Hello:

I have had two (Three-toe box turtles) for 5 years now. One male and one female. They live in an outside turtle run. They appear to be very healthy. They eat well. I give them fresh water daily. They get along well. They hibernate outside for about 6 months. They usually both wake up April lst. I don't know how old they are. I called a vet's office and they said it would cost $28.00 for an office visit and he is not even sure if he would be able to tell me how old they are. Does anyone know if you can tell how old they are by their length/size? I am going to try to attach pictures if I can find a way to do it. If not, does anyone have instructions on how to attach pictures?

Also, is it normal for a female box turtle to have a tiny bit of yellow discharge come out once in awhile when she pees? I noticed this happened last year. I only saw it once. Easy layed 4 eggs this year but I wasn't able to get them before they were broken. Bummer.

Nancy

The age can be guessed based on the size and other factors but it will just be a guess. It would cost at least twice what you quoted to even get in the door at a vet around here! To attach photos, you must first put them up on a web site. There are many free sites that will put up photos. Then, when typing in a response, click on IMG above the text box under code buttons. A box will come up for you to enter in the URL (web site address) where the photo resides. Then, when you complete the message, the photo will appear in the post.

Reptiles may put out waste that is yellow, white, or brown. The yellow and white sort-of-solids are sort of equal to urine in mammals while the brown are feces. Turtles may also put our more liquidy urine (mostly water) like mammals. For a female, it's also possible that yellow could be yolk if an egg broke inside of her.

FEMALE BOX TURTLE

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m239/mi...y_2006/EASY.jpg




MALE BOX TURTLE

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m239/mi...2006/SPEEDY.jpg

They're very pretty. I'm afraid I've only seen the Eastern box turtles myself so I don't have a clue how old they are from the photos. They look mature though. What are their lengths? Maybe someone who is more familiar with them could give you an age estimate.

Hi Robyn:

Should I measure the bottom of the shell or the top of the shell lengthwise? Appreciate your help!

Nancy

Normal turtle length is done as the carapace (back shell from the head to the rear) length.

Hi Robyn:

I haven't seen the turtles in 2 day so they could be ready to hibernate. If they come out, I will measure them. Thank you.

Nancy