Full Grown Eastern Box Turtle: Size, Appearance, Price & More

The eastern box turtle is a common species of box turtle found throughout eastern and central North America. In this in-depth guide, we'll explore what the eastern box turtle is like once it reaches full adulthood.

About the Eastern Box Turtle

Before getting into the specifics of full-grown eastern box turtles, let's start with a brief overview of the species. Eastern box turtles are terrestrial turtles that get their name from their hinged plastron (bottom shell) which allows them to completely close up into a box-like shape for protection.

They are moderately sized turtles that can live 20-30 years in captivity. In the wild, their average lifespan is 10-15 years due to predation and other risks.

They are omnivores that eat a variety of plants, fruits, mushrooms, and occasionally small animals or carrion.

Size at Full Growth

On average, a fully grown eastern box turtle will measure about 4-5 inches in carapace (top shell) length. However, sizes can range from 3-7 inches depending on the individual turtle. In terms of height, a large adult male may stand almost 2 inches high from the ground to the highest point on the curved carapace. Females tend to be slightly smaller overall.

Weight at Full Growth

At full size, the average weight of an eastern box turtle is 1-2 pounds. Large males at the upper end of size potential may push close to 2.5 pounds. Females again average a bit smaller at 0.75-1.5 pounds when fully mature.

Appearance at Full Growth

Visually, the adult eastern box turtle has the following key identifying features:

• Domed carapace that is generally brown, black, or olive in color with radiating streaks or shades of each
• Hinges in the plastron allowing it to fully close its shell for protection
• Large head with powerful jaws for eating plant material and smaller prey
• Stocky legs for maneuvering on land
• Claws for digging and climbing
• Variations in shell patterns between males and females for identification

At full size, their armor-like shells are nicely developed for defense against predators. Males may also develop more prominent facial features like larger jaws compared to females.

Personality at Full Growth

In terms of temperament, adult eastern box turtles remain largely the same as juveniles. They are generally quite docile but will musk or bite as a last line of self-defense. Many fully grown box turtles can become quite tame and personable with their owners if handled regularly from an early age. Their curiosity and activity levels also stay modest as adults, preferring to bask in warmth and forage at a leisurely pace.

Price

Because of their widespread distribution and ease of wild collection, fully grown adult eastern box turtles are relatively inexpensive to acquire compared to rarer species. Homeowners may find them for free from local classifieds. Through breeders and reptile specialty stores, expect to pay $20-50 typically for an adult, though prices will vary based on size, markings, and sex.

Food and Feeding

As omnivores, the diet of adult eastern box turtles consists of:

• Dark, leafy greens like collard greens, dandelion greens, mustard greens
• Cooked and pureed vegetables like carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes
• Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries
• Grapes, tomatoes, oranges
• Protein like worms, slugs, insects when found in the wild
• High quality commercial pellets or mixes for captive care

Fully grown box turtles can typically be fed every other day. Amounts will vary based on the individual but most adults only require 1-2 tablespoons of food per sitting.

Lifespan

With proper care, an eastern box turtle's average natural lifespan is 20-30 years once reaching adulthood. The oldest on record lived to be 50 years old! Their longevity makes them well suited as lifelong companions if properly cared for from juveniles onward.

Health at Full Growth

Some common health concerns to monitor in fully grown eastern box turtles include:

• Metabolic bone disease from improper calcium intake
• Shell rot from low humidity or poor hygiene
• Overweight or underweight condition due to diet
• Eye and respiratory infections
• Internal parasites like worms that require fecal checks and treatment

With an optimized enclosure, balanced diet, and annual vet checks, most healthy adults live problem-free for their natural lifespan given the species.

