eastern box tortoise vocalizations

Question
We were advised against a uv lamp based on species. Substrate is a mix of sand and jungle blend again on advice.Diet consists of chicken, earthworms,fruits including tomatoes and regular helpings of assorted greens. Water is in a reptile dish 2 inches deep and 4 times the diameter of the tortoise.Her enclosure is a 20 gallon tank, however, she has 4 rooms in the house to roam on a regular basis. A larger enclosure is beyond our resources. She is a rescue and has been with us for 8 years. She lost a leg and had her shell cracked in an encounter with a snapping turtle that had been placed in an ornamental pond. My question is this, what signifigance, if any, is attached to her vocallization? It occurs most frequently at meal times, epecially when fruit is involved. However, she will do it at any time. Especially if my wife has her back to the tank. When my wife turns to look at her, she tapers off with a quiet trill.My concern is simple, I have dealt with snakes and lizards all my life, but know relatively little about eastern species, let alone tortoises and am not familiar with many habits of these animals. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Fred,

Vocalizations aren't typical except for mating behavior, but if she has been doing this for some time I wouldn't be concerned about it.  If this is something new, then a vet visit would be in order.  

All turtles and tortoises require UVB in order to metabolize calcium.  They also need to be able to bask to bring their body temperature to a level where they can digest their food.  Box turtles require a lower basking temperature (about 85 degrees), but do still need to warm up.  If at all possible, I would construct a secure outdoor pen for her so she can get natural sunlight and do some foraging for herself.  A 20 gallon tank is really very inadequate, and even being able to roam in the house isn't a substitute for outdoor exercise.  If the outdoor enclosure is secure there should be little risk to her even with her handicap.  You can bring her inside at night or have a secured outdoor house for her.  

Here's a website that can give you more information:  www.aboxturtle.com
If you're interested in joining a box turtle list, this is a good one:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/NorthAmericanBoxturtle/