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Box turtles are not that easy to keep, ...at least not if you want to do it correctly. They live a very long time, and they need a very good diet. Ninety Nine percent of the people out there are killing their turtles slowly, (..and painfully) and aren't even aware of it.There are lots of care-sheets and books on box turtles, I'd recommend you get several and find out what they have to say. Then judge for yourself if you think you can take care of one.
Like most turtles and tortoise, they don't do as well as adults (especially wild-caughts) if they are kept in too small of an enclosure. If you can't keep them outside most of the year (or know how to safely let the hibernate) , that can be problematic.
Because of the drastically decreasing numbers in the wild, you should get a captive raised one. They are more difficult to keep as a youngster, but it will pay off as a healthier animal when they get older.
Now we get to the same old problem with turtles and tortoises.... what will you do will you do with him ...afterwards?
These guys aren't like dogs or cats that are gone in a couple of decades, this is a hundred year commitment. You need to think about that, not just how cool it would be to have a box turtle.
In all likelihood, he will out live you. If you are less than 20, it's kind of irresponsible to get an animal you might have to get rid of when you go off to school or move out. If you are older, you still need to plan for his future after it no longer includes you. For an animal like this, you have to think long term, not just how to keep it properly.
bob
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"Cogito Ergo Zoom"
I think, therefore I drive fast.
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Nina Pie & Miss Marie
