Basic Hygiene for Box Turtle Owners

. Regularly change water and disinfect the water dish with a 5 percent bleach solution; rinse it well before refilling.

. Always wash your hands after handling any turtle, preferably using antibacterial scrub such as Betadine (povidone-iodine, 10 percent) or an antibacterial soap.

. Do not allow children to handle turtles without adult supervision. Inforrn children that they should not put their fingers in their rnouths when handling a turtle and they should not kiss a turtle.

. Do not let turtles loose in the horne unless they have been checked for salrnonella. Generally, you should not allow your turtle to roarn freely in your house.

. Never wash a turtle enclosure or soak your turtle in any sink or tub used by people. If there are no alternatives, disinfect the sink or tub afterward with a S percent bleach solution. Always wash your hands after perforrning rnaintenance on turtle enclosures.

Quick Tip

It is normal tor box turtles to tast tor 3-5 months during late tall and winter. See the next chapter on hibemation