The western box turtle is a subspecies of box turtle. It lives in desert and semi-desert environments. They live across the central-western part of the United States. Like all box turtles, they are known for their boxy, steeply-slopping shells. Often confused for tortoises, they are actually turtles capable of swimming.
A shy species, western box turtles are not very social and are easily frightened. They are omnivorous, choosing to feed on various insects and vegetation. They are small animals but have long lives, with some individuals living more than 40 years. Due to their small size, they are susceptible to predation both as juveniles and as adults.
Unfortunately, western box turtles are “near threatened.” Their populations are decreasing and aren’t doing well.
Interested pet owners can keep a western box turtle as a pet, but they need specialized care. It is only recommended for caretakers with previous turtle experience to get one as a pet.
They need lots of space to roam and hide, preferably with an outdoor enclosure during the warm months. Plenty of substrate is necessary to dig burrows, which they do in the wild. Their heating, light, and humidity need regulation to keep them healthy.
Keep an eye out for various health concerns common in box turtles but easily preventable.
Western box turtles are not social, so it’s best to house them alone. They don’t like handling, so prepare to admire them from afar.
They must also receive various meaty foods and vegetables. Calcium supplements are essential to maintain the health of their shells and bones.
It’s best to buy box turtles from local reputable breeders when possible. Buying locally allows buyers to assess the animal’s health before taking them home. It’s hard to age a box turtle once it’s reached adulthood. So, it’s easier to keep track of their age if they are bought as juveniles.
Check out the care guide below for a quick reference to western box turtle care.
What Is A Western Box Turtle?
Western box turtles (Terrapene ornata) are sometimes known as ornate box turtles. They are part of the family Emydidae, which comprises all subaquatic turtles. They are also part of the order Testudines.
The name “box” turtle comes from their deeply sloped shell, or carapace. Still, their carapaces are a bit flatter and less domed than other box turtle species. Their carapaces are dark brown to black. There are bright yellow lines streaming from the center of their shells. Their skin may be dark brown, green, or gray, often with a reddish tint.
Males and females are sexually dimorphic. They have physical characteristics that distinguish them from male to female. Females tend to be dull, while males are brightly colored. A male box turtle also has reddish-orange eyes, while a female has brown or yellow eyes.
As they grow older, western box turtles often lose their bright coloration. Elderly turtles may appear uniformly pale green or light yellow. Plus, the shell of a box turtle continues to grow throughout the turtle’s entire life.
How Big Does A Box Turtle Get?
They are a terrestrial turtle with a small carapace length of only 4-5 in (10.2-12.7 cm). Females grow larger than their male counterparts.
How Long Do Box Turtles Live?
Western box turtles are reasonably long-lived. Most wild individuals live between 30 and 37 years of age. The average age of wild western box turtles at death is 32 years. The oldest wild western box turtle was over 40 years old when it died.
Captive box turtles seem to have shorter lives than their wild counterparts. The average age of captive western box turtles is 28.4 years. The shorter lifespan primarily accounts for turtles born wild but taken and kept as pets. Those bred in captivity likely have the same average lifespan as those living in the wild. Of course, the lifespan of a captive turtle largely depends on the care it receives.
Common Names: Western box turtle, ornate box turtle, yellow box turtle
Western Box Turtle Scientific Name: Terrapene ornata
Origin: Central & Western United States, Northern Mexico
Western Box Turtle Size (Length): 4-5 in (10.2-12.7 cm)
Western Box Turtle Lifespan: Up to 40 years
Enclosure Size: 40+ gallons (inside), 4 sqft (0.37 sqm) (outside)
Temperament: Shy, but active
Ease of Care: Moderate
Western Box Turtle Adaptations
A western box turtle’s main adaptation lies within its shell. Are box turtles really turtles, or are they tortoises? Does it matter?
The fact is that all tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises. The main difference is that turtles can swim, while tortoises must stay on land.
Some have mistakenly referred to box turtles as tortoises. It’s an easy mistake because they primarily live on land. They also have large, awkward shells like tortoises. Still, box turtles are turtles, not tortoises.
