How to Set Up an Indoor Box Turtle Enclosure

You can set up an indoor box turtle enclosure in a variety of ways, but there are some basics that all enclosures should include.

The most important thing you need to know is that box turtles are not aquatic turtles meaning they do not live in water.

In the wild, they spend most of their time on land, so it is important to provide an enclosure that allows your turtle to explore and get out of the shallow water.

Also, if you live in a colder climate, your box turtle set up will need to be indoors in a warm area.

While keeping a box turtle indoors is not the preferred option, you can provide the proper type of enclosure to make it more acceptable.

In this article, we will discuss the essentials for setting up an indoor box turtle enclosure and providing a home similar to the animal’s natural environment.

How Big Should the Box Turtle Habitat Be?

The size of the box turtle enclosure will depend on the type and number of turtles you want to keep. There are three general rules for determining the necessary space:

1. How many inches is your largest turtle? This should be measured from one end (the back) to another (the front). Make sure that this measurement includes all toes, not just the shell.
2. How much room does your turtle need to exercise? Turtles should have at least a 12″ by 12″ space in which to move around.
3. How high do you want your enclosure to be? Box turtles can climb, so make sure that the height of your enclosure is taller than your largest turtle.

If you are housing multiple turtles, you will need to increase the size of the habitat according to the following formula: LxWxH = (Number of Turtles)

So, if you have two turtles and they measure 12″ each, your enclosure should be at least 24″ by 24″.

Can Multiple Turtles Live Together Inside the Same Enclosure?

Yes, as long as the habitat is large enough and they have plenty of space to roam. It’s best not to house different species together, however, as they may compete for food or territory.

RELATED READ: Can Box Turtles Swim?

What Kind of Indoor Habitat Does a Box Turtle Need?

Now that you know how big should the box turtle habitat be, it is time to decide on the type of enclosure.

Providing enough floor space for box turtle indoor housing is one of the most significant issues for most people because some don’t have that kind of space to provide the box turtle with.

That being said there are a few options to set up an indoor box turtle enclosure.

Large Tank, Aquarium, or Terrarium

A glass enclosure can be fine with some drawbacks but one thing it does do really well is maintaining moisture and humidity within the enclosure.

This can be difficult in more open terrariums or habitats. Even so, I still believe that terrariums are the greatest alternative.

Plastic Tubs

A plastic storage tub is a less expensive option and it is easy to adjust the humidity levels. However, the turtles can only see one direction and they may escape if the height of the plastic tub is high enough.

Turtle Tables

Turtle tables allow excellent airflow and a low humidity level, which is ideal for box turtles.

The table provides plenty of space for the turtles to roam around and the height of the table allows you to easily view your turtles from all angles.

Can You Use A Wire Cage As An Enclosure For A Box Turtle?

While it is possible to use a wire cage as an enclosure for a box turtle, it is not recommended. Wire cages can easily rust and are difficult to clean. They also do not provide the turtles with any privacy or hiding places.

If you choose to use a wire cage as an enclosure, make sure that it is made out of stainless steel or galvanized metal.

Also, be sure to line the bottom with a substrate that is safe for turtles and absorbent. This will help keep the cage clean and dry.

RELATED READ: How To Care For A Tortoise

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What Do You Need For a Box Turtle Habitat?

Now that you have determined the type of the enclosure, it is time to start stocking it with supplies.

To set up an indoor box turtle enclosure, you will need a large enclosure, substrate, plants, hiding spots, lighting, water cup, and hygrometer. Here are the essentials:

1. Substrate/ Bedding

A substrate (bedding) that is safe for box turtles and absorbent. You can use a variety of materials such as pea gravel, indoor/outdoor carpeting, newspaper or Astroturf.

RELATED READ: The Best Tortoise Substrate

What Things To Avoid For A Box Turtle’s Bedding?

There are a few things to avoid when choosing a substrate for your box turtle’s enclosure. Do not use sand, cedar shavings or other materials that can be harmful if ingested.

The type of substrate you use in your enclosure plays an important role in keeping it clean and free from bacteria.

Be sure to change the substrate at least once a week and wash the enclosure with a reptile-safe detergent every month.

2. Water Dish/ Plate

A water dish that is big enough for your turtles to soak in and shallow enough so they cannot drown. It is also a good idea to have a separate food dish.

3. Hiding Places

Box turtles need a place to hide from the light and from other animals in the house. This can be anything from a cardboard box to a cave-like structure.

4. UVB Light

Box turtles need exposure to UVB light in order to synthesize vitamin D, which is essential for their health. A full-spectrum light bulb that casts UVA and UVB light is the best option.

How do I Choose the Right Power and Position of the Bulb?

When choosing a UVB light bulb, be sure to get the right size and wattage for your enclosure. The position of the bulb is also important.

It should be placed so that the turtles can soak up as much of the UVB rays as possible without getting burnt by them (which is harmful).

RELATED READ: The Best UVB Bulbs for Tortoise

5. Heat Lamp

Box turtles need a warm environment to live in, and the temperature of their habitat should be monitored closely. A heating pad or a heat lamp can provide the necessary warmth.

6. Thermometer and Humidity Gauge

These tools will help you keep track of the temperature and humidity levels in your turtle’s enclosure.

What Temperature do Box Turtles Need?

Box turtles are cold-blooded, which means that they cannot regulate their own body temperature. Instead, they rely on external sources of heat to warm up and cool down.

