Three-toed Box Turtle Care

Overview and Link to Care Guide

Box Turtles are one of the most well-known reptiles, both in the wild and as pets, across the United States. Most commonly, we see the Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina), the Three-toed Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis), and the Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata) in the pet trade. Nearly all captive Box Turtles have been removed from the wild to be sold or kept as pets. Box Turtles are primarily terrestrial animals, though they always need access to fresh water. They inhabit a wide range of habitats from grasslands to deciduous forests to damp wetlands. Despite these differences, Ornate, Three-toed. and Eastern box turtles can be kept in the same conditions in captivity. Though a friendly species, they are happiest when observed from a distance and left to go about their daily routine.

Download our Box Turtle Care Guide.

Review Habitat Requirements for adoption.

Read over two Reptile Lighting Guidelines, one and two.