How Do Box Turtles Differ From Tortoises?
Tortoises and box turtles look very similar because of their high-domed shells. Still, box turtles have webbed feet, while tortoises have large, stumpy feet.
Tortoises tend to live in habitats that are dry with little water. Box turtles live in moister environments, often by an accessible body of water. Both box turtles and tortoises are omnivores. Still, box turtles tend to be more carnivorous than tortoises. Tortoises also tend to be far more anti-social than box turtles. They may become exceptionally aggressive during mating.
How Do Box Turtles Differ From Aquatic & Semi-Aquatic Turtles?
Box turtles are adapted to live on land.
Most aquatic or semi-aquatic turtles have flat, streamlined shells. The box turtle has large, domed shells. They also have thick, meaty legs meant for digging. Their sharp claws help them find food and better grip the substrate while traveling.
They are also more omnivorous, making life on the land easier. Aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles typically eat vegetation. Yet, the bulk of their diet comprises meat. Box turtles have large, sharp beaks that they use to shred their food into smaller pieces that are easier to eat.
They also have a hinged plastron, which is the bottom part of their shell. The hinge allows them to pull their limbs inside and completely close their shell off. Most aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles don’t have hinges. They can pull their limbs inside their shells but can’t completely close themselves off. The benefit of the hinge is that it offers better protection from predators.
Box Turtles Can Swim
Box turtles CAN swim, though they can’t do so very well.
Box turtles are terrestrial, not aquatic, so they rarely swim. They only choose to swim when they need to get cool or when they’re trying to escape danger. Unlike other turtles, they can’t sleep underwater or spend a long time in or under water.
They are very clumsy and awkward swimmers who get tired quickly. Usually, they can only swim in shallow water and need to rest after a short swim. Deep or fast-moving water is more likely to drown them. Since they are poor swimmers, they stick to swimming on the surface. They will not drown if they somehow end up underwater. Still, they’ll never intentionally submerge themselves. They are not good at holding their breaths, so they can’t stay underwater for long.
Western Box Turtle Habitat
These turtles are native to the central-western part of the United States. They live as far north as the grasslands of South Dakota. Their populations span eastwards toward Illinois and westward to Arizona. They also live as far south as Texas and northern Mexico. The western box turtle is even the state reptile of Kansas.
They live in prairie, glades, and forest habitats.
They prefer desert or semi-desert environments. They thrive in climates that are arid and have hot temperatures. They are also used to low humidity and cool soil.
Outside the desert, these turtles sometimes live in grasslands or treeless plains. The land is primarily flat but may have slight, gentle hills. They also like sandy soil with low bushes.
They do not swim as often as most turtle species, so they can’t rely on the water to cool off. Despite this, western box turtles live in areas with frequently high temperatures.
They commonly dig burrows into the loose soil. Sometimes, they will steal holes from mammals like rats and bannertail kangaroos. The burrows are necessary to prevent dehydration when temperatures are sweltering.
These turtles dig burrows at 30-40 degree angles, usually along the edge of a ditch. Usually, they only dig holes a few inches deep. Yet, they may make their holes bigger when the temperatures are scorching. They choose areas with lots of vegetative cover that aids in cooling.
Western Box Turtle Diet
Western box turtles are omnivores who feed on a diet of insects, worms, spiders, and vegetation. Some of their favorite insects include grasshoppers, caterpillars, earthworms, slugs, and beetles. Vegetation includes leaves, berries, dandelion flowers, prickly pear cacti, and fruits. Mulberries are a particular favorite. These turtles sometimes eat small fish, carrion, and even feces on rare occasions.
Juveniles are more carnivorous than adults. They eat a higher percentage of insects than vegetation.
Box turtles can even keep themselves safe from predators by utilizing what they eat. They sometimes eat a type of poisonous mushroom they are immune to. The poison in the mushrooms makes their skin poisonous as a deterrent to predators.
Behavior & Temperament
These turtles are not very social. They generally choose to interact with each other only during mating season.
