Three Toed Box Turtle

Question
Hi Amanda,

I just recently got this turtle from my sister.  When she purchased it from a small pet store she didn't get any information on it, so I took it to my local Petco and got some insight from a guy who was pretty knowledgeable on turtles.  He thinks that the turtle is a female and is between 10-15 years old.  the turtle has two or three small spots where the shell is missing and bone is exposed and it has a few dog bites that he thinks are at least 3 years old.  I stay in a apartment in the Chicagoland area so any information you can give me on habitat, feeding, care, etc...would be gladly appreciated.  I would like to keep this turtle but want to provide a habitat that would be comfortable.  My sister was giving the turtle Iceberg and had it in a 10-gallon aquarium.  I purchased a 20 gallon long (which I know is still too small but I didn't know until after I purchased it#, the turtle is now eating Romaine and Carrots and I just purchased mealworms as well.  We're going to the vet tomorrow #7-25-09). I also purchased a heat lamp, moss, wood chips, and a dish to soak in.  I sprayed the chips and moss with water so it can help with the humidity when it's under the lamp. The turtle seems alert and active when I took her out yesterday and soaked her in a pan of water, she climbed out and started walking around trying to go all over the place.  I've been researching on the net about this species of turtles so that is how I came up with the idea to do what I'm doing now.  Which she seems to enjoy because my sister had it since Feb or March of this year and it's been in a 10 gallon aquarium so she was probably miserable.  One other thing, I know this email is getting long, but what would be a good visual barrier for the glass aquarium?  That I couldn't find when I Googled it.

Thanks
Shawnta

Answer
Hi Shawnta,

You are doing great.  The tank IS too small but as long as you are taking her out and she is getting exercise she's fine.  A good idea for her next (hopefully soon) enclosure is either a rubbermaid container (wal-mart has a ton in the storage section here in seattle) or take a book shelf, remove some shelves, and lay it on it's back.  You can line the bottom with a pond liner and then it's water proof!  

Sorry I can't think of any good visual barriers.  I don't think you need one as long as there is something the turtle can hide under or if the substrate is deep enough she can bury herself.  

The only thing I would change is to add more dark, leafy greens to her diet and some worms.  When I lived in an apartment in downtown seattle I would find worms and slugs at local parks and take them home for my turtles.  

I'm not too worried because you seem very determined, creative, and caring and I know you will provide a good home for your turtle!!!!

-Amanda