How to Tell the Age of a Box Turtle? Every Method Explained!
If you love turtles, or probably have a pet box turtle. Maybe you have discovered that you have inherited a turtle from a family member. Perhaps you just found a turtle in the wild and wondering how to tell the age of a box turtle.
You can tell the age of a box turtle by looking at the rings on the scute and the plates on the underside of the turtle. A box turtle grows one scute ring every year. You can use the size of the rings to estimate the turtle’s age.
But how can you tell how old a box turtle is without counting the scute rings? There are also other methods you can use. Here I will share some tips for estimating the age of a box turtle using information from the outside and the inside of the turtle.
Determining the Age of a Box Turtle by Its Shell, Size, and Behavior
When attempting to determine the age of a box turtle, there are a few indicators that can be used as a guide. Here are three methods you can use to identify the turtle’s age.
Counting Shell Growth Rings
One way to tell the age of a box turtle—is by counting the growth rings on its shell. Two rings represent one year of growth. Some turtles may have fewer rings, while others may have more. It all depends on the turtle’s diet and living conditions.
Observing Physical Characteristics
You can identify the age of a box turtle by observing its physical characteristics. For example, older turtles tend to be larger in size and have more developed shells than younger turtles. Besides, older turtles have a smoother skin texture—while younger turtles usually have a bumpy skin texture.
Looking at Its Behavior
One easier method of telling the turtle’s age is by observing its behavior. Young turtles are more active and tend to explore more than older turtles. Aged turtles are typically less active and spend more time hiding or sleeping.
How to Determine A Box Turtle’s Age By Counting Shell Rings?
To count the rings on a box turtle, you need a good source of light and a good set of eyes. Remember that this method of determining a box turtle’s age is not entirely accurate and should be used as a rough estimate.
Here is the step-by-step procedure of this method.
Step 1: Gather materials
To determine a box turtle’s age, you will need a magnifying glass or a microscope, a bright light source, and a turtle.
Step 2: Prepare the turtle
Place the turtle on a clean surface and make sure it is calm and comfortable. Gently turn the turtle over and take a close look at the scutes on its plastron (underside of the shell).
Step 3: Count the rings
Use the magnifying glass or microscope to examine the scutes closely. You should be able to see rings within the scute, similar to the rings on a tree. Count the number of rings present in a scute.
Step 4: Divide the number by 2
Once you have counted the number of rings, divide that number by 2. This will give you an approximation of the turtle’s age in years. For example, if you found 12 rings then the estimated age of the turtle is 6 years old.
Step 5: Repeat the process
Repeat this process for multiple scutes to ensure accuracy and cross-reference your findings.
How to Determine A Box Turtle’s Age By Its Size?
Another method is checking the turtle’s size and weight to determine its age. Here is a step-by-step procedure.
Step 1: Gather Measurement Tools
To find the age of a box turtle, you will need a tape measure or ruler. You will also need a scale to weigh the turtle.
Step 2: Measure the Length of the Turtle
Carefully measure the length of the turtle from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail. Record this measurement for later reference.
Step 3: Measure the Width of the Turtle
Next, measure the width of the turtle across the widest part of the shell. Again, record this measurement for later reference.
Step 4: Weigh the Turtle
Carefully place the turtle on the scale and record its weight.
Step 5: Look Up Size and Weight Charts
Look up size and weight charts for box turtles online or in a reptile guidebook. These charts will typically list the average size and weight of these turtles at different ages.
Step 6: Compare Measurements and Weight
Compare the measurements and weight of your turtle to those listed on the size and weight chart. This will give you a general idea of the turtle’s age.
Step 7: Consider Other Factors
Keep in mind that the size and weight of a turtle can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as diet and environment. Therefore, it is best to consider these factors when determining the turtle’s age.
Step 8: Seek Professional Help
If you are still unsure about the age of the turtle, seek the help of a veterinarian or a reptile expert. They will be able to give you a more accurate estimate based on their experience and knowledge. I am providing a chart below for your convenience.
| Age | Length (inches) | Width (inches) | Weight (pounds) |
| Hatchling | 1.2-1.6 | 0.8-1.2 | 0.04-0.066 |
| 1 year | 3.2-4 | 1.6-2 | 0.11-0.15 |
| 2 years | 4.8-6 | 2.4-2.8 | 0.2-0.26 |
| 3 years | 7.2-8 | 3.2-3.6 | 0.33-0.4 |
| 4 years | 8.7-9.4 | 4-4.4 | 0.44-0.51 |
| 5 years | 10.2-11.2 | 4.8-5.2 | 0.55-0.62 |
| 6 years | 11.8-12.6 | 5.6-6 | 0.66-0.77 |
| 7 years | 13.4-14.2 | 6.4-6.8 | 0.88-0.99 |
| 8 years | 15-15.8 | 7.2-7.6 | 1.1-1.2 |
| 9 years | 16.5-17.3 | 8-8.4 | 1.3-1.4 |
| 10 years | 18.1-18.9 | 8.8-9.2 | 1.5-1.6 |
The above table is an example, and the measurements may vary depending on the species, sex, diet, and environment of the turtle.
