General Care Discussion :: Back from the vet

[jenaero]

I brought Dog & Poe in for a checkup because they've never been. Dog has a clean bill of health but Poe has a soft shell.

He did say that Dog looks great, and if I keep giving Poe the same care as Dog that he should be better in a couple of months. Dog is a healthy 73grams, Poe is only 46grams and his shell is pretty warped.

Oh, and he said they're both 3 toed box turtles

[steve]

Well that solves that mystery. Glad everything's good!

[TinySlider2]

I bet you were surprised when the vet said they were 3 toed box.

[jenaero]

Well I've had my suspicions but no confirmation til now. I told him I was a bit disappointed because I chose easterns because they're more colourful as adults. He said something about trading them in at a reptile expo but there's no way I'm doin that.

[DanielRES1180]

You feel guilty trading off your responsibility or do you just think how they end up?

[jenaero]

Neither really. They're just my babies and I don't care what kind they are, I could never part with them. I'll get some easterns when I'm ready for more.

[sarah]

One of my teachers told me that box turtles can walk around the house...like dogs and cats. She said hers had a little bowl it ate of and everything. Is that true? Don't they need water too?

[jenaero]

I've never let mine roam simply because they're too small right now and could easily get lost/stepped on. When they're full grown I may let them explore a bit but it's really not necessary. They do need water, but only a water dish large enough to soak in.

[reptilegrrl]

One of my teachers told me that box turtles can walk around the house...like dogs and cats. She said hers had a little bowl it ate of and everything. Is that true? Don't they need water too?

Box turtles need to soak in water every day. They are also very messy eaters; they do not eat the way dogs and cats do, they often walk in their food and drag it around. And, they poop a LOT. They are not litter box trained. Also, if a box turtle is free-roaming around the house, they are not getting the UV and heat that they need.

So I would not suggest letting a boxie roam around the house. I think your teacher was either pulling your leg, or taking very poor care of her box turtle.

[chevyturtle]

I rescued a box turtle some years ago. I had it in my apartment briefly until I found a new safe place to let it go. I hate seeing turtles roaming around the city...... especially with careless drivers around. It was nice when I lived in the country and could find plenty of places to release them. And yes, I'm one of those people who will stop on a road a turtle is attempting to cross (and will even help them get across). I even have a sign that reads: Turtle Crossing. lol