Keeping box turtles as exotic pets may be a good decision for many people, since they are easy to live with and easy to maintain. It is also very enjoyable to witness these creatures grow and live. Interested in having box turtles as exotic pets? Here are some tips that might be useful for you before buying ones.
First, avoid buying box turtles during cold seasons, because box turtles hibernate during such seasons. If you keep buying them anyway, your box turtles will probably get stressed out due to the dehydration and starvation that comes with the hibernation time.
When choosing box turtles, check for its strong reflexes by gently tugging its hind leg and seeing if it quickly and strongly pulls its legs away. A good box turtle would feel solid and weighty when you pick it up. The face and limbs should have no swellings, the eyes should be alert and clear. There should be no discolorations or slime on the shell.
Boxed turtles live well both indoors and outdoors. If you want to keep them indoor, an 36 by 12 inches aquarium is a good idea. And it would be better if you install an aquarium heater to maintain a 77-96 degree F temperature on the aquarium, since turtles tend to become sluggish and lose their appetite when the temperature is low. Box turtles prefer living on slightly moistened potting soil that have no coarse substrates that may damage their shells, so there should be enough water for the turtle to dip in and climb out as it wants. And don't forget to keep the aquarium clean.
Last but not least, don't forget to feed your box turtles once every morning for youngsters, and every other day for adults. Combining varied vegetables with canned dog food are recommended for your box turtles, but you can also feed them with chicken liver, earthworms, slugs and small insects. You may also provide food sources like fruits and green vegetables that are best for terrapins.
One thing that you should realize is that being an exotic pet owner requires a lot of responsibility. You should always assess yourself if you can really provide care for your exotic pets. You should plan very well so that you can prepare properly once you have decided to own exotic pets.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
My dog keeps trying to play whith my ferrets , but ...
By: silverrunt | 13-05-2008
my dog keeps trying to play whith my ferrets , but my ferrets would rather play whith each other . what do i do ? PLAY as in puppy play .
Do fish sleep?
By: ykiki | 12-05-2008
Is there a type of fish that sleep?Is it particularly interesting?
How do you make a chil's stroller into a dog's ...
By: terry8494 | 10-05-2008
how do you make a chil's stroller into a dog's stroller ??/
Underweight cat
By: buttercup | 10-05-2008
how can i get my cat to gain weight
Do you love pitbulls
By: silverrunt | 10-05-2008
i love pitbulls do you
Animal ministry
By: theresamitchell | 09-05-2008
I am interested in animal ministry,and I am trying to find out more info on this. As to start my own or join up with another local group. Thanks, Theresa
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Pets Articles
Exercise And Your Dog
By: Janine Carter | 17/05/2008
Are you worried that your dog doesn't get enough exercise because of a weight problem and does he just sit around all day like a couch potato?
If experts have discovered that exercise is key to human health and wellbeing, it is safe to say that your Dog will benefit from...
Is Your Dog Embarrassing You? Get Him Under Your Control In Less Than 2 Weeks!
By: Alan Largo | 17/05/2008
Imaginably the most consequential part of owning a dog is discipline. Being a pet owner, dog obedience becomes solely your responsibility. Because dogs have a different type of disposition that not all dog owners understand, the job of disciplining one typically seems overwhelming, frustrating and sometimes even impossible.
Imagine Your Cat Using The Toilet - Successful Cat Toilet Training Techniques
By: Birgit Hulsing | 17/05/2008
This may sound ridiculous or like a near-impossible feat, but you'll find life is a pleasant new world when you finish potty training your cat. You'll have a very low-maintenance cat and she will also make a great conversation starter. And, you even save money on cat litter when you...
Why People Prefer Chihuahuas Over Other Dogs?
By: Clarence Clark | 16/05/2008
As the smallest breed of dogs, Chihuahuas have been gaining increasing popularity. Spotted everywhere from the beaches of Miami to the bustling metropolis of London and New York, these dogs have also been adopted by the likes of celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Sandra Bullock and Hilary Duff.
Why the popularity...
A Quick Guide To Buying Teacup Chihuahuas
By: Clarence Clark | 16/05/2008
Teacup Chihuahuas are not an official breed of the immensely popular Chihuahua breed of dogs. In fact, major dog-related associations such as the American Kennel Club do not list "Teacup" as an official breed of the Chihuahua family. Rather, the term is derived from sellers who dub this particular species...
Taking Care Of Your Long Haired Chihuahua
By: Clarence Clark | 16/05/2008
Long-haired Chihuahuas are characterized by their by their smooth undercoat and long overcoat. The Long-haired Chihuahua is one of the two official versions of Chihuahuas recognized by the American Kennel Club. With its large eyes and erect ears, it is not difficult for people to mistake this version of the...
Tips On How To Give Your Chihuahua Pups The Proper Care
By: Clarence Clark | 16/05/2008
Small in stature, Chihuahuas are relatively fragile dogs. It is thus, important for owners of Chihuahuas to be equipped with proper knowledge and tips for caring for their Chihuahua pups. Care for Chihuahua pups covers many aspects and includes socialization, safety, nutrition and health. Responsible Chihuahua owners make a checklist...
Pet Immigration; You’d Like to Immigrate, But Will Your Pets Immigrate With You?
By: Lindsay Wagner | 16/05/2008
Passports for pets are becoming increasingly popular among immigrants. There's no question about it - your pets are family. Fortunately, there's no need to cast your pets aside. Your furry friends can immigrate with you.
More from Nyssa
Exotic Pet Starter Tips
By: Nyssa | 23/04/2008 | Pets
Before deciding to take exotic animals as pets, there are a few things you need to consider seriously, including choosing the best exotic pets for you, where can you get them, and how to acquire exotic pets license.
Home and Family 
