Please let us know if any of the links did not work for you, if you have any questions, or if you want to use or add anything that is not listed here that will need pre-approval.  We are here to help you with this process so that you and your new family addition are successful!

Turtle Tip 1: These are SOLITARY animals, they do not get lonely.  Only ONE animal per enclosure.  Box Turtles CAN hibernate or brumate so don’t be worried if they start to slow down or stop eating through October.  MOST do not hibernate in captivity but they CAN.

Enclosure Assembly

When the enclosure changes, the heating, lighting, and UVB/A requirements can change too.

Enclosure Type 1: 

Housing: Zen Habitat Median PVC Reptile Enclosure, 48" x 24" x 16" - https://amzn.to/4boVPGQ  (Amazon)

UVB Fixture/Bulb: 

(Option 1)

Arcadia ProT5 UVB Kit - 6% UVB Jungle, 35 Inch (Bulb & Fixture) - https://amzn.to/3HJ0q98 (Amazon)

(Option 2)

Zoo Med ReptiSun T5-HO Terrarium Hood, 36" (Currently Unavailable)

Alternative would be the 48” - https://amzn.to/49134mX (Amazon)

Zoo Med Reptisun 5.0 T5-54W 46” UVB Bulb - https://amzn.to/42oF8XU (Amazon)

Heat Fixture:

                Zoo Med Combo Mini Double Dome - https://amzn.to/42pzlkY (Amazon)

                With a Dinner Switch - https://amzn.to/3SHX4K6 (Amazon

Heat Daytime:

                Arcadia Halogen Heat Lamp 75 Watt - https://rb.gy/oidi60 (PetSmart)

Heat Nighttime:

Arcadia Deep Heat Emitter 80watt for Reptile Enclosures - https://amzn.to/47WLIWU (Amazon)

Enclosure Type 2: 

Housing: REPTIZOO 50 Gallon Glass Reptile Tank, 48" x 24" x 10" - https://amzn.to/3Scispm (Amazon)

UVB Fixture/Bulb: 

(Option 1)

Arcadia ProT5 UVB Kit - 6% UVB Jungle, 35 Inch (Bulb & Fixture) - https://amzn.to/3HJ0q98 (Amazon)

(Option 2)

Zoo Med ReptiSun T5-HO Terrarium Hood, 36" (Currently Unavailable)

Alternative would be the 48” - https://amzn.to/49134mX (Amazon)

Zoo Med Reptisun 5.0 T5-54W 46” UVB Bulb - https://amzn.to/42oF8XU (Amazon)

Heat Daytime:

                                Arcadia Halogen Heat Lamp 75 Watt - https://rb.gy/oidi60 (PetSmart)

Heat Nighttime:

(Option 1 – Top)

Arcadia Deep Heat Emitter 80watt for Reptile Enclosures - https://amzn.to/47WLIWU (Amazon)

Zoo Med Combo Mini Double Dome - https://amzn.to/42pzlkY (Amazon) with a Dinner Switch - https://amzn.to/3SHX4K6 (Amazon) to house both the deep heat emitter and the halogen

(Option 2 – Under):

Fluker's Premium Heat Mat for All Reptiles and Amphibians, Large 17"x11", Black - https://amzn.to/3vX3fkm (Amazon)

If this option is selected you will need a Zoo Med Mini Single Dome - https://amzn.to/3umhGhA (Amazon) for the halogen

 Enclosure Type 3: 

Housing: REPTIZOO 85 Gallon Glass Reptile Tank, 48" x 24" x 18" - https://amzn.to/3OrcijY  (Amazon)

UVB Fixture/Bulb: 

(Option 1)

Arcadia ProT5 UVB Kit - 6% UVB Jungle, 35 Inch (Bulb & Fixture) - https://amzn.to/3HJ0q98 (Amazon)

(Option 2)

Zoo Med ReptiSun T5-HO Terrarium Hood, 36" (Currently Unavailable)

Alternative would be the 48” - https://amzn.to/49134mX (Amazon)

Zoo Med Reptisun 5.0 T5-54W 46” UVB Bulb - https://amzn.to/42oF8XU (Amazon)

Heat Daytime:

                                Arcadia Halogen Heat Lamp 75 Watt - https://rb.gy/oidi60 (PetSmart)

Heat Nighttime:

(Option 1 – Top)

Arcadia Deep Heat Emitter 80watt for Reptile Enclosures - https://amzn.to/47WLIWU (Amazon)

Zoo Med Combo Mini Double Dome - https://amzn.to/42pzlkY (Amazon) with a Dinner Switch - https://amzn.to/3SHX4K6 (Amazon) to house both the deep heat emitter and the halogen

(Option 2 – Under):

Fluker's Premium Heat Mat for All Reptiles and Amphibians, Large 17"x11", Black - https://amzn.to/3vX3fkm (Amazon)

If this option is selected you will need a Zoo Med Mini Single Dome - https://amzn.to/3umhGhA (Amazon) for the halogen

Heating, Lighting, & UVB Set-up & Management

Ideal temperatures Box Turtles range from 70-75°F on the cool side, 80-88°F on the warm side. Provide a 84-88°F basking area on the warm side.  Night temps should be between 60-70°F.  The UVB Ferguson Zone is 1-2.

