How to Raise a Chinese Box Turtle Well? A Detailed Guide to Keeping Methods
The Chinese box turtle is one of the turtle species. It is a relatively ancient turtle and is called a living fossil. Nowadays, more and more people are starting to keep Chinese box turtles, so how do you raise a Chinese box turtle?
1. Water Quality
You cannot use tap water to keep Chinese box turtles. If you want to use tap water, you should put the tap water under the sun for 2—3 days, or let the tap water settle, and then use only the upper layer of water. The most convenient method is to use mineral water, which is both simple and convenient.
2. Turtle Tank
Buy a large tank so you do not have to change it all the time, and the Chinese box turtles will also feel free to move around. It is recommended that the tank walls be a bit higher to prevent them from climbing out. It is recommended that the water depth be 3 times the thickness of the turtle shell. You can place some sand and pebbles at the bottom of the water, plant a few aquatic plants, and keep a few small fish. The Chinese box turtles will live comfortably, and the appearance will also look good, serving a decorative purpose.
3. Changing the Water
It is generally recommended to change the water every day, and the sand also needs to be washed. If you want more convenience, you can buy a filtration system, so that you can change the water once a week. The frequency of water changes is very important for Chinese box turtles and is beneficial to their healthy growth. A small amount of salt can be added to the newly changed water. The water cannot be too cold, otherwise they may get sick.
4. Food
The Chinese box turtle is an omnivorous animal. You can feed it small fish, shrimp, pork liver, bloodworms, cockroaches, and so on; Chinese box turtles generally eat in the water. They will also nibble on some aquatic plants. You can also buy a box of turtle food to feed them. High-quality turtle food is rich in calcium, protein, fiber, fat, vitamin A, B12, C, and D, which can ensure comprehensive nutrition for Chinese box turtles.
The shell color of the Chinese box turtle is relatively bright, and the pattern on the carapace forms a symmetrical design. It has a certain ornamental value, and can also be used as medicinal material, giving it a certain economic value.