Husbandry requirements
Yellow-margined Box Turtle — origin: Taiwan, south-eastern mainland China and the Ryūkyū Islands (Japan). A threatened and PROTECTED species: CITES Appendix II and Annex B of the EU regulation. Acquire only captive-bred specimens with CITES documentation; wild-caught animals are regulated, fragile and to be avoided..
Terrarium temperature gradient
Daytime hot spot 30-32 °C under a lamp, with a gradient down to a cool zone at 22-25 °C. A night-time drop is beneficial (18-20 °C). Avoid temperatures sustained above 32 °C. In healthy adults, a cool winter period (brumation ~10-15 °C for several weeks) stimulates breeding.
Humid woodland-style terrarium / terrestrial table with a shallow water area (semi-terrestrial species)
Minimum dimensions for a single adult; more floor space is always preferable. Provide hides and planted areas. Good ventilation but a closed, secure enclosure: the species climbs and digs. Avoid any purely aquatic set-up.
Humid woodland atmosphere. Keep the substrate cool and moist and mist regularly, while ensuring proper ventilation: stagnant, poorly aired humidity promotes fungal infections and respiratory infections.
A thick layer (10-15 cm) that retains moisture and lets the turtle burrow. Keep it moist but never waterlogged; remove droppings and refresh regularly to prevent mould and shell rot.
Yes, recommended: a woodland/forest-type UVB tube (approx. 5%, T5 5.0) above the warm zone, to be replaced every 6-12 months. Promotes vitamin D3 synthesis and prevents metabolic bone disease.
A shallow pool or dish of water (depth not exceeding the plastron) allowing it to drink and fully immerse itself; a poor swimmer, avoid deep water. Clean and change the water daily.
Taiwan, south-eastern mainland China and the Ryūkyū Islands (Japan). A threatened and PROTECTED species: CITES Appendix II and Annex B of the EU regulation. Acquire only captive-bred specimens with CITES documentation; wild-caught animals are regulated, fragile and to be avoided.
Feeding & health
Omnivore — Earthworms, snails, slugs, insects, carrion
A varied, balanced diet (roughly half animal prey, half vegetables and fruit). Very fond of red foods (tomato, strawberry, berries). Supplement with calcium (with D3 if UVB is insufficient). Limit excess sugary fruit.
Clutch 1–4 eggs/young. Very low fecundity: 1 to 4 eggs per clutch (often 1-2), large and elongated; 1 to 3 clutches possible per year. Incubation ~60-90 days at 26-28 °C; sex may be influenced by incubation temperature (TSD likely). A winter diapause favours the reproductive cycle.
- Hypovitaminosis A (swollen eyes, puffy eyelids), common in box turtles
- Metabolic bone disease / osteofibrosis (calcium or UVB deficiency)
- Respiratory infections (environment too cold, damp and poorly ventilated)
- Shell and plastron rot (fungi/bacteria linked to poor humidity management)
- High internal parasite load, especially in wild-caught specimens (quarantine and faecal exams essential)
Morphs & genetics
Registry of 3 documented genes for Yellow-margined Box Turtle.
- Albino (T-) amelanisticRec
- High Red / Red Skin red phaseDom
- High Yellow / GoldenDom
Pairing calculator
Pick each parent's genotype — clutch probabilities update live. Free, no sign-up.
Yellow-margined Box Turtle × Yellow-margined Box Turtle
Probabilities per gene (independent loci).
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions about keeping the yellow-margined box turtle.
How big does an adult Yellow-margined Box Turtle get?▾
What temperature and humidity does a Yellow-margined Box Turtle need?▾
What does a Yellow-margined Box Turtle eat?▾
Is the Yellow-margined Box Turtle a good reptile for beginners?▾
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