates the wild with a large aquarium or similar enclosure that stays warm and reduces drafts. Box Turtles also require a UVB light. This will help them synthesize vitamin D, which is essential for growth. About 12 hours a day is necessary to give them enough exposure.
Box Turtles typically spend their days basking in the sunlight, which the UVB light replicates with wavelengths of 290 to 320 nanometers. Check the product description to make sure that it meets this essential requirement.
Dietary Factors
Box Turtles are omnivores, which means that they eat both plants and meat or insects. They require the right mixture of vitamins and minerals to grow. Critical nutrients are protein, calcium, and phosphorus. Protein provides the necessary building blocks, or amino acids, to make bone and other tissues.
Calcium and phosphorus have a special relationship. The ideal ratio is 1:1.666. If a Box Turtle’s phosphorus intake is too high, it can interfere with calcium absorption and thus, the adult animal’s size. Other vital nutrients include fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin B1. Remember that Box Turtles forage in the wild for a wide variety of foodstuffs that you must replicate in captivity.
Genetics
The Box Turtle’s genetics plays a significant role in the animal’s size. It is a direct reflection of the health and size of their parents. If they were small, it’s likely that their offspring will also share this trait. That’s why diet is such a critical factor for ensuring proper growth.
Box Turtle Size and Growth Chart
| Age | Average Shell Length |
| Hatchling | 1-2” |
| 6 months | 2” |
| 1 year | 2-3” |
| 2 years | 3-3.5” |
| 3 years | 3-4” |
| 4-6 years | 5-7” |
Can I Tell My Box Turtle’s Age Just From Their Shell?
It’s possible to get a general idea of a Box Turtle’s age by counting the rings, or scutes, on their shell. Like many animals, Turtles grow rapidly at first, which is evident in the visible scutes. Growth often slows for up to years at a time, however. That fact is apparent with narrower bands that are difficult, if not impossible, to count.
A Box Turtle reaches their adult size at 5-7”. These animals can live 10 or more years, with some reaching 20 or more years. Genetics limits their growth beyond this point. However, normal wear and tear can make them smaller. Other factors also come into play, such as diet and age.
Why Isn’t My Box Turtle Growing?
Three things may affect a Box Turtle’s growth rate. The first is biological. Growth goes on pause during the animal’s lifetime and may last for years at a time. The second reason relates to diet. Like all organisms, a Box Turtle depends on a supply of raw materials to fuel growth. If their nutritional intake is inadequate, the reptile won’t grow and will stay in a suspended state until things change for the better.
The final thing to consider is the Box Turtle’s UV exposure, which is crucial for growth and calcium absorption. We suggest verifying that the light over your pet’s cage does indeed provide the right wavelength spectrum. Using a standard incandescent lightbulb isn’t going to give the necessary exposure.
The Lifespan of Box Turtles
Box Turtles in captivity typically live longer than those in the wild. After all, there is less chance that a predator will kill them. Their living conditions are also more stable than those living outdoors. As long as you take care of their needs for temperature, humidity, and light, your Box Turtle can live up to 20 years. Some even make it past 30 years.
Final Thoughts
Box Turtles are fascinating animals that make an excellent choice for a pet for older children. The best way to care for them so they reach their optimal size is by paying attention to their housing and diet. These things will ensure that the reptile’s body has everything that it needs to grow. There isn’t much wiggle room with these things, so it’s imperative to invest in the best cage and care for the health of your pet.
How long does it take a box turtle to mature?
The breeding season begins in April and might last until the fall. Box turtles do not typically reproduce until they are around 10 years old. This late maturity is due to their extended longevity, which can vary from 50 to more than 100 years
Do box turtles recognize their owners?
Turtles recognize their owners! Many turtles remember the appearance and sounds of their owners, something most people are unaware of! Many owners mention how their pets swim straight up to the water’s surface to meet them when they go into the room.
Box turtles can feel when their shells are touched.
Yes, a turtle’s shell has feelings! When you scratch a turtle, he feels it precisely as if you scratched his skin. Through his shell, he can also sense pain.
Can box turtles remember their names?
Certain turtle and tortoise species make excellent pets. Tortoises are quite intelligent and may learn their own names. Turtles will identify their caretakers as well, primarily because they are delighted that you are giving them food.
What are five fascinating facts about box turtles?
5 Amazing Box Turtle Facts! These turtles come in six different varieties. The shell of a turtle is linked to its body, especially its rib cage. On a sweltering day, these critters seek refuge behind plants and trees. Many of these turtles are killed as they attempt to cross a road and are hit by passing automobiles.
How do you tell whether a box turtle is content?
A Happy Turtle Feeds. When it’s feeding time, a happy turtle will enthusiastically go after their food. Hunting Behavior… Splashing… Normal Bodily Functions…. Basking…. Handling Comfort…. Playing With Toys…. Digging.
Do turtles enjoy having their shells rubbed?
In reality, turtles’ shells include nerve endings, and a scratch feels nice. Our large sea turtles are no different! So the next time you see a turtle shimmying their shell beneath a finger of coral, you’ll know they’re just getting a nice back scratch.
How often should your box turtle be soaked?
2-3 times each week It is also a good idea to soak your turtle for 15-20 minutes in a small pan of lukewarm water. 2-3 times each week. Always examine the depth and temperature of the water. Turtles can drown if left in too deep water, and they can be burnt if the water is too hot.
How often should I give my box turtle a bath?
When the weather is warm, some experts advocate bathing them every day. Get a special tortoise-washing tub. Tortoises can carry salmonella germs, which can cause severe illness in people, so do not bathe your turtle in the sink or bathtub
Do box turtles enjoy being held?
Box turtles enjoy constancy in their environment and avoid being touched by humans. They don’t usually bite, but fear of overhandling can cause some to nip.