Pet Keen advocates for adopting before shopping. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here.
If you’re looking for Eastern Box Turtles for sale, you’re in luck! We’ve updated our Eastern Box Turtle breeders list in the US for this year! These turtles can make good pets if they’re cared for properly. Eastern Box Turtles can live for 20 or more years, which means you must be committed for the long term when you decide to get one of these turtles to keep as a pet.
Eastern Box Turtle Breeders in the US
Before buying a pet turtle, be sure to do your homework and use a good Eastern Box Turtle breeder. It may be possible to find someone in your area that has an Eastern Box Turtle available for adoption so check your local classified ads.
If you decide to buy an Eastern Box Turtle from a breeder, go through our list of US Eastern Box Turtle breeders below to help you one to use.
Eastern Box Turtle Breeders Near Me
Eastern Box Turtle Breeders That Ship
How Much Does an Eastern Box Turtle Cost?
You can expect to pay anywhere from $140–$260 for an Eastern Box Turtle. The size, age, availability, and area you buy your turtle all come into play concerning exactly how much your turtle will cost.
Eastern Box Turtles are not the cheapest turtles for sale, even though they are fairly common. Compared to other turtle species, Eastern Box Turtles are not as easy to care for, which is one reason why these turtles aren’t so cheap to buy.
It’s important to remember that the purchase price is just a part of owning an Eastern Box Turtle. You also must foot the bill for your turtle’s habitat and food.
Things to Ask an Eastern Box Turtle Breeder
When you find an Eastern Box Turtle you’d like to buy from a breeder, ask the breeder about the following things to ensure the turtle you get is healthy.
These are important things to know when buying an Eastern Box Turtle from a breeder. You should know whether your turtle is in good health for obvious reasons. Asking when the turtle was born will tell you how old your turtle is.
The turtle you buy should have a hard and clean shell with no missing plates or moldy growth. If the turtle has clear saliva, it’s a sign of good health so don’t neglect to ask this question!
The 4 Things to Know Before Buying an Eastern Box Turtle
1. They’re Easy Pets to Feed
Eastern Box Turtles are easy turtles to feed because they eat both plant and animal matter. You can feed your Eastern Box Turtle things like dark leafy greens, berries, fruits, waxworms, crickets, and earthworms.
2. They Don’t Like Being Held or Touched
Eastern Box Turtles don’t care for being held or touched. This type of turtle is best appreciated at a distance and should only be handled when necessary and for short periods. For example, it’s fine to handle your turtle when cleaning out its enclosure. Don’t forget that these turtles can bite when they feel threatened so watch your fingers when you do have to pick up your turtle!
3. They’re Not Legal Pets Everywhere
Even though Eastern Box Turtles are popular, the sale and trade of this species native to the US and Canada are highly regulated. This is why you must be sure it is legal for you to keep an Eastern Box Turtle as a pet in your state. These turtles are listed as endangered in some states and can’t be kept as pets without permits. Check with your state’s laws before you pull the trigger and buy an Eastern Box Turtle to ensure you won’t be breaking any laws.
4. They’re Early Risers
When you have an Eastern Box Turtle as a pet, you’ll quickly notice that it is the most active during the daytime hours. This is because these turtles are diurnal. In the wild, Eastern Box Turtles like to spend time in cool mud during the later and hottest period of the day to escape the heat and relax.
Conclusion
Eastern Box Turtles are beautiful creatures that make fascinating pets. These turtles enjoy a long lifespan so be sure you’re in it for the long haul if you decide to get an Eastern Box Turtle to keep as a pet. And don’t forget to check with your state’s laws regarding keeping these turtles as pets because not all states allow it!
Featured Image Credit: Suzanne Tucker, Shutterstock