Males may become aggressive with each other. They may bite and bump shells with one another. Yet, the spats usually only occur between two males at a time. Plus, since these turtles are not social, they don’t interact with each other enough for these feuds to be common.
Western Box Turtle Home Range
Western box turtles limit their home range if a stable climate remains. Their home range is only a few acres wide when conditions are ideal. Fluctuating environments make things more difficult for these turtles. They will travel more often, searching for suitable habitats.
These turtles even form internal maps that span their home range. They know their home location inside and out. They are unlikely to leave this area during their lifetime. Turtles that leave their home range often become confused and distressed.
Many box turtles may share the same home range. Despite not being social, there is no hierarchy, and they are not territorial. Western box turtles usually select a home range based on food availability. Areas with excellent food abundance often have a larger population of box turtles.
A Diurnal Species
Western box turtles are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day. Their most active periods are spring and fall when the weather is not too hot or cold. During the summer, they are most active in the morning when the weather is cooler. They are also active after rainfall, as it is one of the best times to bask in the sun and hunt for food.
Hibernation
Like many turtles, western box turtles hibernate during the winter months. Beginning in the fall, they dig shallow holes in the soil where they can rest. They also prefer to hibernate in the same area year after year. Often, they return to the same burrow they used the year before. At times when this isn’t possible, they burrow in a location as close to the original as possible. They typically hibernate between October and March.
A Great Sense Of Smell
Western box turtles have a keen sense of smell that allows them to locate burrows they’ve used in the past. Their superior sense of smell makes it easier to hunt and avoid predators.
Predators
Western box turtles have very little competition for food. They are, however, prey to various animals. Eggs and hatchlings, in particular, are often preyed upon by coyotes and raccoons.
Docile and passive adults face danger from many predators, including:
- Coyotes
- White-necked ravens
- Striped skunks
- Copperhead snakes
- Crows
- Raccoons
- Virginia opossums
- American Minks
- Dogs
- Red foxes
Usually, western box turtles hide inside their shells when they’re facing attack. Where possible, they will burrow into the sand or dirt or escape into nearby water. Occasionally, they may fight back by biting.
Reproduction
Male western box turtles usually reach sexual maturity between 8-9 years of age. They become sexually mature when their plastron is about 3.9-4.3 in (10-11 cm) long. Female western box turtles don’t reach sexual maturity until approximately 10-11. They become sexually mature when their plastron is about 4.3-5.1 (11-13 cm) long.
Mating
Sexually mature box turtles begin mating in the spring. They continue breeding from April to October.
Females do not have much say in their mating partner and are often chased by many males. To try and entice her, a male rubs against the female. He will bump his shell against hers, nudge the lower end of her carapace, and try to mount her. She will often run away, and the males are left to fight with each other.
A male may chase a female for up to half an hour. In the end, the fastest male that manages to catch the female will then mate with her. A male box turtle’s plastron is slightly concave to allow for easier mating.
Both males and females will mate with many partners throughout the season. Doing so increases the chances of successfully producing offspring.
Despite breeding each spring, the female does not have to produce eggs that same year if she does not wish. They can store sperm for up to four years before producing fertile eggs. Females sometimes do this when the environmental conditions are not right. They choose to save the sperm rather than waste it.
Before laying her eggs, the female will choose the perfect location. They choose a spot with well-draining soil. Then, they dig a shallow hole about 2-2.4 in (5-6 cm) deep. Nesting typically occurs in July.
What Time Of Year Do Box Turtles Lay Eggs?
Females typically lay one to two clutches of eggs a year between May and July. They lay their eggs two hours before sunset or two hours after sunrise. They will not lay their eggs while the sun is still out.
The Eggs
Each clutch consists of one to eight eggs, but most have an average of three to six eggs. Those who lay huge clutches one season may not lay another clutch the following year.
The eggs come out thin, brittle, and white. The eggs are only about 1.2 in (3 cm) in size, and the mother leaves them unattended once she’s laid them.
Like many turtles, the environment’s temperature helps determine the sex of unborn turtles. Cooler temperatures, about 72-81°F (22.2-27.2°C), produce primarily males. Warmer temperatures, usually above 82°F (27.8 °C), produce mostly females.
