Eastern Box Turtle/3 Toed Question

[Keeblercop]

Is it common for Eastern Box Turtles to have 3 toes on the back feet?

I just received a pair today and they both have only 3 toes on the back feet. I've read somewhere that 4 would be the normal amount, but sometimes they do only have 3. I'm wondering if it's specific to a certain region or what? Hopefully, they are EBTs and not hybrids! LOL

I know 3 Toeds obviously have 3 toes on the back feet, but how many on the front? I can't seem to find the answer anywhere and have never had the pleasure of owning any myself.

Thanks everyone for your time and answers.

 

[kimber_lee_314]

Yes, it's common for Easterns to have three toes - and not uncommon for three toeds to have four toes! When identifying box turtle subspecies (or sex) I like to use the totality of many features to make the decisions. Maybe you could post some pictures and we can help you ID them.

 

[Keeblercop]

Thank you! I will...camera died on me today.

Yes, it's common for Easterns to have three toes - and not uncommon for three toeds to have four toes! When identifying box turtle subspecies (or sex) I like to use the totality of many features to make the decisions. Maybe you could post some pictures and we can help you ID them.

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The one is really big for a boxie...at least I've never came across one this size before...as I was examining her, I noticed the 3 toes in back...even though I knew EBTs can have 3 in the back...it just started making me wonder and thought I would ask for some help/clarification with it. I'll def. post some pics of her though...she has some shell issues/damage that I'm also hoping to get some advice on. Thanks again.

 

[yagyujubei]

I have two like this. One of them I was assured was wild caught in South Carolina and looks like an intergrade, but no three toed in SC. No reason for the seller to try to deceive me. Post some pics when you can.

 

[diamondbp]

Some pics would help clarify but genetics are always a funny thing. I'm from south Louisiana and I have some gulf coast that look strikingly eastern, some are smaller with 3 toes even though they don't come from the same range as 3toeds, and some are absent of any pattern on the head/legs/shell. I've seen a WIDE VARIETY of size/coloration/shape from the same small patch of woods. So don't be surprised to see a big variety amongst even the same clutch of eggs, let alone an entire state or area.

 

[Keeblercop]

Thank you all for your replies, advice and experience. It's been raining here all day...I'm impatiently waiting to get some pics. I've been researching for quite awhile and have looked at literally 2000+ EBTs, LOL, and most of her screams Eastern, but just want some more opinions to be sure. As I said, she has some shell damage and it's possibly dry...which I think is possibly muting her pattern some. Thanks again.

 

[Keeblercop]

This group was supposed to be a LTC or CB from SC. She def. is at least LTC based on several things. I can legally obtain WC here from my area myself, but prefer not to.

BTW, as if I haven't told you before, LOVE your EBTs! LOL

I have two like this. One of them I was assured was wild caught in South Carolina and looks like an intergrade, but no three toed in SC. No reason for the seller to try to deceive me. Post some pics when you can.

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Finally got some pics!

 

[yagyujubei]

It looks to me to be a very nice female eastern. It also appears to have at least a remnant of the fourth toe.

 

[Keeblercop]

It looks to me to be a very nice female eastern. It also appears to have at least a remnant of the fourth toe.

Thank you. I really love her but wanted to get some opinions on her. Yes she and the male both have the remnants of a possible fourth.

 

[Keeblercop]

Here are a few pics of the male

 

[yagyujubei]

A very nice pair.