Ornate Box Turtle

General Information

 * Scientific Name: Terrapene ornata ornata
 * Lifespan: 32-37 years
 * Length: 5-7 inches
 * Omnivore
 * Diurnal
 * Terrestrial

Geographic Range and Habitat
Ornate Box Turtles are found from Wisconsin to the Gulf of Mexico and from Louisiana to Colorado. This species of box turtle lives in grasslands and prairie lands.

Availability
Ornate Box Turtles are one of the more common box turtle species in the reptile-keeping hobby and are available at most reptile stores and some pet stores.

Behaviour and Handling
Usually captive bred box turtles are more tolerant of handling than wild caught turtles. They are more aggressive than the average turtle and if threatened, they will not hesitate to bite. They are known for being active, alert, and full of personality. The boldness and curious nature of the Ornate Box Turtle can be very endearing for keepers.

Housing and Substrate
A small group of adult box turtles can be kept in a 4ft x 4ft pen or a 30-40-gallon tank or turtle tub. In their pen or tub there should be a barrier of at least 12 inches, so they can not escape. Rocks and pieces of wood can be added to the enclosure for enrichment. A hide should be provided.

The substrate should be a sand/soil mix to allow them to burrow. There should be between 4-12 inches of substrate. An option is to cover the sand/soil mix with cypress mulch. Sphagnum moss can be added to increase humidity levels.

Heating and Lighting
The hot spot should be 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit. The ambient temperature should be around 80 degrees and the cool end should stay between 70-75 degrees. UVB lighting is needed to keep box turtles healthy.

Diet and Vitamins
Box Turtles are known for being very good eaters and should be fed a variety of foods. Protein should make up 50% of their diet, vegetables should make up 30%, dark leafy greens should make up 10%, and fruits should make up the other 10%. Younger box turtles should be fed every day, adults should be fed every other day. Here is a list of acceptable food:

Protein
Earthworms, slugs, waxworms, beetles, grubs, sow bugs, boiled chicken, feeder fish, beef heart, etc...

Vegetables
Squash, peas in the pod, sweet potatoes, okra, grated carrots, green beans, wax beans, cactus pads with the spines removed, etc...

Dark Leafy Greens
Collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, romaine lettuce, wheat grass, turnip greens, etc...

Fruit
Grapes, apples, fresh figs, blackberries, raspberries, mulberries, peaches, crabapples, strawberries, cantaloupe, kiwis, cherries, persimmons, banana, etc...

Water and Humidity
A shallow water dish large enough to allow the box turtle to soak should be available at all times. The humidity level for adults should be 40-50% and the level for babies and juveniles should be 60-70%.

Sites Used

 * http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Ornate-Box-Turtle/
 * http://boxturtlesite.info/diet.HTML