3 Toeds- Photos from the pen

jakskillz

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The way that its been explained to me, is that once an animal exceeds 4" it should be good to go in an uncovered pen. We have hawks as well. Red tails. They're big, but I couldn't see them taking off with a decent size turtle. Not to say it's impossible, of course.

It depends on the area but yeah hawks might not both adult box turtles but crows have been known to and they are smart about it as well. In the wild a box turtle may close up at the first sign of danger but we condition them to associate us with food so they may not realize the danger until it’s too late. The worst predators to box turtles are raccoons, coyotes, dogs, and possums. They can drag a box turtle out of the pen and even if they don’t eat it they have set it free. In my area we have osprey and the size of the fish I’ve seen them carry over the roads is impressive. I mention them because one dropped a mud turtle in my backyard that it had killed and partially eaten. The mud turtle was only an inch smaller than some of my box turtles. Bird nets are cheat options
 

AJK Aquaria

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Jun 24, 2016
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So I finally got around to adding some suitable nesting areas to the enclosure. As I was removing some earth, I found quite a few worms. Before I knew it, a few turtles moved in for some food and made the project take twice as long. One of the females that was enjoying some of the worms began digging a nest while I was working. Pretty cool and I was kind of shocked that she was doing this with me no more than 2' away mixing sand, peat Moss and soil.

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I finished up as quick as I could and let her be. I planned on making another nesting area but didn't want to disturb her. I just checked and she's still at it.

And my favorite girl was out and about today as well so I snapped some pics-
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I started this thread to share my turtles and their enclosure. I'm glad I found a forum to do so, and learn so much from others. But I figured that I should also share my failures. One of my prized females has past away. She was alive when I moved her from the fridge to the outdoor leaf pile. I had not seen her out and about yet, so I went looking for her tonight. To my severe disappointment, I found that she was dead. She had not moved from where I placed her approximately 3 weeks ago. She is still fresh, but rigormortis has set in. I can't explain how devastated I am at the moment. She is in the 1st 3 photos above.
 

PJay

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I started this thread to share my turtles and their enclosure. I'm glad I found a forum to do so, and learn so much from others. But I figured that I should also share my failures. One of my prized females has past away. She was alive when I moved her from the fridge to the outdoor leaf pile. I had not seen her out and about yet, so I went looking for her tonight. To my severe disappointment, I found that she was dead. She had not moved from where I placed her approximately 3 weeks ago. She is still fresh, but rigormortis has set in. I can't explain how devastated I am at the moment. She is in the 1st 3 photos above.
So sorry to hear this news Adam, she was a beautiful turtle. She had a good life in your pampering custody and lived much longer than she would have in the wild.
 

AJK Aquaria

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300
Thanks PJay. Appreciate it. Wish I knew what happened. Obviously some issue with the brumating, but she was as heavy as a brick, so not dehydration. She never showed any sign of any illness.
 

Eric Phillips

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Thanks PJay. Appreciate it. Wish I knew what happened. Obviously some issue with the brumating, but she was as heavy as a brick, so not dehydration. She never showed any sign of any illness.

So sorry for your loss Adam and I completely feel for you! While we try to give our turtles the best home and care possible, unfortunately unexplainable things just happen. Last year I was devastated to find my new almost 3 year old tan phased Gulf Coast got herself
stuck under a rock in the enclosure water tub. I found it dead within a couple hours. The day before, it was eating bsf larvae like a champ and a day later it was gone.....I truly am sorry for your loss.
 

PJay

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Thanks PJay. Appreciate it. Wish I knew what happened. Obviously some issue with the brumating, but she was as heavy as a brick, so not dehydration. She never showed any sign of any illness.
It could have been anything. Kidney and liver problems often go unnoticed in animals and going through brumation would tip the scales against them whether in nature or the refrigerator.
 

mark1

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I started this thread to share my turtles and their enclosure. I'm glad I found a forum to do so, and learn so much from others. But I figured that I should also share my failures. One of my prized females has past away. She was alive when I moved her from the fridge to the outdoor leaf pile. I had not seen her out and about yet, so I went looking for her tonight. To my severe disappointment, I found that she was dead. She had not moved from where I placed her approximately 3 weeks ago. She is still fresh, but rigormortis has set in. I can't explain how devastated I am at the moment. She is in the 1st 3 photos above.
sorry to read this ......... i'm sure we all know the feeling
 

AJK Aquaria

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Jun 24, 2016
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300
Thanks for the condolences. Much appreciated and means a lot.

I've had reptiles since I was 5. Lost a lot of animals over the years. This one just really stings. Actually had a dream she came back to life. How crazy is that?! Pet Semetary...

Eric- losing a youngster that way is tragic. Sorry man.

Cheers to a brighter spring...
 

Pearly

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I started this thread to share my turtles and their enclosure. I'm glad I found a forum to do so, and learn so much from others. But I figured that I should also share my failures. One of my prized females has past away. She was alive when I moved her from the fridge to the outdoor leaf pile. I had not seen her out and about yet, so I went looking for her tonight. To my severe disappointment, I found that she was dead. She had not moved from where I placed her approximately 3 weeks ago. She is still fresh, but rigormortis has set in. I can't explain how devastated I am at the moment. She is in the 1st 3 photos above.

I am so so sorry for your loss! Sending you warm hugs via the net. Hang in there[emoji171]
 
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