Is This a Tortoise?

[Patricia Butler]

Hi, everyone. Thanks for adding me. My husband has what I think is a Russian tortoise, but I'm not sure, and he's completely clueless. Her (I'm guessing, don't really know) name is Miss Simmons, and she was a gift to my husband around 20-25 years ago. He really loves her, but I have a feeling she hasn't been properly cared for all these years, just because he really hasn't known what she is or what she needs. Of course she's survived at least 20 years, so he must be doing something right. But I want to be sure she's not only surviving, but happy and comfortable as well. He's always kept her in an aquarium, which I never thought was enough room for her. So we recently switched to a 36" x 18" terrarium, with plenty of room for her to roam and burrow (which is what she's doing now). We don't have any kind of bathing pool for her -- just her small drinking dish -- and I've seen differing opinions on whether tortoises need that or not. But, until I actually know for sure what she is, it's kind of hard to know what to do. Can anyone here take a look and give me an opinion? Russian tortoise? Or...?

Thanks very much,
Patricia

 

[Tom]

Hello and welcome!

You have a box turtle. Care and feeding requirements are very different than for a russian tortoise. They tend to need a more damp environment with a large shallow water dish that they can get into, and they need more "meat" in their diet like insects and earthworms. They also need a UV source and a much larger enclosure than what you've got there.

They are generally pretty tough animals and they can survive a lot, but I think it will be unanimous that we are all happy your are here to learn more and give this turtle a better life.

 

[Patricia Butler]

Thanks! I thought box turtles had shells that closed up completely? Miss Simmons' shell doesn't do that. What size enclosure do you recommend? This is actually the largest enclosure she's ever had.

 

[Yvonne G]

My internet is real slow, and your picture doesn't open completely for me, but I can see his head. That beak is overgrown. Here's what a box turtle beak should look like:



Your turtle doesn't close the shell all the way because it's not afraid.

 

[Tom]

Thanks! I thought box turtles had shells that closed up completely? Miss Simmons' shell doesn't do that. What size enclosure do you recommend? This is actually the largest enclosure she's ever had.

Like Yvonne said, they can close up when they feel threatened, but they are usually pretty tame, unafraid, and have no reason to close up.

I like a 4x8 foot enclosure as a minimum. There is no exact scientifically proven enclosure size that everyone must use, but most will agree that a 40 gallon is too small and 10 acres is more than is necessary. It would also be extremely beneficial to make a large, secure, well-planted outdoor enclosure for use during the warmer summer months. You can put the turtle outside during the day and bring it in at night, or if the enclosure is secure with a good night shelter and safe from predators, you can leave it outside all summer.

 

[Toddrickfl1]

Definitely a box turtle

 

[lisa127]

An adorable 3 toed box turtle. Your turtle can close up if she wants to. My captive ones don't close up either....but they can.

She needs yet a larger encloaure. 2 feet by 4 feet is absolute minimum but 4 x 4 would be even better. Damp dirt type substrate and definetely a "pool" large enough to soak in. Temps ranging from 70 to 90 with at least 60% humidity. Omnivorous diet.

 

[Yvonne G]

I finally got the first picture to open all the way. Three toe box turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis), and she's badly in need of a toe nail trim and a beak trim. Any way you can make an outdoor yard for her?

 

[Pearly]

Hi Patricia and warm welcome from Texas! Glad you have found us here. Your turtle is lucky to have you, and now that you are here you can little by little implement all the necessary changes in her habitat to keep her healthy and happy for decades to come

 

[Maro2Bear]

Yes...welcome to the Forum. Now that you are aware that it is a Box Turtle (wet, moist habitat) vs a land loving tortoise... there are a few things you can change. @Tom and others have already provided details. Please start soaking daily if you are not already, make the substrate nice and wet, and take care of trimming the beak and claws. Try to get a much larger enclosure....

Good luck and welcome.