Care sheet
Eastern Box Turtle
Terrapene carolina
Also known as: Common Box Turtle
Emydidae ยท Testudines
- Activity
- โ๏ธ Diurnal
- Temperament
- Hands-off
- Adult length
- 4.5โ6.5 in
- Adult weight
- 230โ900 g
- Lifespan (captivity)
- 30โ50 yrs
- Native range
- Eastern United States โ woodlands and meadows
Care guide
Overview
Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) โ a terrestrial (not aquatic) turtle that needs high humidity, a deep moisture-retentive substrate with a humid hide, UVB, and ideally an outdoor pen in warm weather. It is Vulnerable in the wild with widespread state protections, so keep only captive-bred animals. Long-lived and stress-sensitive; minimize handling.
Environment
Climate
Environment
UVB lighting
Housing
Enclosure
- HatchlingNot specified
- JuvenileNot specified
- Adult8 sq ft floor minimum (larger/outdoor preferred); deep substrate + leaf litter + humid hide
Housing
Substrate
Nutrition
Diet & feeding
- JuvenileDaily
- AdultEvery other day
Calcium + D3 dusting; vitamin A important (deficiency causes swollen eyes); varied insects, greens, and some fruit.
Care
Water & behavior
Shallow soaking dish (chin-deep, easy exit); mist to hold humidity.
Legal & ecology
Conservation
Vulnerable (IUCN) and CITES Appendix II; many US states prohibit wild collection. Strongly favor captive-bred animals โ do not collect from the wild.
Citations
Sources
Every husbandry parameter on this page is backed by the references below. Click through to read the originals.
- Eastern Box Turtle Care Sheetbreeder community
ReptiFiles
8 sq ft min, humidity 60-80, basking 84-88F / cool 70-75F, T5 HO UVB, humid hide, diet, ARAV exam guidance.
Published: 2022-01-01
- Terrapene carolina โ account #085 (VU, CITES II)government
IUCN Tortoise & Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group
Vulnerable, CITES Appendix II, threats; captive-bred strongly preferred.
Published: 2011-01-01
- Eastern box turtlegovernment
Smithsonian's National Zoo
Size, biology, lifespan.
Published: 2020-01-01