Some questions about 3-toeds

[TeethingBeastie]

Hello, I hope this is the correct place to post this! I'm using the iOS app which can be confusing.

Can anyone tell me what an acceptable weight range is for a 5 yr old female 3-toed? (She is 6 in long and 5 in wide at the widest point). I have recently purchased a digital scale and have been weighing her to see the differences before and after egg laying, but would like to make sure she isn't over or underweight in general. She is an extremely picky eater but recently has been devouring crickets like there's no tomorrow!

Second, is there a specific place we can post (and view others posts) of pictures of their turtles, enclosures etc.?

Finally (for now), for those who live in U.S. South, any tips for keeping fire ants out of your enclosures? I have been using orange oil but would like to know if there are better methods.

Thanks!
Ann (caretaker for Lox)

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Ann:

I have never weighed any box turtles. I use the 'seat-of-my-pants' method of determining their weight. If I pick one up and it feels like a shell full of air, it's underweight. If it feels like a rock of the same size, it's ok.

Most box turtles will eat more live, wiggly food than fruits and veggies. I usually cut up fruits and veggies then add the worms or crickets on top of the pile. They get used to the smell and accidental taste under the worms and eventually eat fruit and veg without the enticements.

You can see other posts about box turtles here:

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/forums/american-box-turtles.98/

And some lovely examples of members' enclosures here:

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/ideas-for-indoor-enclosures.65798/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/ideas-for-outdoor-enclosures.65797/

If you can do a search from your device, search for any thread started by TerryO. She has the most beautiful box turtle and redfoot enclosures on the Forum.

I make a little volcano shape of the ant's hole then pour liquid ant poison into the hole. When I feel I've been able to get enough down into the nest, I place a bucket, flower pot or some such container upside down on the hole and put a brick on it to make it heavy. Here are some links to ant control:

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/ants.109605/#post-1020127

 

[TeethingBeastie]

Thanks so much!

 

[lisa127]

I have a female three toed/gulf coast integrade. Her SCL is 6 inches and she is also 5 inches wide. That is quite big for a pure three toed though! Anyway, mine weighs about 675 grams. She's a big girl.

BTW, my girl turns 4 years old in a couple weeks.

 

[Bibbit]

My boy, who is about 17, weighs about 400g. I don't think he's quite as big as yours, though. Probably more like 5 inches by 3 inches.