The optimal habitat temperature for box turtles is between 80°F (26°C) and 90°F (32°C), with a basking area that is between 90°F (32°C) and 95°F (35°C).

7. Safe Plants for Box Turtle Enclosure

• Philodendron
• Pothos
• Ficus
• Yucca
• Aloe Vera

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How to Set Up an Indoor Box Turtle Enclosure

1. Make sure there are no sharp edges or toxic materials inside of the habitat. This includes paint, glue and chemicals such as bleach. These can be harmful to your turtles.
2. Place a layer of substrate (bedding) at the bottom of the enclosure. This will help keep your turtles warm and provide traction for them to walk on.
3. Add a water dish that is big enough for your pets to soak in and shallow enough so they cannot drown. It is also a good idea to have a separate food dish. Place both dishes near the heat source so they do not freeze over.
4. Place a heating source under one corner of the enclosure to provide warmth when needed. You can use an electric blanket, hot rocks or even a human space heater if you want something more natural looking!
5. Add some hiding spot such as cardboard boxes and/or paper towel rolls for your turtles to hide in when they are feeling shy or want some privacy.
6. Install a full spectrum light bulb above the enclosure so your pets can get enough UVB rays throughout the day without burning themselves with direct sunlight. You may also want to place an incandescent lamp near their food dish if they need more heat at night while sleeping.
7. Place thermometers and humidity gauges in the enclosure so you can monitor conditions inside of it. These should be checked regularly to ensure your turtles are not overheating or dehydrating due to high temperatures out of their control.

Baby Box Turtle Indoor Enclosure

Baby box turtles are small and require a different setup than adult turtles. You need to use an open enclosure because they do not have strong legs yet, so they cannot climb out of it, in case you want it to roam around the house.

The enclosure should be filled with a substrate that will retain moisture such as coconut fiber or reptile moss. The substrate should be about three inches deep for babies but up to six inches deep for older turtles because they need to be able to burrow down into it.

A water dish that is big enough for the baby turtles to soak in should also be included and changed regularly to prevent bacteria from growing. The temperature of the habitat should be kept at 85°F (29°C) with a basking area that is around 95°F (35°C).

UVB light is not as important for baby box turtles as it is for adults, so you can use a fluorescent or incandescent lamp to provide light instead of a full spectrum bulb.

RELATED READ: How To Take Care Of A Baby Box Turtle

Box Turtle Habitat in the Wild

In the wild, box turtles can be found in a variety of habitats such as woodlands, meadows, marshes and even deserts.

When setting up an indoor box turtle habitat, it is important to try and mimic their natural environment as closely as possible. This will help make your turtles feel more comfortable and increase their chances of longer lifespan.

Some things you can do include adding live plants, a water dish and a heating source. You can also provide some logs or rocks for your turtles to bask on and hide in.

How to Keep my Turtle Tank Clean?

Clean the enclosure regularly. Even though you may think that turtles are dirty, they actually prefer clean water and surroundings just like us! So make sure to change out their water dish at least once every other day (more often if needed) as well as remove any waste from inside of it using a net or by hand with gloves on.

Remove any dead leaves and other debris that accumulate in the enclosure too, so your turtles don’t get sick from eating them!

If there are more than one turtle living together then do not clean out their water dishes at the same time because this could cause fights over territory rights or even death due to stress related issues such as shell rot.

Use a reptile safe disinfectant to clean the entire enclosure every week or two. This will help kill any bacteria, fungus or other harmful organisms that may be living inside of it.

Be sure to rinse off the disinfectant with clean water before replacing any of your turtles’ belongings back inside!

Cleaning a Box Turtle’s Water Dish

Turtles cannot tolerate dirty water and will become sick if it is not changed often enough. So make sure to change out their water dish at least once every other day (more often if needed).

If there are more than one turtle living together then do not clean out their water dishes at the same time because this could cause fights over territory rights or even death due to stress related issues such as shell rot.

Dispose of the dirty water in a sink, toilet or outside where it will quickly evaporate. Do not dump it down the drain or pour it on any plants as this will only contaminate them!

Clean the water dish with a reptile safe disinfectant every week or two. This will help kill any bacteria, fungus or other harmful organisms that may be living inside of it.

Be sure to rinse off the disinfectant with clean water before replacing the dish back inside

RELATED READ: Top 3 Best Tortoise Water Dishes

Do You Need To Make The Enclosure Escape-Proof?

No, it is not necessary to make the enclosure escape proof. However, if you have other animals in your home that could potentially harm your turtles, then it is a good idea to take some precautions.

One way to help prevent escapes is by using wire mesh or hardware cloth as a covering on top of the enclosure instead of Plexiglas or a screen door.

This will make it difficult for your turtles to climb out and will also keep other animals from being able to get in.

Another way to help prevent escapes is by attaching the enclosure securely to a wall or floor with screws or bolts. If it is not attached, it is very likely that your turtles will be able to tip over the whole thing and escape.

If you cannot attach your enclosure securely, then it is recommended that you place some heavy objects such as books or rocks around its edges so they cannot push it over easily.

You could also try placing a large rock directly in front of their door (or doors) which would prevent them from opening it.

Lastly, always make sure to keep an eye on your turtles and never leave them unattended in their enclosure!

Conclusion

So there you have it!

Everything you need to know about setting up an indoor box turtle enclosure. By following these simple tips, you can provide your turtles with a safe and comfortable home that they will enjoy for many years to come.

Be sure to clean the enclosure regularly and use a reptile safe disinfectant to keep it free of bacteria, fungus, and other harmful organisms.