The UVB and top daytime heat fixtures are plugged into the timer and set to be on for 12 hours and off for 12 hours.

Timer: 24-Hour Mechanical Timer Outlet with multiple Grounded Outlets. Daytime units will plug into the timer side, night time units will plug into the continuous side - https://amzn.to/3w0aBnk (Amazon)

If this option is selected, the under-tank heat mat will be TAPED ON (do not use the mat adhesive*) with CLEAR PACKING TAPE - https://amzn.to/47JZ2Of (Amazon)

Thermostat: ReptiZoo dimmable thermostatic controller - https://amzn.to/3UcgWGq (Amazon) - the nighttime heat source will be plugged into this unit.

If you chose top heat the sensor for the controller will be secured either at ground level in the projected heat path of the deep heat projector with the clear packing tape.

If you choose the under-tank heat mat the sensor the sensor will be taped flush and securely to the center of a black panel on the underside of the heat mat with the clear packing tape.  To clarify the order goes from top to bottom: glass, heat mat, sensor, tape.

*As the heat mat heats up and cools down, the adhesive on the mat, if used to secure it to the underside of a glass tank, becomes as strong as concrete.  Assuming you will need to replace the heat mat at least once through the course of the animal’s life means that you will want to be able to remove it without risk of breaking the glass.  This is why we do not use the adhesive to secure the mat, we use the packing tape instead.

Clear packing tape has proven to be the most secure adhesive that can be removed without damage or a huge gooey mess.

It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to get a Solarmeter Model 6.5 UV Index Meter - https://amzn.to/3S7qvUd (Amazon).  This is to not only measure the Ferguson Zone for the UVB but it tells you when the UVB has been burned off from the bulb.

While the bulbs that we recommend generally need to be replaced every 10 - 11 months, some can be defective and burn out sooner.  UVB lights can stop emitting UVB but still illuminate.  Always save the bulb box and receipt if you need to exchange it due to this.  The meter can help to prove your case.

Alternatively, many of these bulbs live longer than expected.  If you check the health of your UVB bulb once a month, you may find that it is viable for many months longer than expected, thus saving you money in the long run.

Remember, the Ferguson Zone you want for your box turtle to be in is 1-2.  The meter will help you to learn where that is in your enclosure.   It needs to reach the highest point that your gecko can climb to.  This will remain an unknown without the meter.  Be Aware!  Cheaper means unreliable or measures the wrong thing.

TIP!!! - Never throw away your UVB light box or receipt in case you need to return it for burning out too soon.

To manage your gradient temperatures, you need the Etekcity Infrared Thermometer Laser Temperature Gun - https://amzn.to/42pQawp (Amazon).  Knowing the temps is helpful if your animal is not acting or behaving in a normal way. You can even use it to test your animal's temp as well as the water for your animal’s bath!

Décor, Hints & Tips:

We do not recommend using anything that has suction cups because they become weak over time and can cause a hazard for your turtle. 

Everything needs to be reptile safe so when looking for things like wood or rocks it is recommended you purchase these items new from a reptile retailer. 

If possible, it’s preferred to use items that are not porous or made of wood for a healthy and easy-to-clean environment.

If you want to use items from outside you MUST scrub them with Dawn Wildlife Safe Dish Soap - https://amzn.to/428GOoo (Amazon) followed by a wipe down or spray of 99% Isopropyl Alcohol - https://amzn.to/3Hv2txG (Amazon). 

If it is wood that is from either outside or is second hand you MUST do the above THEN bake it in an oven at 250 degrees for 2 hours – set your timer to check on it every 15 minutes to make sure it does not catch on fire.

Visual Barrier - Turtle Tip 2: Box turtles will stress if they can see out and cannot get there.  You need to put a visual barrier all the way around the enclosure to prevent this.  Be aware that you will need to do this on sliding front doors if you have them too.

Use the one that comes with the Zen Habitat, create your own, or purchase a cling that you may need to cut to size.  Remember, the visual images are for your Box Turtle, not you but clings do exist with images on both sides.