Warmer weather also tends to lead to shorter incubation periods. Moist incubation conditions also tend to lead to hatchlings slightly bigger than typical. A typical western box turtle gestation period is between 50 and 70 days.
How Big Are Box Turtles When They Hatch?
Upon hatching, a newborn box turtle is only about 1.2 in (3 cm) in length.
Conservation
Unfortunately, the western box turtle is at risk due to many human-related activities.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature assessed western box turtles in 2010. They list the species as “near threatened” with a “decreasing” population.
One of the biggest concerns for this species is habitat destruction and fragmentation. There is increasing development of residential and commercial, agriculture, roadways, and railways. These are all significant concerns for box turtles.
Many box turtles die every year because cars strike them on roadways. They are slow animals, so it’s always best to stop and help if it’s safe.
To help a turtle cross the road, move them to the side of the road they were heading. Never place them on the side of the road they were leaving. Doing so creates a longer and more dangerous journey for them.
Never relocate a box turtle, either. Western box turtles have very small home ranges. Relocating will cause them severe confusion and distress. They will spend all their energy trying to get back to their home location, which can be dangerous.
Fishing has also contributed to the dwindling western box turtle populations.
How To Tell The Age Of A Box Turtle
It’s easiest to tell when box turtles are hatchlings. Their shells have spots, and they can’t withdraw into their shells. They are also only about the size of a half dollar.
Juveniles are larger than a half dollar but are smaller than 2.4 in (6 cm).
It’s usually easiest to tell an adult by size because they are generally larger than 2.4 in (6 cm). It is also at this point that their sex can be determined.
Researchers used to count annuli, or growth rings, on a box turtle’s shell to determine the age. Recent research shows that annuli do not actually correlate to a box turtle’s age.
Still, checking a turtle’s age based on size is not a perfect method. Captive turtles, or wild turtles with access to abundant food, tend to grow faster. Conversely, sickness and environmental stressors may cause a turtle to grow more slowly. Plus, a turtle’s size only gives an estimate of its age; it doesn’t say how old the turtle is in years.
Western Box Turtle Care
Box turtles are quite common and readily available across the United States. Still, NEVER take a wild box turtle from the wild to keep as a pet. It is disorienting and stressful for the turtle. They are also more likely to harbor parasites than captive-bred turtles. Plus, taking animals from the wild can disrupt their wild populations if enough people do it.
Where To Find Box Turtles
It can be hard to find ornate box turtles. They aren’t suitable for beginners, so they aren’t often sold at pet stores. The best option is to find a western box turtle at a local shelter or buy one from a reputable breeder.
Always buy or adopt locally when possible. It’s better for buyers to see the turtle before taking it home so they can assess its health. Ordering online can be risky since buyers can’t see their animal before purchasing. Make sure to research the breeder before choosing to buy online.
Look online at reptile forums for advice on where to find local, reputable breeders.
NEVER take a western box turtle, or any other turtle, from the wild. It is unethical, can stress the wild populations, and causes the turtle a lot of stress. Most wild-caught western box turtles don’t adjust to captivity well. Most die shortly after being caught.
Most western box turtles will cost between $100-$400, depending on where they are bought from.
Western Box Turtle Housing
Box turtles do best when kept outside over the warmer months. They need plenty of room to roam around. Owners can better accommodate them in outdoor enclosures. An adequate outdoor enclosure should be 4 sqft (0.37 sqm) per turtle.
Their outdoor enclosure should be lined with a fence at least 2 ft (0.6 m) high. Doing so prevents them from escaping and prevents predators from getting inside. The wall should also be smooth to prevent climbing. Box turtles are excellent climbers and can scale shorter walls to escape. Dig the fence about 1 ft (0.3 m) into the ground to prevent the turtle from burrowing out.
While keeping the turtle inside, house them in an enclosure of at least 40 gallons. The bigger enclosure available, the better.
