my turtle wont eat.

Question
QUESTION: hi i have a question about my eastern box turtle yeller.i just got her from a friend. when i got her my friend said that she has only tried hot dogs with her.( chicken, pork, and beef)she also said that she only eats once every week week and a half and that she will put her head up when ever she is hungry.  it has been 2 weeks since i got her and she still hasn't eaten. I've been feeding her everytime she has put her head up and she hasn't been eating. she looks at the food and walks away. how can i get her to eat? what should i feed her? i don't know what to do i have tried to feed her lettuce, carrots, apples, bananas, freeze dried brine shrimp,and the hot dogs but she just wont eat.

ANSWER: Hi Katie

Unfortunately this time of year many box turtles slow down and go into a period of hibernation
Most indoor kept box turtles are not encouraged or allowed to hibernate by their keepers
This is especially important for a malnourished or an ill turtle

Does the turtle have a good weight to it when you pick it up?

A diet of hot dogs is not the best that I can think of but it has kept her alive so far

You need to offer live insects-either crickets or worms and greens and greens(collard/mustard/turnip are good) and veggies

The insects need to be dusted with a calcium powder and also alternately a multivitamin powder

The insects also must be fed before they are used as food-this is called "gut loading"

How are her eyes-was she kept outside during the summer or does she have a good UV tube on the tank?

If her eyes are clear and she has no injuries or sores or mucus coming from her nose and makes no noise when she is breathing-and if she is of good weight-I would just let her settle into her new home with a basking light for heat left on 10 hours per day along with the UV light for around 8 hours

If she feels very light for her size or if she has visible physical problems-then you need to bring her into a vet ASAP

Box turtles will live very long lives with the right care

Here is a good care sheet for Box Turtles
I hope that it helps

http://www.tortoise.org/general/boxcare.html

I wish you the best of luck with her

Sandy aka LadyGecko

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hey
thenks for the answer but i have another question. i recieved a 75 watt indoor outdoor light bulb but the basking light holder. is that save for her or should i go out and get her a loght bulb from petsmart. i still dont have a red ight basking light. last night i kept the light on all night. is that ok? i dont have a uv light. do i need one?

Answer
Hi Kate
are very welcome
:)

Depending on how hot the light bulb heats up the tank will be the deciding factor as to which strength light bulb to use

Get a digital thermometer with a probe on the end and check what the tank temps are at these locations
1 right under the bulb
2 at the very end of the tank -furthest away from the bulb

Yes you do need a UV light with Box Turtles

They will develop eye infections and can not properly process calcium without one

Good Luck with her

Sandy aka LadyGecko