Caring For A Box Turtle

Box turtles can be a good choice of pets, especially for a young boy who doesn't want the traditional cat or dog. Box turtles can be found at most local pet stores. They require a minimum amount of care. When choosing a box turtle check to make sure its eyes are open and clear. Eyes that are sealed or show signs of infection indicate a turtle that is ill. Next you want to check the shell for cuts, cracks or signs of shell rot. Check to see whether the turtle is active and alert, which are both indications of the turtle's state of health. Determining the sex of a turtle can be difficult although females are usually more dull looking, whereas males are more colorful. 

Once you have purchased your box turtle, you should make an appointment with a veterinarian just to have it checked over to make sure it is in good health. Be sure that your turtle spends time outdoors so that it gets an adequate amount of fresh air and sunshine. Box turtles also require exercise, so if you keep it in an aquarium you should take it outside on a regular basis. 

Turtles should be fed daily but it won't hurt a healthy adult turtle to miss a day of feeding. You can purchase various types of turtle food that will provide the necessary nutrients for regular feeding of your pet, but you may also want to supplement its diet with fresh fruit once in awhile. Most box turtles enjoy fruit, particularly bananas. One important note on sanitation needs to be mentioned here. Some turtles can be carriers of salmonella poisoning so always make sure that you and your child wash your hands after handling the turtle. 

With proper care and safety measures a box turtle can be an ideal pet. They require little attention and care. There is no training to be done, no noise, nor do they destroy furniture or other surroundings. They are basically mess free, other than cleaning their habitat. Remember to be sure and wash your hands after cleaning your box turtle's living area. This is just good hygiene that should be done after cleaning the habitat of any pet. 

Box turtles have fairly long life-spans. My sons found a box turtle while exploring a wooded area with some friends, and brought it home. It turned out that the turtle was quite old but in good health. We kept the turtle and it lived for several more years. We also have another box turtle that we purchased from a local pet store. Although we didn't realize it at first the turtle was ill when we brought it home and we weren't sure whether it would survive, but with the proper treatment and medication it began to thrive. That was about six years ago, and the turtle is still a part of our family. A healthy turtle that is well taken care of, may accompany its owner from childhood to adulthood. Your box turtle could very well become a lifelong friend.