Box turtles can swim but aren’t strong swimmers and can drown if the water is too deep. Still, they love soaking in shallow water to cool off. Provide them with a shallow water dish large enough to fit their entire body. Provide a shallow water dish for soaking and drinking.
Substrate
A thick layer of natural substrate mimics a box turtle’s natural environment. One of the best combinations is leaf litter with loose peaty soil and sphagnum moss. Box turtles love to burrow. So, give them at least 4 in (10.2 cm) of substrate in indoor enclosures. Provide at least 12 in (30.5 cm) in outdoor enclosures.
Having the proper substrate also helps to keep the humidity levels up in the enclosure.
Decorations
Provide the box turtle with plenty of places to explore and hide. Hollow logs, caves, and plenty of vegetation are great for enrichment. Make sure to pick decorations larger than their shells and bodies, so they don’t get stuck.
The turtle should have access to both sun and shade. So, decorations and vegetation are necessary.
Temperature & Lighting
Like all turtles, western box turtles should have varying temperatures throughout their enclosure. They need a hot spot for basking, but they also need to be able to cool off.
For indoor enclosures, get a heat lamp and a daytime UVB lamp. Choosing a bulb with UVB is essential for a turtle’s shell and bone health. UVB helps turtles produce vitamin D3, which is crucial to its health. Without vitamin D3, they will develop metabolic bone disease (MBD). MBD is a painful yet preventable disease. Though rare, it can become fatal if it goes untreated.
Provide the box turtle with an ambient daytime temperature between 80-88°F (26.7-31.1°C). Their ambient nighttime temperature can drop as low as 70-75°F (21.1-23.9°C).
Their basking spot should be between 90-95°F (32.2-35°C).
NEVER use a heat rock or similar devices for warmth. They are very unsafe and can cause severe burns.
Turtles kept outside do not need supplemental lighting. The sun will provide the necessary vitamins and heat. Ensure they have plenty of shady places to get out of the heat when necessary.
Outside temperatures should stay consistently above 60°F (15.6°C) for turtles to be outside. Once the temperatures drop below that, it’s time to bring them inside. Nighttime temperatures can drop slightly below 60°F (15.6°C). Still, they’ll need supplemental heating at night.
Humidity
Western box turtles are happy with a moderate humidity between 40-50%. Outside, they can create their ideal humidity levels by burrowing in the soil. In captivity, their drinking/soaking dish helps keep humidity levels up. Their enclosure may need misting throughout the day if humidity remains too low.
Tank Mates
Western box turtles are not social animals. They only interact with each other when it’s time to mate. Still, it’s possible to house multiple turtles. Ensure the enclosure is larger with lots of hiding spots.
Handling
Western box turtles, like most turtles, don’t like handling. They are best suited for keepers who are okay with observing rather than handling their pets. Captive-bred turtles are usually more tolerant of handling than wild-caught ones. Still, they are shy and fearful, so handling causes them stress.
Still, when western box turtles feel comfortable and safe, they are pretty active. So, just because they don’t like handling means their owners will get bored of them. They have unique personalities and love to roam about their environment.
What Do Box Turtle Eat?
Always give a box turtle its food on a plate. Doing so prevents them from accidentally swallowing their substrate, which can cause impaction.
Provide them with a variety of meaty foods and fruits and vegetables.
Always feed foods with a high calcium-to-phosphorous ratio. Foods with high calcium and low phosphorous content helps prevent metabolic bone disease. A calcium-to-phosphorous ratio of 2:1 is ideal, but a ratio of 1.5:1 is good, too.
Meaty foods safe for ornate box turtles include:
- Crickets
- Mealworms
- Waxworms
- Earthworms
- Superworms
- Red worms
- Grasshoppers
- Beetles
- Caterpillars
- Snails
- Slugs
- Pinky mice
Vegetables and fruits safe for ornate box turtles include:
- Collard greens
- Mustard greens
- Endives
- Parsley
- Dandelion greens
- Kale
- Spinach
- Beet tops
- Chinese cabbage
- Green Cabbage
- Green beans
- Blackberries
- Raspberries
- Apples
- Papaya
- Grapes
- Butternut squash
Dust insects and worms with a calcium supplement. Doing so ensures the turtle is getting the nutrients it needs. Calcium supplements combined with UVB lighting help prevent metabolic bone disease.
