Keeping multiple turtles

Christyk

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Joined
Mar 22, 2019
Messages
89
Location (City and/or State)
Village Mills Texas
I currently have a 3 toed box turtle. She is young about 5 or 6. I've had her going on 3 years. Her outside habitat is 17x20ft with a small pond. She has hides and many plants to eat and hid under. I also feed her protein and other veggies and fruits.
Here is my question. I'd like to get another 3 toed female or maybe 2. What are the signs of stress, bullying, discontent, or general behavior things I should watch for when we add new turtles to her area (after quarantine).
I want to make sure I'm doing the best by my critters.
 

Relic

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Sep 8, 2018
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Here
Multiple 3-toeds can co-exist peaceably in a decent sized enclosure. I've done so for decades (slightly bigger pen) and never seen any aggressive behavior, except during the mating season when males exhibit more aggressive behavior toward their female targets. If you wind up with a male, you will wind up with babies. These guys are prolific...
 

xBapes

Active Member
Joined
Feb 18, 2018
Messages
113
Location (City and/or State)
Cockeysville, MD
I currently have a 3 toed box turtle. She is young about 5 or 6. I've had her going on 3 years. Her outside habitat is 17x20ft with a small pond. She has hides and many plants to eat and hid under. I also feed her protein and other veggies and fruits.
Here is my question. I'd like to get another 3 toed female or maybe 2. What are the signs of stress, bullying, discontent, or general behavior things I should watch for when we add new turtles to her area (after quarantine).
I want to make sure I'm doing the best by my critters.

What are your state laws like in regards to keeping Box turtles? I live in Maryland and am only allowed to own 1 Box Turtle and any additional I would need a permit.
 

Christyk

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Joined
Mar 22, 2019
Messages
89
Location (City and/or State)
Village Mills Texas
What are your state laws like in regards to keeping Box turtles? I live in Maryland and am only allowed to own 1 Box Turtle and any additional I would need a permit.
I'm in Texas. State law says I can have up to 6 of a native species per person living in the household. . 3 toes are native so legally we can own up to 18 as we have 3 people living in our home.
 

xBapes

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Feb 18, 2018
Messages
113
Location (City and/or State)
Cockeysville, MD
LOL. I think 3 or 4 is plenty. We also have cats, a dog, chickens, snakes, lizards, frogs and fish.

I think 1 is enough for me lol. I wish I had a house I would build an outdoor enclosure but I live in a large two bedroom apartment so I have to house Iggy indoors. He seems to be doing well in a decent size stock tank I tricked out for him. The reptile place I ordered him from also just got some Florida Box Turtles. I wish I had room for another enclosure or I’d totally get one. They are my second favorite next to Easterns. I do like 3 Toed’s as well though.
 

Christyk

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Joined
Mar 22, 2019
Messages
89
Location (City and/or State)
Village Mills Texas
I think 1 is enough for me lol. I wish I had a house I would build an outdoor enclosure but I live in a large two bedroom apartment so I have to house Iggy indoors. He seems to be doing well in a decent size stock tank I tricked out for him. The reptile place I ordered him from also just got some Florida Box Turtles. I wish I had room for another enclosure or I’d totally get one. They are my second favorite next to Easterns. I do like 3 Toed’s as well though.
I have always loved turtles. 3 toes have so much personality. I really like a cherry head but that will have to wait.
 

xBapes

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Feb 18, 2018
Messages
113
Location (City and/or State)
Cockeysville, MD
I have always loved turtles. 3 toes have so much personality. I really like a cherry head but that will have to wait.

Yeah my Eastern is becoming Mr Personality now that he has settled in more. He’s starting to get more trusting of me. He doesn’t run from me or flinch as much when I get near him. I think overtime he’ll become like a puppy dog with me. I don’t think I’ve ever loved a reptile as much as I love this little guy. Turtles are awesome.
 

Christyk

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Joined
Mar 22, 2019
Messages
89
Location (City and/or State)
Village Mills Texas
Yeah my Eastern is becoming Mr Personality now that he has settled in more. He’s starting to get more trusting of me. He doesn’t run from me or flinch as much when I get near him. I think overtime he’ll become like a puppy dog with me. I don’t think I’ve ever loved a reptile as much as I love this little guy. Turtles are awesome.
Exactly! I might love that turtle more than all the other critters at home.
 
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