eastern box turtle Archives

June 9, 2020

I found dis guy (eastern box turtle) near my box garden today. I got to pet his shell but that’s about it

And then he decided “nope screw you”

I had to research the type and theres something saying they’re ‘vulnerable’?? The hell???? They’re so cute!

Guys if you want a side quest for 2020 save the turtles!

November 23, 2017November 28, 2017

goherping:

I replaced all of the substrate in Harriet’s enclosure with fresh Eco Earth, and I think she noticed because she’s been digging around in it all day… as you can see from all that dirt stuck to her face lol. Here she is, filled with energy and ready to run around a bit!

now THAT is one happy shell baby!

June 29, 2016

gingers-pet-parade:

Hehehehehehe

YOU CANNOT CONTAIN ME! I WILL BE FREEEEEEEE!!!

May 30, 2016May 31, 2016

typhlonectes:

Male Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina), New Jersey

Males have red eyes, relatively colorful leg scales, and (unlike most aquatic turtles) are larger than the females. Males also have a concave plastron (lower shell), which aids in mounting the females for mating. Females have yellowish eyes, and are less colorful on the legs and head.

photograph via: USFWS Conserving New Jersey

February 23, 2016February 24, 2016

Is there any way you can help me identify this little dude? My family is moving into an new house, and we found it in a tank. It’s previous owners left it there ): we’ve decided to keep it but I don’t know what species it is? Please help!

Hey there! WOW I honestly can’t understand how people can just abandon their animals like that. Poor shell baby is lucky you and your family moved in. That little one definitely looks like Box Turtle to me, from what I see an Eastern Box Turtle.

It also looks like this shell might have an eye infection. It’s hard to tell from the pictures (and I’m not a Box turtle expert) but from what I’ve read, Boxies are prone to eye and ear infections. Looking at the pics the half-shut eyes are suspect to me.

I’m guessing her or she did not have the proper temperature or humidity before you arrived. Some extra warm soaks might help here. Also make sure the temps and humidity are on point. Truly, a visit to a vet is never a bad idea, but especially with questionable health, not knowing what this poor little one has been through.

Here’s one Box Turtle site with info written by someone I know works in herpetology and researchers best care.

http://www.aboxturtle.com/

Hopefully some other folks can share their experience and direct you to more info?

June 26, 2015June 27, 2015

awkwarduneecorn:

meet Herbie The Box Turtle 🐢
he lives by the garden in my backyard

Hi Herbie!

March 26, 2014June 15, 2014

littlefootdoesstuff:

I love Spring! Even though it snowed here all night…

I see a little smile on that face of yours Littlefoot! <3 Bring on the dandelions!!!

January 31, 2014

Box Turtle Age Determination! (sort of…)

littlefootdoesstuff:

Earlier today, we were asked how to tell the age of an older box turtle by belovefreeindeed

Admittedly, I don’t know much about the answer… so I went to the more knowledgeable Carolina Box Turtles. Here is what he had to say:

First, he shared this diagram and explanation with me…
And then he added that
“turtles kept indoors may have more growth lines. My head start turtles were a year old in nov. but they read as two 1/2. Poorly kept turtles, will have less to read. And their over all size will be smaller.”

So I guess to fully answer your question (but not really), it is extremely hard to tell the age of a turtle after it has surpassed 20 years. Counting scutes could work, but like I and Carolina Box Turtles said, growth lines can vary depending on what states the turtle is in over time. Even the diagram states that counting scutes or annuli as they refer to them, can be inexact even when done by seasoned researchers.
I’m sorry I couldn’t provide the clear answer you were looking for! I guess once turtles get to a certain age they are all just OLD and we will have to leave it at that. Luckily, Littlefoot has time 😉

PS- feel free to submit pictures of your rescue turtle anytime! 😀

A lot of turtle parents have this question, and this is a great diagram/ answer.

January 22, 2014

littlefootdoesstuff:

I got a package from Zoya and her Humom of tort-time today! Just in time for this blizzard we seem to be having… brrr.

Thank you guy so much! I’m not sure if we can top this care package, but we will try!! Hugs and noms all around!

(Captions on the photos-click through!)

Yay!!!!! It arrived! So glad it made it! Those are just your colors littlefoot. So happy you and your humom enjoyed the package. Soon tumblr will be filled with cape wearing shells ready to take on the world!