Got 2 box turtles bout to hatch

[FATxNINJA]

I know it's illegal in some states cause of it idk why ppl just take em outta the wild tho cause they won't be as active if ther not raised in captivity from the start

 

[FATxNINJA]

Just recentaly got a all living things deep dome light fixture for my terrarium and a desert compact florescent uvb bulb is that fine for my easter box turtle

 

[MichaelaW]

Is it a coil bulb? If so, that's damaging to your turtle's eyes. You need a long horizontal bulb. Ideally your turtle should live outdoors and get natural sunlight if possible.

 

[FATxNINJA]

I got the coil but what is it that makes it hurts ther eyes just curious since I got it from pet store in reptile section?

 

[MichaelaW]

They are too intense and can cause stress and eye problems in turtles.

 

[FATxNINJA]

Yeah I read deeply into the study of that just earlier and the articles I read on in even the most recent I saw dated back 2 years ago do u think its possible they have fixed tho issues from many complaints they may have received in that time period but I will change it asap but ima look more into this

 

[MichaelaW]

I don't think it's a fixable issue. Because of the style of bulb, all the rays get concentrated in a very small spot. I wouldn't risk it.

 

[FATxNINJA]

So rude stile being the long over head one being better or does that mean the tube shape one that can also be placed in dome lamps

 

[MichaelaW]

The long overhead one is best. Is it possible for your turtle to live outdoors during the summer?

 

[tortdad]

So rude stile being the long over head one being better or does that mean the tube shape one that can also be placed in dome lamps

Coil and small tube are still "compact fluorescent" which is bad. You need a long tube UVB, like 18" long or 24" long.

 

[FATxNINJA]

Alright I'll go get those when I can and also I don't think I can keep them out side being that ther will be hatchling and I have a dog as well

 

[MichaelaW]

Make sure your house the hatchlings separately from the adult.

 

[FATxNINJA]

Yeah Ive made a difference take for babies do u guys know what kinda decor I could use for it possible it fake plants ok if not I could get real plants

 

[MichaelaW]

Fake plants are fine. The only problem with live plants is that most will be treated with fertilizers or pesticides and so can't be used for turtles. They like caves to hide in. I use flower pots on their side buried halfway into the dirt.

 

[FATxNINJA]

Alright thnks. Does ther need to be good sorce of heat or will the uvb provide something like that

 

[tortdad]

Alright thnks. Does ther need to be good sorce of heat or will the uvb provide something like that

You'll need another bulb or small Che for heat. That UVB won't give you any heat

 

[FATxNINJA]

Alright thnks

 

[Michael in MO]

Definitely, my eastern male showed breeding behaviors this spring, but I don't think the females were receptive. I may get eggs later this summer from them but we'll have to see what happens.

UM I've never seen a "receptive" female box turtle THAT was a good chuckle

 

[Michael in MO]

How early do I need to begin feeding them

what do you plan to keep them in? Baby boxies are (RIGHTLY SO) terrified of everything as they're a snack for almost everything in the wild. That being said I personally don't like to move babies to feed them as they're very shy and will probably eat close to wherever they choose to hide 99% of the time for the first 6 months. I use roly-polies (pillbugs) for a great live food source.. you can even gut load them if you put dandelion greens in the turtle enclosure. Pillbugs also don't make noise (cricket) and can't harm your turtle like a cricket can.. do you have the eggs in an incubator? Or are you just guesstimating the hatch time based on a 90 day average? If you have an incubator.. (and you get another clutch) I'd incubate for girls.. male boxies are horrible when more than one or one that just wants to mate all the time. Also it is still early in the season, your female could produce another clutch, I hope you've provided her with a constant source of calcium so she can replenish what it's taken to make the first batch and help her if she's producing another

 

[MichaelaW]

UM I've never seen a "receptive" female box turtle THAT was a good chuckle

I don't really want to go into the details... Ha-ha.