Care and Nutritional Needs

To keep an adult eastern box turtle happy and healthy, the following care is recommended:

• Enclosure size minimum of 10 gallons per turtle with access to both warm and cool areas
• Substrate of cypress mulch, potting soil or play sand for natural burrowing/digging
• Hiding places like rocks, logs, plants for security
• Calcium powder or liquid for shell health
• Multivitamin 1-2 times weekly when not getting natural sunlight
• UVB lighting 10-12 hours daily for proper vitamin absorption and activity
• Temperature gradient of 75-85 degrees F with optional 90-95 basking spot
• Soaking tub for weekly hydration and urates/fecal shedding
• Cleaning and disinfecting full enclosure monthly

Proper enclosure setup and balanced diet are key for longevity in captive adults.

Costs

Ongoing costs of caring for a full grown eastern box turtle include:

• Initial enclosure setup - $50-100 for glass tank or outdoor pen
• UVB and basking lighting - $30-50 bulbs annually
• Heating elements - $20-30 as needed
• Calcium and vitamin powders - $10-15 per 6 months
• Substrate material - $10-15 replaced every 6 months
• Hides, decor, branches - $20-30 refreshed occasionally
• Vet visits and possible medicines - $50-100 annually
• Food costs less than $10 per month

Expect to invest $50-150 per year for quality care of an adult box turtle long-term.

Possible Behavioral Changes

In general, the behavior of adult eastern box turtles remains very consistent with juveniles. Some subtle changes may include:

• Increased territoriality in males during breeding season
• More reclusive hiding and less activity compared to younger specimens
• Potentially slower response times and reflexes with age
• Slightly stockier/heavier build from maturity
• Deeper vocalizations during confrontations

Behaviorally they remain mostly shy, harmless herbivores as adults.

Notable Characteristics (continued)

Some standout traits of fully grown eastern box turtles include:

• Defined hinge points and ability to completely enclose in shell
• Robust jaws and head profile suited for an omnivorous diet
• Large, distinctive shell patterns that appear more dramatic in adults
• Thick, durable scutes covering the entire top and sides of the carapace and portions of the legs/tail for protection
• Well-developed claws for digging
• Possible algae or moss growth on carapace scutes in older specimens

When is it Considered Fully Grown?

Most eastern box turtles reach sexual maturity and adulthood between 5-10 years of age. However, determining their "full grown" status requires a more individual assessment of each turtle.

Key factors used to gauge full maturity include:

• Reaching the average maximum sizes for carapace length and weight
• Shell scutes being fully hardened and difficult to dent with fingernails
• Males developing prominent facial features like larger jaws
• Females having thicker tails and rear legs for egg-laying
• Behaviorally exhibiting more reclusive juvenile tendencies

Most box turtles meet criteria to be considered full grown by 8-12 years. But growth may still slow occur up to 15-20+ years old in some cases.

Suitability as a Pet

When provided a suitable habitat and care routines, eastern box turtles can make wonderful pets. Here are some considerations regarding their suitability:

• Low-maintenance omnivores once foods are established
• Docile temperaments when properly socialized
• Can be enjoyable to observe grazing and exploring
• Lifelong pets with average lifespan of 20+ years
• Low-key companions that don't require handling daily
• Illegal to collect from the wild in some areas
• May not be ideal for small children due to risk of dropping
• Require a larger enclosure than most reptiles

With the right setup and care oversight, eastern box turtles offer pet owners many enjoyable years of companionship.

Should You Get One?

In conclusion, here are the main factors to consider when deciding if an adult eastern box turtle is the right pet for your lifestyle:

• Do you have the indoor space for a 10+ gallon terrarium? Or outdoor space for a fenced tortoise table?
• Are you committed to consistent weekly care including cleaning, feeding, lighting/heating?
• Is your budget able to support initial $100+ setup costs and $50-150 annual expenses?
• Do you understand their 20+ year lifespans and are willing to properly care for the turtle that long?
• Are your living situation, schedule and future plans suitable for a slower pet that needs stability?

If these needs seem reasonable, then properly acquiring and caring for a full grown box turtle could provide many enjoyable years of pet ownership for your family.