Cling Options for the glass enclosure options:    

·         48 x 18 – you will need 3 - https://amzn.to/3ua7kRY (Amazon)

·         48 x 18 – you will need 3 - https://amzn.to/42vzPWP (Amazon)

·         48 x 18 – you will need 3 - https://amzn.to/49m9Gft (Amazon)

Substrate – There are a few different combinations that you can do.  We recommend that you provide a substrate that is both dig-able and holds humidity.  Know that you will most likely be changing your turtle water regularly because they like to get in and out of their water and drag the dirt in with them.  Here is what we use as a combo: It is best to use a mix of 60% soil, 35% play sand, and 5% humidity holders like sphagnum moss.

60% Soil Options

•       Reptisoil – specifically made for reptiles: https://amzn.to/3w2qdH3 (Amazon)

•       Eco Earth – to help retain humidity: https://amzn.to/49nx5ND (Amazon)

35% Sand Options

•       Quikcrete 50 lb. Premium Play Sand– washed and dried - https://rb.gy/rki531 (HomeDepo)

•       Quikcrete 50 lb. Premium Play Sand– washed and dried -  https://rb.gy/ayqug7  (Lowes)

5% Humidity Options

•       Sphagnum moss – if humidity is low or a struggle: https://amzn.to/3HFml1f (Amazon)

•       ReptiBark – for texture: https://amzn.to/3SFXTTG (Amazon)

Hides and Climbs – Box turtles like to climb small rounded items, especially if they want to bask or get closer to the UVB.  They need at least 2 places to hide in and explore for enrichment.

Here are a few different Hides to choose from:

·         Large corner simulated rock hide: https://amzn.to/49hWYhv (Amazon)

·         Large half plant pot: https://amzn.to/4bkSgl8 (Amazon)

·         Large shale scape step hide: https://amzn.to/3SMEkJy (Amazon)

·         Cork bark for a ramp/hide: https://amzn.to/4blW45Cc (Amazon)

Dishes and Suppliants:

Water Bowl: this will be placed on the cool side and should be shallow enough for your box turtle to get in and out of but not be fully submerged. We like the 12-inch terracotta plant plate: https://amzn.to/48Ws0fh (Amazon)

Chlorine remover: Tap water is healthy for your animals because of the minerals in it but you will need to remove the chlorine from it with Zoomed ReptiSafe Water Conditioner for Reptiles - https://amzn.to/480MCBM  (Amazon).  This is to be used in drinking water, soaking water, and the water to spray the substrate for humidity.

*Please Note - bottled water is not recommended and distilled is dangerous for reptiles

Food Dish: There are 2 needed for omnivores:

·         Flat dish for salads with or without bugs: https://amzn.to/3OupPrf (Amazon)

·         Large Ceramic Reptile worm Dish - https://amzn.to/3utFkZo  (Amazon)

Calcium w/vitamin D3 & Multivitamin: 

• Rep-Cal Calcium with Vitamin D3 - https://amzn.to/3OdOtMx (Amazon)
  • • Rep-Cal Herptivite Multivitamin with Beta Carotene - https://amzn.to/3S9vZhs (Amazon)

 Tip: Make a 50/50 mix in a new jar to sprinkle on food and dust bugs with.

Spray Bottle: Avenoir Mister Spray Bottle - https://amzn.to/3HwjzLu (Amazon) This will be used to keep the substrate damp for humidity.

Feeding Tongs:  Zoo Med Soft Tip Angled Stainless Steel Feeding Tongs, 10" - https://amzn.to/4b67OJk (Amazon) These will be needed if you want to feed your box turtle black Mexican crickets or dubia roaches.

Bug Food – You will need to get food based on the bugs you decide to feed your box turtle.  All must be gut-loaded first or they are no healthier than potato chips.  We feed our super worms, giant mealworms, dubia roaches, black Mexican crickets, night crawlers (earthworms), and occasionally green hornworms.

·      Calci-mMm helps keep your bugs hydrated – we can teach you how but it is essential if you have crickets or roaches that you are keeping longer than just for one feed: https://amzn.to/3SEP8Jr (Amazon)

Roach Rations Premium can be used for all roach feeders: https://amzn.to/49o4rff (Amazon)

Cricket Cuisine Premium: https://amzn.to/48Yy9aR (Amazon)

High Calcium Mealworm (& super worm) diet: https://amzn.to/3w1MvZk (Amazon)

Bug Burger is great for all mentioned bugs as an alternative (except horn worms): https://amzn.to/4bqqSlU (Amazon)

Please let us know if any of the links did not work for you, if you have any questions, or if you want to use or add anything that is not listed here that will need pre-approval.  We are here to help you with this process so that you and your new family addition are successful!