http://www.lensociety.com/hinges-brown/
Eastern Box Turtles – Why Do They Have Hinged Shells?
Eastern Box turtles are so-named due to their ability to “box themselves in” completely in times of real or perceived danger or attack. They are able to accomplish this thanks to a hinge on their lower shell (plastron), allowing the upper shell (carapace) and lower shell to completely accommodate the eastern turtle’s head, legs, and tail.
Eastern Box Turtles are small, terrestrial turtles with shell lengths between four to six inches. These eastern turtles are the most popular among the box turtles. They are easily identified by their oval, high-domed shells, normally dark brown with brilliant yellow, orange, and/or red blotches. Its plastron has dark areas, particularly on the borders of the scutes. They have brown skin with yellow or red markings.
The Eastern Box Turtles are omnivores, eating approximately 50% animal meat, such as slugs, earthworms, insects, snails, and carrion, and 50% plant material, such as leafy vegetables, fruits, berries, and seeds. You should feed these turtles on a plain, flat rock, instead of serving their food in a bowl or dish. This natural approach will help restrain the overgrowth of the turtle’s beak and toenails, as it will gradually and continuously abrade them against the rock while feeding. Provide food rich in calcium, such as boiled eggshells, which the turtle can chew when it feels the need for more calcium.
The average life span of Eastern Box Turtles is 40 years; but, believe it or not, they can live for over 100 years! Their age can be estimated by counting the growth rings on their scutes. It is best to count the rings on the plastron, because this lower shell also permits examination of wear pattern. However, counting age beyond 20 years is unreliable, because box turtles have stopped growing by then, and the plastron is usually worn smooth.
Eastern Box Turtles, native to the eastern United States, can live either outdoors or in a large indoor enclosure. If possible, you should think of setting up an outdoor enclosure with sun, shade, grass, and a small pond of water that is deep enough for swimming. The turtles will be happier and healthier under these circumstances. You must make sure to provide adequate protection outdoors, to prevent raccoons, dogs, or other predators from entering the enclosure.
Unlike other turtles, Eastern Box Turtles do not normally bite when bothered. However, they will exert great effort to get free or retreat inside their shells. They are capable of fastening down their shells so forcefully and completely that even a knife blade cannot get in between the carapace and plastron.
Eastern Box Turtles hibernate from October to April by digging a hole into the loose soil, decaying vegetation, or mud. They usually choose to dig in the woodlands or along its border. At times, they also dig in the vicinity of closed-canopy wetlands. Eastern Box Turtles are inclined to return to the same location to hibernate each year. When they emerge from hibernation in April, they begin feeding and searching for mates.
About the Author
Karma Williams is a pet turtle care enthusiast who has raised turtles for over 23 years, and enjoys helping others get started in this amazing hobby. You can discover more about turtles by visiting the turtle types and turtle age pages of her website. Get your free 10 part Pet Turtle Care mini couse, valued at $49, by visiting her www.PetTurtleCenter.com website and requesting it. Her newest eBook entitled “The Ultimate Guide to Pet Turtle Care” teaches turtle lovers everything they need to know about acquiring, caring for, and feeding
pet turtles so that they stay healthy, contented, and will thrive for years and years to come!
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