How Long Do Box Turtles Live?
The average lifespan of a box turtle in the wild is 20 years, but some can live up to 50 years old in the right environment. In captivity, they can live much longer—several decades. The exact lifespan of a box turtle will depend on several factors, including the species, diet, and living conditions.
The most common species of this turtle, the Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina), can live for an average of 50-60 years in captivity and 30-40 years in the wild. The lifespan of the ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata) is similar, with an average of 40-50 years in captivity and 20-30 years in the wild.
However, there are many variables that can impact the health and longevity of a box turtle, including diet, environment, and genetics. Some common health issues that box turtles may face include pneumonia, diarrhea, parasites, and shell infections.
It’s important to ensure your pet turtle is getting the proper care, including regular vet check-ups to help ensure a long and happy life.
What Are the Signs of a Healthy Box Turtle?
A healthy box turtle is alert and active, with an overall healthy appearance. They have a solid shell with no tears or holes, and no signs of parasites or illness. They have clear eyes with no signs of infection or parasites, and their breathing is regular and not labored.
Their diet should include a variety of vegetables, fruits, and meats. Including dog food, along with a source of fresh water. Overall, a healthy box turtle will be active and exhibit strong appetites for food and water.
But if you notice any changes in behavior, appearance, or health—such as lethargy, changes in shell shape or coloration, or discharge from the eyes or nose, it’s best to bring them to the veterinarian for an examination.
What Do Baby Box Turtles Look Like?
Baby box turtles have a variety of colors and patterns on their shells. Some have green, brown, black, or orange markings on their shells. But they usually have a solid color.
These little reptiles have a small plastron on the underside of their shell. Which is usually black or brown with irregular patterns.
Their head and neck are black or brown, and their legs are dark green or black with orange or brown circles on them. Eyes are usually black when they are newborns and begin to change to dark orange as they get older.
The shell, including the plastron, is covered with a thin layer of the gray, black, or brown shell. And the underside of their shell is pink or black.
At What Age Is a Box Turtle Fully Grown?
A box turtle is fully grown when it reaches adult size—which varies between species and gender. Once they reach maturity, they stop growing. In most cases, adult turtles are considered fully grown when they measure around 5-7 inches in length. Typically they reach maturity at 4-6 years old.
The male box turtle’s shell is typically smaller than the female’s, but both genders have a similar—yet unique shape.
Male box turtles have longer and thicker tails at the end of their shell, while females have a longer and wider plastron that extends past their front legs.
How Big Do Box Turtles Get to Be?
The adult size for a box turtle can be anywhere from 10–12 inches in carapace length. Though I have personally never seen a box turtle over 10 inches in my years of being a reptile owner. Some species of box turtles can even get larger than that. Such as the Eastern Box Turtle, which can grow to be 12 inches in carapace length.
However, if you have an Eastern Box Turtle as a pet, it’s important to know that these turtles will not grow as large as other species of box turtles, like the Three-Clyster or Ornate Box Turtle.
The weight of a box turtle can vary greatly depending on the species and diet, but they are generally considered lightweight reptiles and do not weigh more than a few pounds at their largest.
How Big Is a 5-Year-Old Box Turtle?
In general, a 5-year-old box turtle is about 6 inches long or about the size of an iPhone and weighs about 10 ounces. However, some turtles may be bigger or smaller than that, depending on their diet and genetics.
Tragically, these reptiles can become victims of a number of health issues as they age including shell rot and cancer due to their low-maintenance lifestyles.
However, there are some measures you can take to ensure your pet’s good health—including regular vet check-ups and proper diet.
Ultimately, at 5 years old, your turtle will be at its adult size and should be considered fully grown.
Conclusion
Determining the age of a box turtle is a tricky but achievable task. It requires careful examination of the turtle’s physical characteristics and an understanding of the turtle’s natural environment.
With the right knowledge, you can form a good estimate of your turtle’s age. Remember that this is only an estimate, and the accuracy of your determination will depend on the quality of your observation and research.
Now you know how to tell the age of a box turtle using the rings on the scute, the plates on the underside, and the size of the turtle. You also learned how to tell the turtle’s age by looking at its overall appearance.
Have you ever tried to tell how old a box turtle is? Leave a comment below to let us know how accurate you were!
