What Can I Use For My Box Turtle Terrarium

It seems like you have decided to get yourself a box turtle; however you feel clueless about what you should prepare in order to build its terrarium. Well, there are a few things you should keep in mind, though it is far less complicated than it seems. If you thought you would have to prepare high graded equipment for it, then you’re wrong. Of course, if you think leaving it alone like your pet fish is an ideal way, you’d be sorry. All you need to do is to follow our suggestions, and you’re more or less good to go. 

Here are the items we listed to help you make your first box turtle terrarium 

• 20 Gallon Terrarium
• Reptile Heating Lamps
• Box Turtle Habitat
• Reptile Humidifier
• Box Turtle Food
• Box Turtle Water Bowl
• Box Turtle Decoration

Box Turtle As Pet

Before diving into what you could use for your box turtle terrarium, first, you should have a clear understanding of your pet itself. An average box turtle is able to grow up to 4.5 and 6 inches. The largest ever recorded would also be only 7 inches. With that being said, ensure that the box or container you get is suitable for its growth size through its life cycle. It also requires daytime heat with temperatures around 85 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. During the night, it is able to withstand 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

1. Container – 20 Gallon Terrarium

Before you even start deciding on what your turtle box terrarium should have, first consider what box to use. Unlike sea turtles and snapping turtles, the box turtle grows in a reasonably small size. At this point, you wouldn’t have to worry about the size of your terrarium.

A 20-gallon terrarium would be enough to hold your box turtle in. Of course, this should not limit your ideas as the sky is your limit. If you feel as if you need an enormous container to add different decorations, then so be it. However, do bear in mind that you should not get one that is too big as it would make it difficult for your box turtle to look for food.

2. Box Turtle Habitat

Replicating a habitat is an essential factor for a terrarium. After all, the whole concept of a terrarium is to make it self sustaining. Hence reference online on what habitats they live in. The suitable habitat will be able to encourage the growth and health of the box turtle. It would be able to promote a longer lifetime. Somethings to look for

• Terrapin tank with built in platform and ramp for basking
• Wonderful playground – let your turtle bask under the sun
• Convinient Feeding – docking ramp area, basking platform, feeding trough, breeding hibernation area and swimming area.

3. Heating Lamps For Turtles

Depending on where the turtle was bred or where it is found from, do you then decide on the heating lamps for your turtle. As mentioned above, box turtles are unable to live in temperatures that are too low. This will cause it to hibernate itself. If the turtle is ready for hibernation, then there isn’t much of a problem. However, in a case where the temperature was to drop drastically and force the box turtle to enter hibernation, it will face specific health problems.

Getting a heating lamp for your box turtle terrarium is essential unless you live in a country that is constantly warm. However, the chances are that you need a heating lamp as you are unable to predict weather changes. 

4. Reptile Humidity

Humidity is essential, as well. A box turtle loves to hang around in warm and humid areas. In a case where your box turtle terrarium is dry, the box turtle will barrow itself underneath the soil in order to obtain humidity. To prevent this, we suggest having more real plants in your terrarium for it to cycle the water. This also solves the problem of the lack of oxygen in the terrarium.

5. Box Turtle Food

Box turtles eat almost anything you could find in your garden, other than grass, of course. Some of the most favourite foods for these box turtles are insects, worms, snails, mushrooms and flowers. As long a steady diet is provided for your box turtle, there won’t be much of an issue. A balanced diet for your box turtle would consist of 50 percent of mixed vegetables and fruits with 50 percent low-fat protein. This ensures that your box turtle remains healthy.

6. Box Turtle Water Food Bowl

Although your terrarium may be self-sustaining, this does not mean you should leave it as it is. Despite water being circulated in the terrarium, the water may still consist of a large amount of dirt in it. Box turtles love to bathe themselves in the water a few times a day. This makes it hazardous for your box turtle if it were to attempt to drink it. You can try placing a petri dish in the terrarium for it to drink and make sure it is separated further away from your miniature pond.

Note: Do note that your petri dish should be shallow as box turtles are not the best swimmers. You wouldn’t want your box turtle to die from drowning, now would you?

7. Box Turtle Terrarium Decoration

With all the necessities taken into consideration, all there’s left is how to decorate your box turtle terrarium. As mentioned before, a sufficient amount of plants should be in your terrarium. Not only do they circulate the oxygen in the terrarium, but they can also provide food for your box turtle. On the other hand, add in some wooden barks, which will provide a hiding shelter for your box turtle. This would also increase the overall view of your box turtle terrarium.

FAQ

Conclusion

Hopefully, by reading this, you have understood what you could use for your box turtle terrarium. However, do consider making a box turtle terrarium only if you can financially afford it. You wouldn’t want to be spending all your monthly wages on your box turtle or mistreating it at the same time.