These curious young chelonians are also known as “snake eaters,” Yellow Margined Box Turtles, and Golden-headed Box Turtles. Box turtles can fully retract their arms, legs, and heads into their shells and seal up like a box thanks to a unique hinge on their plastron. These turtles are indigenous to China, Taiwan, and Japan, which have subtropical and temperate climates. These animals can hold this position for long periods of time. These turtles’ shells can grow to be 5 to 12 inches long.
Care as a Pet
Housing
An expansive enclosure is preferable! In 20-gallon glass aquariums, hatchlings and young adults can live, but they will outgrow them and spend a lot of time attempting to “walk through” the glass. A big tank is required for adult fish in order to allow for better air circulation, daily activity, and enrichment through foraging activities. Adults should use an aquarium that holds 40 gallons or more.
For keeping turtles of all ages, Rubbermaid bins and under-the-bed storage boxes are quite popular choices. In a 50-gallon Rubbermaid container or concrete mixing container, an adult boxie can be housed without discomfort.
Humidity
The ideal humidity range for these turtles is 60–80%. It is possible to provide and use a dig box of dirt to keep a higher humidity area around 70%, allowing the box turtle to control its own needs. The moist dig box mimics the tunnels that box turtles live in when it’s necessary to raise the humidity.
Feed
Omnivores, box turtles prefer eating carnivorous and insectivorous meals. A diet consisting of 50% animal protein or high protein meals, 40% vegetables and leafy greens, and 10% fruit is indicated. Chinese box turtles do not enjoy eating a lot of leafy greens, but they will happily eat other shredded vegetables. Earthworms are the best source of animal protein and ought to be offered at every meal. As additional enrichment, these turtles can receive roaches, crickets, slugs, snails, and mealworms. These naturally carrion eaters will, however, eat modest amounts of roasted chicken and beef heart once a week.
Adults should preferably eat every other day, whereas children should eat every day. To assist balance the diet, take a multivitamin once a week and a calcium supplement two to three times each week. To encourage a feeding response, box turtles should be fed during the day and misted just before eating. Salads that have been finely diced or even pureed will assist in teaching picky eaters how to eat properly.
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