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Care sheet

Eastern Box Turtle

Terrapene carolina

Also known as: Common Box Turtle

Emydidae · Testudines

IntermediateCITES IIIUCN VU
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Temperament
Hands-off
Adult length
4.5–6.5 in
Adult weight
230–900 g
Lifespan (captivity)
30–50 yrs
Native range
Eastern United States — woodlands and meadows

Care guide

Overview

Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) — 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

Cool side
70–75 °F
Warm side
80–85 °F
Basking spot
84–88 °F
Nighttime
65–70 °F
Humidity (ambient)
60–80%

Environment

UVB lighting

Required?
Yes — provide UVB
Fixture type
T5 HO
Replacement interval
Every 12 months

Housing

Enclosure

Orientation
Terrestrial
Bioactive setup
Suitable
Minimum size by life stage
  • HatchlingNot specified
  • JuvenileNot specified
  • Adult8 sq ft floor minimum (larger/outdoor preferred); deep substrate + leaf litter + humid hide

Housing

Substrate

Safe options
topsoil/coco fiber/play sand mixcypress mulchleaf littersphagnum moss
Avoid
dry-only substrategravelcedarpine

Nutrition

Diet & feeding

Dietary type
Omnivore
Feeding frequency by life stage
  • JuvenileDaily
  • AdultEvery other day
Supplementation

Calcium + D3 dusting; vitamin A important (deficiency causes swollen eyes); varied insects, greens, and some fruit.

Care

Water & behavior

Water

Shallow soaking dish (chin-deep, easy exit); mist to hold humidity.

Legal & ecology

Conservation

CITES
Appendix II
IUCN Red List
VU · Vulnerable
Wild populations

Vulnerable (IUCN) and CITES Appendix II; many US states prohibit wild collection. Strongly favor captive-bred animals — 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.

  1. Eastern Box Turtle Care Sheet

    ReptiFiles

    breeder community

    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

  2. Terrapene carolina — account #085 (VU, CITES II)

    IUCN Tortoise & Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group

    government

    Vulnerable, CITES Appendix II, threats; captive-bred strongly preferred.

    Published: 2011-01-01

  3. Eastern box turtle

    Smithsonian's National Zoo

    government

    Size, biology, lifespan.

    Published: 2020-01-01

Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) care sheet — Herpetoverse