How Much Is a Box Turtle? Buying And Care Guide!
If you are looking for an exotic pet, a box turtle is a low-maintenance animal that could be a great fit. Many people wonder how much is a box turtle. Box turtles can cost anywhere from $25 to $500 depending on the type of turtle and where you purchase the turtle.
Box turtles can cost anywhere from $25 to $500 depending on the type of turtle, type of seller, and where you purchase the turtle. If you want to purchase a baby, you will pay more than if you buy an adult turtle. Box turtles can cost less if you buy them in bulk.
Let’s dig deeper into the factors that influence the price of box turtles. We’ll look at the cost of baby box turtles, adult box turtles, and the cost of shipping. Finally, we’ll look at what you can do to save money when purchasing a box turtle.
How Much Does A Box Turtle Cost?
The price of a box turtle will depend on the species, gender, and age. Some box turtle species—such as the painted turtle—can cost around $50. Male terrestrial box turtles can be purchased for $20—while female terrestrial box turtles can cost upwards of $30.
Instead, baby box turtles—less than 6 months old—can be purchased for $10—while box turtle hatchlings that are 6 months old or older can be purchased for around $5.
If you’re interested in adopting a box turtle, it’s best to check with your local pet store or veterinarian to see if they offer any adoption programs.
If not, you can check online reptile sales sites such as eBay and Amazon to find a box turtle that seems right for you.
What Do Box Turtles Eat?
Box turtles are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They enjoy a variety of vegetation, such as clovers, dandelions, grasses, weeds, mushrooms, and fruits. They also consume insects, worms, slugs, snails, and carrion. In captivity, box turtles can be fed a variety of vegetables and fruits, as well as commercial turtle foods that are high in protein.
Insects—Giant Worms and Butterflies
You’ll often see these turtles plucking worms and bugs out of the ground. While this diet may seem unappealing to some people, reptiles are naturally built to digest meat and insects. Many box turtles enjoy eating insects—from caterpillars to butterflies—as well as worms.
Fruits and Vegetables—Carrots and Spinach
Many box turtles enjoy eating fruits and vegetables—such as carrots and spinach. You can feed your turtle these foods by chopping them up into small pieces. However, you should not feed your turtle vegetables exclusively or they may not get enough vitamins and minerals from their diet.
Mash—Dog or Cat Food
Some people feed their turtles dog or cat food—but this can be harmful. It’s best to use a reptile-specific food designed for box turtles.
When you choose the right food for your turtle—and provide the proper care—they can live a happy, healthy life for many years.
Monitor Your Turtle’s Health
It’s important to monitor your turtle’s health and appearance. Watch for signs of illness, such as loss of appetite or frequent hiding. If you notice something unusual—talk to a reptile expert or veterinarian for advice on how to help your pet.
How to Tell if a Box Turtle Is Male or Female?
Male box turtles have a prominent, elongated—almost cone-like—penis when excited. Females have a small slit underneath their bellies that leads to their cloaca.
If you’re still unsure, you can always consult a vet or a friend with experience—just make sure they are properly qualified to give advice on box turtles. When you’ve determined your turtle is male or female, it’s time to consider its living environment.
Male box turtles are aggressive and require a larger enclosure than females. They need a larger space to roam and exhibit their natural behaviors. Males are also more likely to try and escape their enclosures—so it is important to have a secure housing situation set up for them.
How to Build a Box Turtle Habitat
If you’re thinking of getting a box turtle, you should know that they are fairly independent—but still require some care. These terrestrial turtles don’t require too much space—but they do need a properly set-up enclosure.
Here’s what you need to know before setting up a habitat for your box turtle.
Generally, box turtles don’t require too much space—but they do need a properly set-up enclosure.
Your enclosure should have a snug-fitting lid to keep your turtle in and potential predators out. It should also offer protection from extreme temperatures and provide a place for your turtle to hide.
When setting up the enclosure, make sure it is well-ventilated and provides good drainage to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
You can either purchase an enclosure or make your own—just make sure it is properly secured and will not collapse or break.
How to Take Care of a Box Turtle
If you’re thinking about getting a box turtle as a pet, it is important to know how to take care of one.
Now, box turtles are generally low-maintenance pets—but they do require some care.
Here’s what you need to know about caring for a box turtle:
Provide a suitable habitat—A suitable habitat for a box turtle consists of an appropriately-sized enclosure with bedding for comfort and hiding spots, a heat source (such as a lamp or ceramic heater), andUVB and UVA light sources.
Provide a diet—A diet for a box turtle consists of high-protein veggies (like lettuce or lettuce-like greens) and fruits (like strawberries), high-protein pellets, and some live insects from time toIt is important to provide a variety of foods to ensure your turtle is getting all of the nutrients they need.
You may also consider setting up a small tank or bowl of fresh water for your turtle to swim in and drink from.
Provide vet care—It is important to have your turtle checked out by a veterinarian at least once a year to ensure they are healthy and free of any parasites or infections.
