Everything You Need To Know About Asian Box Turtle Care
Turtles are one of the most amazing creations found in nature. The world is home to several unique and interesting types of turtles. While some of these turtles are perfect as pets, most are better off in their own habitat.
Originating from Southeast Asia, the Asian box turtle belongs to the Cuora genus. The captivating colors of this turtle, combined with its unique characteristics, make it a topic of interest among turtle enthusiasts. Taking proper care of Asian box turtles is important to ensure good health and lifespan.
However, many people are not aware of how to take care of an Asian box turtle properly. To make things easier for you, we will discuss the details of Asian box turtle care. Here, we will also talk about several other factors relevant to the topic. So, stay with us till the end of the guide!
Basic Information About Asian Box Turtles
Contents
| Scientific Name | Cuora Ambionensis |
| Common Name | Asian Box Turtle |
| Adult Size | 5 to 10 inches |
| Max Size | 12 inches |
| Lifespan | 100 years or more |
| Diet | Worms, lettuce, strawberries, leafy greens, tomatoes, crickets, etc. |
| Range | Southeast Asia |
| Behavior | Aquatic or semi-aquatic |
| Clutch Size | 1 to 5 eggs |
| Legal To Keep In the USA | Yes |
| Extinction Status | Not Extinct |
Are Asian Box Turtles Easy To Take Care Of?
Asian box turtles are not the most accessible turtles in nature to take care of. Due to their aquatic or semi-aquatic behavior, these turtles have specific and extra needs. Meeting these needs is significant to ensure the excellent health and safety of the specie.
However, Asian box turtles are not the hardest to take care of as well. You just have to maintain a proper diet while ensuring that all the Asian box turtle needs are appropriately met. And this includes the living conditions.
How To Take Care Of An Asian Box Turtle?
As we mentioned earlier, Asian box turtles belong to the Cuora genus. This category is divided into 12 aquatic and semi-aquatic species that range from China to Southeast Asia. However, taking care of an Asian box turtle is easy if you conduct proper research and have the required resources. So, take a look at the Asian box turtle care sheet.
Food and Diet
One of the most important things that you must properly take care of when it comes to Asian box turtles is their diet. These box turtles feast on a wide variety of food. And making sure that they have a perfectly balanced diet is highly important. Asian box turtles are naturally omnivorous, and this means that their diet requires both plants and animals.
Vegetables and fruits such as lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries, bananas, watermelon, and so on are necessary for the diet. Not only that but adding earthworms, snails, mealworms, quail meat, chopped chicken, etc., is also essential. The proper balance between plants and animals is vital in order to ensure the good health of the turtles.
While some turtles will eat more plants than animals, the rest will feast on more animals compared to plants. Make sure to add calcium powder and vitamins to the diet.
Housing
Ensuring a safe and secure environment for the turtles is essential for proper growth and survival. For one turtle, a 20-gallon tank is a right size. This will give the turtle enough space to move freely and give you the opportunity to ensure a proper setup. Asian box turtles have semi-aquatic or aquatic behavior; preparing half water and half land set up is a perfect idea.
Provide enough water for the turtle and change the water once every few weeks. The use of filtered water is an excellent way of reducing the risk of illnesses. Not only that, but maintaining proper light and temperature is a must. Putting small leafy plants in the gallon will give the turtle a natural surrounding.
Light & Temperature
For any living thing to survive, the proper amount of light and temperature is required. And the case is no different for Asian box turtles. Making sure that the turtles receive an adequate amount of sunlight is essential. This is because the turtles get the required vitamins from sunlight.
However, if the Asian box turtle is enclosed in an indoor environment, getting proper sunlight is not usually an option. In cases like these, you will have to set up a special lamp to ensure that captivity turtles are not stripped of vital vitamins. Similarly, maintaining the temperature of the turtles is also an essential factor in their survival.
Asian box turtles can survive in both warm and cold conditions. However, keeping the turtles outside during winter causes them to hibernate. And this hibernation often causes the death of the turtles. Keeping the turtles outside during summer is a good idea as they usually require an ambient temperature ranging between 70 to 90 degrees.
Make sure to move the Asian box turtles indoors when the temperature drops. Prepare the enclosed system properly and keep it warm with the help of light bulbs, UVB lights, and so on.
Can You Keep Asian Box Turtle As A Pet?
The Asian box turtle can be kept as a pet. It is a beginner-level turtle and is relatively easy to take care of. Also, the Asian box turtle as pets are unique as they are not shy. The active and entertaining nature of the turtles makes them perfect pets.
What Does An Asian Box Turtle Need In A Tank?
Box turtles make fantastic pets, but they require proper care and attention. Before getting an Asian box turtle or any box turtle, make sure to conduct proper research. Think thoroughly before you make the decision to bring an Asian box turtle home.
Setting up the perfect tank is a must to ensure that the Asian box turtle is safe and comfortable in its tank. Instead of preparing a glass tub, go for a large plastic tub. Glass tubs are confusing to turtles and cause their stress levels to rise. A large tub is required as a full-grown Asian box turtle will require a large amount of space to move freely.
For Asian box turtles, prepare a half-land and half-water tank. If you are setting the tank indoors, add specialized lights and bulbs to replace the sunlight. Ensure that the proper temperature is maintained between 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If the tank is set outdoors, ensure the temperature does not drop below 75 degrees Fahrenheit during nighttime.
Putting filtered and clear water in the tank is a must. Not only that, but you will have to change the water once every few weeks. Put small plants in the tank to make the surroundings familiar and comfortable for the turtle. Make sure to have a designated space on the land for putting the food out for the Asian box turtle.
FAQs
Asian box turtles are quite popular in the Asian food markets. However, many of these turtles are rescued and moved for safe survival. You will also find Asian box turtles in several turtle breeding groups in the United States.
Asian box turtles do not easily adjust to new environments. The turtles will try to find a way to return to their old habitat, and their stress levels will rise. Providing them with a comfortable environment is important to allow the Asian box turtles to settle. It will also help to reduce the stress levels of the turtles.
Final Words
Asian box turtles are undoubtedly a beautiful creation found in nature. These turtles make friendly and playful pets. And taking care of them is relatively easy compared to taking care of other box turtles. However, research and prepare a comfortable tank for the turtle before getting one.
Do not forget to keep a close eye on the temperature or diet of the Asian box turtles. And if you need any help in Asian box turtle care, refer to this guide to understand how to take care of the turtle.
