maggie3fan said:
These box turtles come from SE Asia. They have been heavily exploited for live food market in China since the mid 1990's. Large numbers were imported into the US during this time as well. These arrived in very poor condition, and mortality was extreme. They would have spent long periods of time crammed together without food or water. Cross contamination also contributed to their demise.
Animals that survive in captivity these days have undergone major medical support, some for several years. Once healthy their husbandry is almost identical to our native box turtles here in the US.
