Water

Due to its key role in hydration, digestion, and metabolic processes generally, American box turtles must have access to water on a regular basis to ensure their health and wellbeing. When living in nature, box turtles often drink from puddles, streams, ponds, and even dew that forms on plants. To keep box turtles healthy when kept in captivity, it's best to provide them with water conditions that are quite similar to their native habitat.

Make sure the turtle can easily crawl in and out of a small dish of water that is placed in its cage. To avoid drowning, the water should be only deep enough to immerse their head. If you want your pet to drink and bathe often, make sure this dish is clean and filled with water every day. Because box turtles are susceptible to diseases caused by germs and parasites, it is crucial to keep an eye on the water level and quality.

Not only should you provide a water dish, but you should also spray the cage on a regular basis. Box turtles, which come from naturally damp habitats, benefit greatly from misting to keep humidity levels stable. You may do this by filling a spray bottle with clean water and spraying it once or twice a day, depending on the humidity in the air. The misting has a dual purpose: it hydrates the turtle and protects its skin and shell from being too dry.

Another great way to make sure the turtle has enough water is to soak it in shallow water once a week. The water should be somewhat warmer than the turtle's body temperature, and it should be shallow enough to submerge its plastron (bottom shell) without completely submerging it. Twenty to thirty minutes is a good amount of time to soak. Turtles have a clever method of staying hydrated when soaking: they swallow and absorb water via their cloaca. Turtles, especially young ones or sick ones, may not be able to drink, as easily from a dish, therefore this is a very essential habit for them.

It is of the utmost importance to guarantee that the water supplied is devoid of any dangerous substances or impurities. Many people do not realize that toxins like those that chlorine found in tap water might harm turtles. You may assist prevent these problems by giving filtered water or using a water conditioner to eliminate chlorine. Also, do not just give your turtle pure water; it does not have all the minerals they requires.

Box turtles thrive in outdoor habitats that mimic nature as closely as possible, so the addition of a little pond or a shallow, trickling stream is necessary. Not only do these features provide water for drinking, but they also allow chances to soak and bathe.

For safety reasons, the water feature should include shallow spots and a little slope for easy entry and departure. It is important to regularly maintain natural water sources to keep them clean and clear of pollution. This will help prevent them from becoming breeding grounds for pests like mosquitoes.