| The Three-Toed Box Turtle is native to Missouri, but | | | | to drink from, but to soak comfortably in as well. |
| can also be found in Alabama and Texas. Three Toed | | | | Humidity is a major concern for these species; |
| Box Turtles are so named because they have three | | | | therefore, the bedding (could be newspaper) should |
| toes on their hind feet. Unlike other turtles that are | | | | have 80 percent humidity. To do this, simply spray |
| ready to bite whenever they sense danger, these | | | | the bedding material in the enclosure to moisten. Do |
| turtles are shy and quiet. Three-Toed Box Turtles | | | | not put any gravel or sand in the enclosure because |
| are small and calm, with domed shells growing from | | | | these can be abrasive and may injure this particular |
| about three and a half to five inches in length. They | | | | breed of turtles. In addition, be sure to provide them |
| do not bite. | | | | with a basking temperature of 88°F. |
| These turtles differ from eastern box turtles in | | | | This type of box turtle can also be kept indoors. In |
| coloration, having dull and/or subdued hues, rather | | | | fact, it is the only species of box turtles that is |
| than the usual darker colors. They have brown skin, | | | | adaptive, and can live in an indoor enclosure. They |
| and their heads and forelimbs frequently have yellow | | | | should not be placed in a glass aquarium under any |
| or orange spots. The bottom shell, which is the | | | | circumstance. They have to have visual barriers. |
| plastron, is a straw yellow color, and has less dark | | | | Instead, place them in a wooden enclosure, and |
| markings. | | | | ensure that they have ahiding and soaking area. |
| This type of box turtle is a well-liked species of | | | | Turtles belonging to this family are omnivores. Their |
| turtles; hence, they are very prominent in the pet | | | | diet consists of 60 percent or more of animal matter. |
| trade. They have a life span of 100 years; | | | | These include caterpillars, pink mice, crickets, snails, |
| unfortunately, their typical life in captivity is reduced | | | | sow bugs, shredded chicken, spiders, crawfish, |
| to only 30 to 40 years, all due to poor husbandry. It | | | | worms, and carrion. The remaining 40% of their diet |
| is highly recommended that the three-toed box turtle | | | | is comprised of cooked (and of course, mashed) |
| be kept outdoors, ensuring that its housing is similar | | | | potatoes, fruits (melons, apples, and bananas), and |
| to its natural habitat, where it can receive some | | | | green leafy vegetables, such as cabbage and lettuce. |
| sunlight and some partial shading. Their housing should | | | | Feed hatchlings and small turtles once a day, and the |
| be big enough to give them the space to burrow. | | | | large turtles three to four times a week. Obesity can |
| The substrate should be littered with leaves and | | | | also be a concern among turtles, so be careful that |
| plants, such as ferns, to provide shade. Do not | | | | they are not overfed. |
| forget to place a water dish, large enough not only | | | | |