Progress with hatchling!!

[JD9981]

So I have had my box turtle hatchling for about 3 months now. I have NEVER seen "him" eat. I have been very worried! Every time I go to get him for a soak and to eat he is always buried in his enclosure. (I have learned this is normal for the first year. - So I stopped worrying there.) I have tried to stand and watch him eat but he is shy and does NOT like me standing over him no matter how still I stand. After I walk away I return to find food moved around but no evidence of him having eaten. This last week when I have gone to get him I have found him once out and walking about and the other time with head poking out looking around. He is finally becoming active and last night I saw him eat for the first time!!!! I know the first year is tricky and being totally new to tortoises and turtles I knew it was risky taking on a hatchling. I am so excited to see him doing well and looking forward to getting to know him!

 

[luvpetz27]

Yay!! That is great!!
What kind of boxie do you
have? I have an eastern!!
All boxies are great tho!
Enjoy getting to know your
baby!

 

[skottip]

Box turtles hibernate. Even if captive raised it is in their genetics to slow down certain times of the year, even though they aren't really experiencing a full blown winter.

Scott

 

[Len B]

It's great that you got to see it eat, What are you offering it as food?

 

[JD9981]

I am not 100% sure what type. There is a woman here locally that has a breeding pair and adopts them out when she finds them wandering her property (they are small enough to get out of the enclosure). What ever he is he is super cute. I posted pics when I first got him, I will try to ad some to this thread tomorrow. Maybe someone can tell me what "he" is. I feed him the same diet I feed my redfoot. A rotating diet of spring mix, eggs, boiled chicken, fruits, veggies, mazzuri and flowers. I don't think he is big on protein unlike my redfoot. I sometimes offer plain yogurt and cottage cheese. I think I started having the best luck when I started "blending" it all together with a hand blender. He doesn't get to be picky. LOL

 

[terryo]

Mash up some cooked sweet potato, and carrot, add some strawberry, and you'll have a perfect variety of foods. Mine are starting to come up and are eating more too. Spring is near, and they just seem to know.