Recently, I've been looking into getting a trio of EBT hatchlings. Pretty much the only thing stopping me is still needing a definite "yes" from my fiance...but I think I can win him over. The thing is, there just isn't much info out there regarding box turtles, what is out there is sometimes conflicting, and there's pretty much NOTHING on hatchlings. I have a Hermann's who is just short of a year old now, so I'm not completely new to this, and I know that boxies need extra wetness/a swimming area and protein/fruit in addition to their greens.
This is the information I have gotten so far from Chris, who I would be purchasing from. Obviously, everyone uses different methods.
I'd really like input from those who have raised box turtle hatchlings on the methods you use (pictures of your setup would be great too!). I also have some noob questions.
1) I've read that they will need/eat more protein when young...is this true?
2) I was thinking something like a paint tray to start them off for their "swimming pool" so they could choose the depth. Would this work? Do I need to worry about the little ones swimming, being too deep, drowning, etc.? I know adults swim pretty well, but not so sure about the babies. Would a large clay saucer be better?
3) I know they need lots of wetness...do they need a dry area at all? Is shell rot a concern with boxies?
4) I know they do better in colder temps than our torts do...but is 70-75 (our room temp, usually closer to 75) TOO cold? If it is too cold, how do I warm them up without being too bright/too hot? Do I need to worry about RIs from wet+cold?
5) What is the ratio of plant matter:fruitrotein at this age? How does it change as they get older? How do you ensure they're getting the proper amounts of each? What kind of feeding schedule do you use?
The first year or two, these guys will be kept indoors, with trips outside when weather permits. Right now, I live in an apartment in North Dakota, so there is a limited time of the year where weather is nice. Hopefully, next fall we will be moving to CA to finish our degrees and outside time will be more frequent. The ultimate goal is a big garden/pond for these guys, maybe adding a few more to the group down the road. I've been really wanting boxies for a long time, so I asked for three as a starter to my group as my wedding gift from my fiancee (we get married in August, around when Chris' babies will be hatching). I've asked for a temperature sexed male and 2 females, so hopefully they will turn out that way.
Any input from those who have raised little boxies before would be greatly appreciated. Maybe we can get enough info here to get this stickied for other prospective owners!
This is the information I have gotten so far from Chris, who I would be purchasing from. Obviously, everyone uses different methods.
The best way to set them up is in a closed Rubbermaid container filled with top soil, cypress mulch and sphagnum moss. They do not need much light because all baby box turtles do in the wild is hide until they are of a less vulnerable size. They tend to freak out in bright light or open areas. You would just want to keep them in a warm room. You really don't need any added heat or light until they're between 3-4". An MVB would be way way too much. You'll fine conflicting views about this subject but I'm telling you, this is the way to raise them. They will grow perfectly smooth and stay well hydrated and fat. They can NEVER dry out like a tortoise can. They must always be moist, damp, even wet. A 55 gallon is too big in my opinion. I would go with something that's around 2 feet long and a foot wide. They don't need much room and will only be 1-1.5". If you want to any light at all, simply do a 5.0 or 10.0 strip bulb. And that's it. Do not believe the info that states they need a hot basking area, it couldn't be any further from the truth and it will kill them.
I'd really like input from those who have raised box turtle hatchlings on the methods you use (pictures of your setup would be great too!). I also have some noob questions.
1) I've read that they will need/eat more protein when young...is this true?
2) I was thinking something like a paint tray to start them off for their "swimming pool" so they could choose the depth. Would this work? Do I need to worry about the little ones swimming, being too deep, drowning, etc.? I know adults swim pretty well, but not so sure about the babies. Would a large clay saucer be better?
3) I know they need lots of wetness...do they need a dry area at all? Is shell rot a concern with boxies?
4) I know they do better in colder temps than our torts do...but is 70-75 (our room temp, usually closer to 75) TOO cold? If it is too cold, how do I warm them up without being too bright/too hot? Do I need to worry about RIs from wet+cold?
5) What is the ratio of plant matter:fruitrotein at this age? How does it change as they get older? How do you ensure they're getting the proper amounts of each? What kind of feeding schedule do you use?
The first year or two, these guys will be kept indoors, with trips outside when weather permits. Right now, I live in an apartment in North Dakota, so there is a limited time of the year where weather is nice. Hopefully, next fall we will be moving to CA to finish our degrees and outside time will be more frequent. The ultimate goal is a big garden/pond for these guys, maybe adding a few more to the group down the road. I've been really wanting boxies for a long time, so I asked for three as a starter to my group as my wedding gift from my fiancee (we get married in August, around when Chris' babies will be hatching). I've asked for a temperature sexed male and 2 females, so hopefully they will turn out that way.
Any input from those who have raised little boxies before would be greatly appreciated. Maybe we can get enough info here to get this stickied for other prospective owners!