Marion L. Janusz
Certified Reptile Specialist
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739 Borden Rd.
Cheektowaga, NEW YORK 14227
Because RARE cannot afford to return out of town calls, please email
your request, and we will be happy to
respond to you promptly. We check our email at least twice a day.
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Feeding Red-foot and Yellow-foot tortoises
Ornate Box Turtles
Shell-Rot Revisited
GREEN IGUANA CARE SHEET
REPTILE COURSE
Convulsions in Iguanas
How to find a qualified Herp Vet
EYE PROBLEMS IN AQUATIC TURTLES
RECOGNISING VETERINARY EMERGENCIES
AN OUTLINE ON TREATING RESPIRATORY DISEASES IN CHELONIA
Ornate Box Turtles
Shell-Rot Revisited
GREEN IGUANA CARE SHEET
REPTILE COURSE
Convulsions in Iguanas
How to find a qualified Herp Vet
EYE PROBLEMS IN AQUATIC TURTLES
RECOGNISING VETERINARY EMERGENCIES
AN OUTLINE ON TREATING RESPIRATORY DISEASES IN CHELONIA
Ornate Box Turtles
Ornate box turtle:
Terrapene ornata ornata
Ornate box turtles are among the most sensitive and difficult of North American species to maintain successfully. We do not recommend this species for beginners. They inhabit a variety of environments, from grassy plains to damp forest floors. They make extensive use of burrows and microclimates. Glass aquarium tanks are categorically not appropriate for this species. They do best in carefully landscaped outdoor enclosures, or in large, indoor terraria with adequate substrate depth. For a substrate, we recommend light peat-based potting compost mixed with damp sphagnum moss. This should be at least 3-4" (75-100 mm) deep. It is imperative that Ornate box turtles are not allowed to become dehydrated - so dry tanks with excessive heat are a major source of problems. Ensure that box turtle habitats are provided with plenty of shade, have a shallow 'soaking' tray of fresh, clean water permanently available, and that temperatures are maintained from 80-85 ºF in one area to approximately 70 ºF in another. On no account over-heat or allow dehydration to occur. Spray the area regularly and ensure that the substrate retains adequate humidity at all times. Environmental problems usually manifest as swollen and infected eyes, ear abscesses and kidney diseases. As virtually all box turtles sold are wild-caught, parasitic diseases are also very common. Look out for Bot fly larvae infections, flagellate infestations and nematodes (intestinal 'worms'). All will require treatment from a specialist veterinarian. Ornate box turtles are highly carnivorous. Provide calcium-dusted crickets, mealworms, waxworms and earthworms on a regular basis. Pinkie mice are also very important. Over-ripe fruits and green-leaf salads are also essential.
From North America
Can hibernate if healthy under appropriate conditions
Omnivorous, with high live food requirement
Extremely sensitive to incorrect environments
Requires high humidity substrate for burrowing
Requires extensive outdoor and indoor accommodation
Regular soaking or constant access to water recommended
Ornate box turtles are among the most sensitive and difficult of North American species to maintain successfully. We do not recommend this species for beginners. They inhabit a variety of environments, from grassy plains to damp forest floors. They make extensive use of burrows and microclimates. Glass aquarium tanks are categorically not appropriate for this species. They do best in carefully landscaped outdoor enclosures, or in large, indoor terraria with adequate substrate depth. For a substrate, we recommend light peat-based potting compost mixed with damp sphagnum moss. This should be at least 3-4" (75-100 mm) deep. It is imperative that Ornate box turtles are not allowed to become dehydrated - so dry tanks with excessive heat are a major source of problems. Ensure that box turtle habitats are provided with plenty of shade, have a shallow 'soaking' tray of fresh, clean water permanently available, and that temperatures are maintained from 80-85 ºF in one area to approximately 70 ºF in another. On no account over-heat or allow dehydration to occur. Spray the area regularly and ensure that the substrate retains adequate humidity at all times. Environmental problems usually manifest as swollen and infected eyes, ear abscesses and kidney diseases. As virtually all box turtles sold are wild-caught, parasitic diseases are also very common. Look out for Bot fly larvae infections, flagellate infestations and nematodes (intestinal 'worms'). All will require treatment from a specialist veterinarian. Ornate box turtles are highly carnivorous. Provide calcium-dusted crickets, mealworms, waxworms and earthworms on a regular basis. Pinkie mice are also very important. Over-ripe fruits and green-leaf salads are also essential.
From North America
Can hibernate if healthy under appropriate conditions
Omnivorous, with high live food requirement
Extremely sensitive to incorrect environments
Requires high humidity substrate for burrowing
Requires extensive outdoor and indoor accommodation
Regular soaking or constant access to water recommended