| Eastern Box turtles are so-named due to their ability | | | | when it feels the need for more calcium. |
| to "box themselves in" completely in times of real or | | | | The average life span of Eastern Box Turtles is 40 |
| perceived danger or attack. They are able to | | | | years; but, believe it or not, they can live for over |
| accomplish this thanks to a hinge on their lower shell | | | | 100 years! Their age can be estimated by counting |
| (plastron), allowing the upper shell (carapace) and | | | | the growth rings on their scutes. It is best to count |
| lower shell to completely accommodate the eastern | | | | the rings on the plastron, because this lower shell also |
| turtle's head, legs, and tail. | | | | permits examination of wear pattern. However, |
| Eastern Box Turtles are small, terrestrial turtles with | | | | counting age beyond 20 years is unreliable, because |
| shell lengths between four to six inches. These | | | | box turtles have stopped growing by then, and the |
| eastern turtles are the most popular among the box | | | | plastron is usually worn smooth. |
| turtles. They are easily identified by their oval, | | | | Eastern Box Turtles, native to the eastern United |
| high-domed shells, normally dark brown with brilliant | | | | States, can live either outdoors or in a large indoor |
| yellow, orange, and/or red blotches. Its plastron has | | | | enclosure. If possible, you should think of setting up |
| dark areas, particularly on the borders of the scutes. | | | | an outdoor enclosure with sun, shade, grass, and a |
| They have brown skin with yellow or red markings. | | | | small pond of water that is deep enough for |
| The Eastern Box Turtles are omnivores, eating | | | | swimming. The turtles will be happier and healthier |
| approximately 50% animal meat, such as slugs, | | | | under these circumstances. You must make sure to |
| earthworms, insects, snails, and carrion, and 50% | | | | provide adequate protection outdoors, to prevent |
| plant material, such as leafy vegetables, fruits, | | | | raccoons, dogs, or other predators from entering the |
| berries, and seeds. You should feed these turtles on | | | | enclosure. |
| a plain, flat rock, instead of serving their food in a | | | | Unlike other turtles, Eastern Box Turtles do not |
| bowl or dish. This natural approach will help restrain | | | | normally bite when bothered. However, they will |
| the overgrowth of the turtle's beak and toenails, as it | | | | exert great effort to get free or retreat inside their |
| will gradually and continuously abrade them against | | | | shells. They are capable of fastening down their shells |
| the rock while feeding. Provide food rich in calcium, | | | | so forcefully and completely that even a knife blade |
| such as boiled eggshells, which the turtle can chew | | | | cannot get in between the carapace and plastron. |