How Long Do Box Turtles Live
It is difficult to give a specific answer for this question as it all depends on the health and species of the box turtle. In general, a box turtle can live up to 20 years in captivity if provided with a proper diet and environment.
However, some species—such as the wood turtle—can live up to 50 years in captivity.
If you want to know the specific life expectancy of your pet turtle, it is important to consult a veterinarian—as their age can be different based on the species.
Is a Box Turtle a Good Pet
The answer to this question will always be subjective, as it depends on many factors—including the owner’s experience, interest, and living space.
That being said, box turtles are not the best pet to start with—as they require a lot of specialized care and attention.
It is important to remember that they cannot be left alone for long periods of time, nor can they be handled by children.
In addition, their diet should be carefully monitored to ensure they are getting all the necessary nutrients.
How Much Does a Baby Turtle Cost
Depending on its species—and whether it’s a male or female—a baby turtle can cost between $10 and $50.
The price usually varies based on the species of turtle—some are rarer and considered more valuable than others. For example, a Red-Eared Slider may cost more than a Box turtle.
Additionally, male turtles are often more expensive than female turtles as they can potentially breed and produce offspring.
And if you’re considering a rare or exotic species of turtle—such as a painted turtle or a snapping turtle—they will cost significantly more than the common variety.
Regardless of the species, all baby turtles will require the same initial setup and care.
Where to Buy a Box Turtle
Most pet stores—such as Petco and Petsmart—sell box turtles. But it’s important to note that they are not licensed by the USDA. We recommend purchasing a box turtle from a reputable breeder—one that is licensed by the USDA.
This means that they have gone through a rigorous inspection to ensure that they care for their animals properly, and they have been given a license to sell them.
A reputable box turtle breeder will offer full medical records for their turtles—including information on any illnesses or medications they have received.
They will also provide you with information on proper diet, housing, and care for your new pet.
Properly caring for a box turtle—including giving them appropriate housing and providing them with proper diet—will ensure that they live a long, healthy life.
What Is the Monthly Cost to Maintain a Small Turtle
The monthly cost to maintain a small turtle will vary depending on the species and age of the turtle—but in general, you can expect to spend around $20-$25 monthly.
Some species of small turtle—such as box turtles—are not too active and may only need a few utensils such as a proper bowl, bedding, and a hide area.
Other species—such as red-eared sliders—are active and will require more supplies such as a habitat or tank for swimming, dietary needs such as pellets, and various accessories for their health and safety.
Regardless of the species, you’ll also need to make regular trips to the vet for check-ups, shots, and any other health needs.
The good news is that most small turtle species are fairly hardy and do not require constant care.
However, you should always be aware of any changes in behavior or appearance that could indicate a health issue.
How Much Does a Turtle Tank Cost
A turtle tank can potentially run you anywhere from $50—$300 depending on the size and features of the tank.
If you plan on getting a large turtle—such as a red-eared slider—a larger tank will be necessary. For example, a 75 gallon tank is recommended for one adult red-eared slider.
On the other hand, smaller species of turtle can usually be kept in a tank that is around 20 gallons.
You’ll also need to purchase a lamp for proper lighting, some decorations for hiding, and a filter to keep the water clean.
How Much Is a Common Box Turtle
The price of a common box turtle can vary depending on their size, gender, and health. Typically, a common box turtle will cost between $10-50.
However, if you’re looking to purchase a healthy and captive-bred box turtle, they will typically cost more—such as a male or female adult that is already fixed and ready to go.
If you’re purchasing a baby box turtle, they will cost less but will require an extensive brining process before being set free into the wild.
What Is the Most Expensive Box Turtle
The most expensive box turtle is the Golden Box Turtle. These turtles have a solid golden shell—hence the name—and can be worth up to $1,000.
These turtles are not suitable for beginner reptile owners, as they are high-maintenance pets that require a lot of care.
Their tank needs to be large—at least 75 gallons—with a proper UVB lamp, heating source, and substrate. They also need regular feedings of a specialized diet and constant monitoring by a veterinarian.
Golden box turtles are generally peaceful but can be aggressive with similar species, so it’s important to only keep one in a single enclosure.
What is the average growth rate of a box turtle and how does it relate to its price?
The box turtle growth rate greatly influences its price. On average, these turtles grow at a slow pace, typically reaching maturity in 7-10 years. Slower growth rates tend to make them more expensive due to the extended time required for them to reach a saleable size. Consequently, higher growth rates can lower the price, as these turtles can be sold sooner.
Conclusion
We hope we provided all the information you needed about the cost of box turtles. The most important factors that influence the cost of a box turtle are where you purchase the turtle and the age of the turtle. The younger the turtle, the more expensive it will be. Box turtles from breeders are more expensive than box turtles from pet stores.
Have you ever purchased a box turtle? What factors did you consider? Leave a comment below to let us know.