TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction1
- Glossary of Box Turtle Terms2
- Chapter One: Understanding Box Turtles7
- Summary of Box Turtle Facts9
- Basic Box Turtle Information9
- Origin and Distribution11
- Species and Subspecies of Box Turtles12
- Chapter Two: Things to Know Before Getting a Box Turtle17
- Do You Need a License?19
- How Many Box Turtles Should You Keep?23
- Do Box Turtles Get Along with Other Pets?25
- How Much Does it Cost to Keep a Box Turtle?26
- What are the Pros and Cons of Keeping Box Turtles?28
- Pros for the Box Turtle29
- Cons for the Box Turtle30
- Chapter Three: Purchasing Your Box Turtle33
- On Adopting Rescues34
- How to Choose a Reputable Box Turtle Breeder36
- Tips for Selecting a Healthy Box Turtle38
- Chapter Four: Caring for Your New Box Turtle41
- The Basics of Reptile Thermoregulation42
- Box Turtle Housing or Enclosure43
- Temperature and Lighting Requirements45
- Maintaining Humidity47
- Chapter Five: Meeting Your Box Turtle’s Nutritional Needs49
- The Nutritional Needs of Box Turtles50
- Animal or high-protein foods51
- Plant-based food, including fruits and vegetables52
- Important Vitamins and Minerals53
- Tips for Feeding Your Box Turtle55
- Chapter Six: Box Turtle Care and Husbandry57
- Understanding Box Turtle Behavior58
- Box Turtle Hibernation or Brumation59
- Preparing a Hibernaculum62
- Chapter Seven: Box Turtle Handling and Temperament65
- Box Turtle Temperament66
- Tips for Handling your Box Turtle68
- The Growth and Development of Box Turtles70
- Behavioral Characteristics of Box Turtles72
- Chapter Eight: Breeding Your Box Turtle75
- Selection and Care of the Breeding Pair76
- Laying and Care of the Eggs79
- Caring for the Hatchlings81
- Chapter Nine: Keeping Your Box Turtle Healthy85
- Common Conditions Affecting Box Turtles86
- Swollen and Closed Eyes87
- Ear Abscesses88
- Parasites89
- Shell Rot92
- Respiratory Infection94
- Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)95
- Preventing Your Turtle from Becoming a Health Hazard97
- Box Turtle Care Sheet101
- 1.) Basic Box Turtle Information102
- 2.) Habitat Requirements104
- 3.) Nutritional Needs105
- 4.) Breeding Information106
- Index107
- Photo Credits112
- References115
