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The Beginner's Care Guide On Everything You Need To Know About Asian Box Turtle

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ASIAN BOX TURTLE: The Beginners Care Guide On Everything You Need To Know About Asian Box Turtle.

by Ellen F. Feld

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Asian box turtles are a popular pet choice for reptile enthusiasts. They are relatively easy to care for and make great companions. However, it is important to do your research before bringing an Asian box turtle into your home. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about Asian box turtles, including their care, diet, health, and more.

Natural History

Asian box turtles are native to Southeast Asia. They are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and swamps. Asian box turtles are omnivorous and their diet consists of plants, insects, and small animals.

Asian box turtles are known for their hard shells. The shell is made up of two parts: the carapace (top) and the plastron (bottom). The shell provides protection from predators and the elements.

Asian box turtles are relatively long-lived animals. They can live for up to 50 years in captivity.

Appearance

Asian box turtles are small to medium-sized turtles. They typically reach a length of 4-6 inches. The shell is usually brown or black with yellow or orange markings. The head and limbs are dark brown or black.

Asian box turtles have a distinctive head. The head is triangular-shaped and has a blunt snout. The eyes are small and black. The ears are located on the sides of the head.

Temperament

Asian box turtles are generally docile and shy animals. They are not typically aggressive towards humans. However, they may bite if they are feeling threatened.

Asian box turtles are solitary animals. They do not need to be kept with other turtles. However, they can tolerate the presence of other turtles if they are introduced properly.

Enclosure

Asian box turtles need an enclosure that is at least 20 gallons in size. The enclosure should be made of a sturdy material, such as glass or plastic. The enclosure should have a secure lid to prevent the turtle from escaping.

The enclosure should be equipped with the following:

* A heat lamp * A UVB light * A water dish * A food dish * A hiding place

The heat lamp should be placed at one end of the enclosure. The UVB light should be placed at the other end of the enclosure. The water dish should be placed in the middle of the enclosure. The food dish should be placed near the water dish. The hiding place should be placed in a corner of the enclosure.

Substrate

The substrate is the material that covers the bottom of the enclosure. The substrate should be safe for turtles and it should not be ingested. There are a variety of substrates available, such as:

* Aspen shavings * Cypress mulch * Coconut husk * Peat moss

Temperature

Asian box turtles need a warm environment. The temperature in the enclosure should be between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. The basking spot should be 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit.

The temperature can be controlled using a heat lamp. The heat lamp should be placed at one end of the enclosure. The other end of the enclosure should be cooler. This will create a temperature gradient that the turtle can use to regulate its body temperature.

Lighting

Asian box turtles need exposure to UVB light. UVB light is essential for the turtle's health. It helps the turtle to absorb calcium and it prevents metabolic bone disease.

The UVB light should be placed at one end of the enclosure. The UVB light should be turned on for 12-14 hours per day.

Diet

Asian box turtles are omnivorous. They eat a variety of plants, insects, and small animals. A typical diet for an Asian box turtle includes:

* Vegetables: dandelion greens, collard greens, kale, romaine lettuce, carrots, squash * Fruits: apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries * Insects: crickets, mealworms, waxworms * Small animals: pinkie mice, fuzzy mice

The diet should be varied and it should include a variety of foods. The turtle should be offered food every day.

Water

Asian box turtles need access to fresh water at all times. The water dish should be large enough for the turtle to soak in. The water should be changed daily.

Health

Asian box turtles are generally healthy animals. However, they can be susceptible to a variety of health problems, such as:

* Metabolic bone disease * Respiratory infections * Shell rot * Skin infections

It is important to take your turtle to the vet for regular checkups. This will help to ensure that your turtle stays healthy.

Asian box turtles are great pets for reptile enthusiasts. They are relatively easy to care for and they make great companions. However, it is important to do your research before bringing an Asian box turtle into your home. This guide has provided you with everything you need to know about Asian box turtles, including their care, diet, health, and more.

ASIAN BOX TURTLE: The Beginners Care Guide On Everything You Need To Know About Asian Box Turtle.

by Ellen F. Feld

4.8 out of 5