Substrate for a North American Tortoise

[Bsall]

I just inherited what I'm told is a North American Tortoise. I was wondering about what type of bedding to use and where to get it. It looks like right now he is in corn cob but I heard that corn cob isn't a healthy bedding to use. Any other basic care tips would help as well. What is a good food? I was told spinach and apples .Please help.

 

[SarahChelonoidis]

You have a box turtle. Check out the 'American box turtles' section in the species specific area. There is a care sheet that should help with your questions: http://www.tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Box-Turtle-Care-Sheet.93937/

 

[Bsall]

How can you tell? Thanks.

 

[Tom]

How can you tell? Thanks.

They look physically different. I don't mean this sarcastically, but its no different than telling the difference between a dog and a cat. They look different.

Box turtles need a damp, humid environment, and a large shallow water area for soaking and drinking.

Spinach is okay in small amounts once in a while, but not as a daily staple. Its high in oxalates.

Your new guy needs a beak trim.

Do you have a heat and UV source? These are immediately important if you want to keep him healthy.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi, and welcome to the Forum!

Your new, male three toed box turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis) really should be set up outside. When you have to have him indoors due to cold weather, he needs a large habitat with a substrate he can dig down into, as they like to bury themselves. My favorite for box turtles is potting soil mixed with orchid bark. Make sure the potting soil doesn't have perlite or little white pebbles in it.

Feeding him spinach and apples is what has led to his beak becoming overgrown. I have quite a few box turtles and I don't think I've ever seen one eat spinach. They mainly eat animal protein, then a bit of fruit and vegetation. Here's a link to a good care sheet:

http://www.boxturtles.com/three-toed-box-turtle/

 

[lisa127]

I use organic peat moss as substrate for boxies. Put a cuttlebone in his enclosure to help with his beak.