Paroan
New Member
Hello, Three weeks ago I found a 3 toed box turtle in my driveway. I believe he/she was probably living in a small wooded area a half block from my house. They are tearing the area up for a gas line repair so I assume the turtle was driven out. I did not want to live him where he was as there is a lot of traffic on my street and I'm sure he would get run over.
I chatted with a local turtle rescue person that advised me not to just take him to another wooded area and leave him as he will try to get back home. She said the best thing for him would be if I could provide a safe place for him. I have a small hosta garden in my back yard that I put him in along with a small water dish. There is a large japanese ornament that he can walk under that I dug some dirt out and filled with leaves.
Up until two days ago he was roaming all around in there and a few time I saw him in the water. I have given him strawberry and other greens and fruits of which he has eaten a small amount but not much. Two days ago I could not find him and assumed he got out somehow and was somewhere in my yard. After looking for the past two days I lifted up the Japanese ornament and sure enough could see the top of his shell under the leaves. If he has come out it has to be at night when I am not checking on him.
At the same time as he went into hiding the temperature here climbed to the high 90's so it has been hot and humid. Would that be why he is staying under the leaves? Or is it something else I need to be concerned about? I had a desert tortoise for many years when I lived in Arizona but have no experience with a box turtle.
Any help/advise would be appreciated.
I chatted with a local turtle rescue person that advised me not to just take him to another wooded area and leave him as he will try to get back home. She said the best thing for him would be if I could provide a safe place for him. I have a small hosta garden in my back yard that I put him in along with a small water dish. There is a large japanese ornament that he can walk under that I dug some dirt out and filled with leaves.
Up until two days ago he was roaming all around in there and a few time I saw him in the water. I have given him strawberry and other greens and fruits of which he has eaten a small amount but not much. Two days ago I could not find him and assumed he got out somehow and was somewhere in my yard. After looking for the past two days I lifted up the Japanese ornament and sure enough could see the top of his shell under the leaves. If he has come out it has to be at night when I am not checking on him.
At the same time as he went into hiding the temperature here climbed to the high 90's so it has been hot and humid. Would that be why he is staying under the leaves? Or is it something else I need to be concerned about? I had a desert tortoise for many years when I lived in Arizona but have no experience with a box turtle.
Any help/advise would be appreciated.