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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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

sarah wrote: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.

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