How Often Does A Box Turtle Eat?
Juveniles need to eat more often than adults and should receive food every day. Adults don’t need to eat as much, so cut their feedings back to once every other day.
Common Health Problems
Ornate box turtles are susceptible to respiratory infections. Parasites and vitamin A deficiencies are also common.
Respiratory infections are often a cause of low humidity levels. They can also be a sign of vitamin A deficiencies.
A turtle likely has a respiratory infection if it shows any of these symptoms:
- Wheezing
- Mucus around the nostrils & mouth
- Difficulty breathing
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy
Vitamin A deficiencies are most commonly caused by a nutrient-poor diet. The best way to prevent a deficiency is to ensure the turtle has a healthy, well-rounded diet.
A turtle likely has a vitamin A deficiency if it shows these symptoms:
- Recurring respiratory infections
- Weight loss
- Disorientation
Shell rot is also common among box turtles, caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. Shell rot is most common when a turtle’s tank isn’t kept clean. It’s also common when a turtle experiences a shell injury.
A turtle likely has shell rot if it shows these symptoms:
- Cracked
- Dry
- Smell of decay
- Discharge
Western Box Turtle Care, In A Nutshell
Consult this western box turtle care sheet for quick care tips:
| Western Box Turtle Care | |
| Enclosure Size | 40+ gallons (Inside)4 sqft (0.37 sqm) (Outside) |
| Temperature | Daytime Temperature — 80-88°F (26.7-31.1°C)Nighttime Temperature — 70-75°F (21.1-23.4°C)Basking Temperature — 90-95°F (32.2-35°C)Outside Temperature — Above 60°F (15.6°C) |
| Lighting | UVB Daytime BulbHeat Lamp |
| Humidity | 40-50% |
| Decorations | Hollow LogsCavesVegetation |
| Tank Mates | Do Best Alone |
| Diet | Various high-calcium proteins, vegetables, and fruits |
| Handling | Minimal to No Handling |
FAQs
Can You Eat A Box Turtle?
Turtles are a common food in some areas, but box turtles aren’t the best species to eat. Box turtles often eat toxic mushrooms. Those toxins remain in the turtle and can be dangerous to humans who eat them. It’s also possible to get parasites from box turtles if they aren’t cooked properly.
Besides being dangerous to eat, box turtles are “near threatened.” Their populations aren’t doing well. Their status alone should be enough to convince most people not to eat them.
Do Box Turtles Shed Their Shells?
Box turtles cannot shed their shells because their shell is a part of their body. Their ribs and backbones are fused to their shell. The fusing of the bones and shell is why it’s so catastrophic when a turtle’s shell is cracked or crushed. Even with veterinary intervention, healing a damaged shell can be difficult.
While they do not shed their entire shell, they shed their scutes. All turtles have scutes: layers of protective plates made of keratin. Keratin is the same stuff that makes up our nails and hair. So, turtles can shed it without damaging themselves.
In fact, shedding their scutes is necessary. Juveniles shed and replace their scutes as they grow. Shedding occurs to replace damaged scutes. It’s also good for eliminating parasites or diseases lingering on the shell.
Do Land Turtles Mate For Life?
Turtles and tortoises are not known for forming bonded mating pairs. Turtles mate with different turtles every year. They often mate with several individuals in a single mating season.
Do Turtles Live In The Desert?
Most turtles do not live in the desert, but a few species do. One example is the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). They live in the Mojave Desert across California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah.
Another example is the desert box turtle (Terrapene ornata luteola). They are a subspecies of the western box turtle. They live in New Mexico, Arizona, west Texas, and northern Mexico.
Are Box Turtles Friendly?
Box turtles are shy and do not like handling, so they aren’t particularly friendly. It’s rare, but a frightened box turtle may bite if it feels it has no other option. Still, box turtles can be fun to watch and talk to, even though they don’t like handling.
