5 DIY Indoor Box Turtle Habitats You Can Build Today (with Pictures)
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When you own a Box Turtle, you need an indoor enclosure for your turtle to move around in for exercise and exploring. The enclosure should replicate his natural habitat and be large enough to accommodate your turtle’s needs for a happy and healthy life. You can buy an enclosure, but buying one can be a bit pricey, so why not build your own?
Box Turtles are terrestrial, meaning they live on land, but they do live near water, and you’ll want to ensure your Box Turtle has a basking platform, plants, hiding spots, lighting, a shallow water dish, and a hygrometer to check humidly levels. Most importantly, it needs to be a large space, and before you consider a DIY plan, ensure you have the proper space. The suggested enclosure size is 36 x 12 inches for one turtle and at least 48 inches for two.
In this post, we’ll list some DIY plans for how to build your own Box Turtle enclosure. Whether you’re a beginner DIYer or experienced, we’ve got a plan for you. Let’s check them out.
The 5 DIY Indoor Box Turtle Habitats
1. Indoor Box Turtle Habitat by Melissa Nelson, DVM, Ph.D. (WikiHow)
| Materials: | Turtle table or wood, waterproof sealant (nontoxic), plastic container, mesh screening, substrate, heat lamp, UV lamp, humidity monitor, shallow swimming dish, décor, plants |
| Tools: | Miter saw, tape measure, screws, screwdriver, wood glue |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
This indoor Box Turtle habitat requires a turtle table, but you can build your own instead of buying one, which will cut down on costs. If you build your own turtle table, avoid treated wood, as this can harm your turtle. Plastic storage containers work well for this project and are inexpensive, and they are ideal rather than glass aquariums. You can use a glass aquarium; just ensure you cover three of the sides with cardboard to give your turtle privacy and to keep him from being out in the open.
The instructions are easy to follow, complete with pictures and how to set up the habitat to help you along. This plan is geared more toward the advanced DIYer, but you can still build it if you’re a beginner. You may want to enlist the help of family or friends if possible.
2. Indoor Box Turtle Habitat by Calico Road
| Materials: | Solid base pallets or untreated wood, faux grass, non toxic waterproof sealant, caulk, 12-inch plastic pot tray |
| Tools: | Screws, screwdriver, miter saw, tape measure, wood glue |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
This indoor Box Turtle enclosure by Calico Road uses wood pallets for the foundation and requires only a few tools and materials to build. This plan is perfect for the beginner DIYer with its easy instructions and few supplies. The only thing it does not include is a cover for the enclosure, which you’ll most certainly need. Box Turtles are the escape artists of the turtle world and will escape any enclosure without a secured lid, but you can solve the problem using mesh for a screened lid.
3. DIY Box Turtle Tank by Oddly Cute Pets
| Materials: | Sturdy box, tank, or tub with high sides, a substrate that retains moisture, waterproof sealant, UVB lamp |
| Tools: | None |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
This indoor Box Turtle Habitat is as easy as it gets; you don’t even need tools unless you plan to build a tank from wood. Otherwise, this plan calls for a tank or tub that you fill with a substrate. The webpage has an instructional video that shows how to build this habitat, but keep in mind that the plan in the video is for a juvenile turtle. Whatever foundation you use, ensure the sides are high enough that your Box Turtle cannot escape. You’ll also need a screened lid, which you can make out of mesh.
4. DIY Upcycled Box Turtle Habitat by Tech-nic-Allie Speaking
| Materials: | Thrift store entertainment center, HDPE plastic panel, 100% silicone, UV lamp, 2x 4’s |
| Tools: | Power drill, screws, clamps, tape measure |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy to moderate |
This video for building a DIY Box Turtle habitat uses an old entertainment center bought from a thrift store, but if you don’t have one lying around, you can build the rectangular foundation using untreated wood. This plan came from an owner who took a Box Turtle in when the previous owner was unable to care for her any longer, and the plan is simple and gives the turtle everything she needs. The video shows how they made the enclosure, and you do not need many tools to make it.
5. Ultimate Indoor Box Turtle Enclosure from Box Turtle Site
| Materials: | 55-gallon Rubbermaid tote, substrate, water bowl, flat rocks, UVB heat lamp, hidey holes |
| Tools: | None |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
This ultimate indoor Box Turtle enclosure is yet another easy project for the beginner DIYer. All you need is a 55-gallon Rubbermaid tote, substrate, and other necessitates your Box Turtle needs to live comfortably. However, this enclosure will serve better as temporary housing when your Box Turtle needs to be inside for short periods. Box Turtles love to be outside, and outside enclosures work best, but your Box Turtle will need to be indoors during cold or cooler weather.
How to Build an Appropriate Indoor Box Turtle Habitat
As you can see, there are a few ways to build an indoor enclosure for your pet turtle, but what’s the ideal way to do it?
For starters, you can build your own habitat for your turtle, but the material you use matters, such as a tub, glass tank, or untreated wood for the foundation. Box Turtles have specific needs for the enclosure, and you must not skimp on these items. Essential items you’ll need are:
- A substrate that holds moisture (preferably organic)
- Hygrometer to check humidity levels
- Flat rocks for feeding on
- Hidey holes
- Bark
- Basking platform
- Shallow water dish for hydration (saucers for potted plants work well)
- Lighting
- UV heat lamp
- Plants for décor
Your Box Turtle will need adequate space to move around, and the sides should be tall enough that your turtle cannot climb out. You’ll also need a secured, ventilated lid, but never use wire, as this can injure your turtle.
Box Turtles love outdoor enclosures, but there are times you’ll need to house your turtle indoors when the weather is cold, and having both an indoor and outdoor enclosure is best.
A Word About Glass Tanks
You can use a glass aquarium for your Box Turtle’s enclosure, but you must block out three of the four sides. Box Turtles do not like being exposed, and being out in the open will stress your Box Turtle. You can use cardboard or some type of paper that will block the views. Generally, untreated rectangular wooden boxes measuring 36 x 18 inches work the best for these turtles, and even bigger is ideal as well.
A Word About Plastic Containers
Plastic tubs or containers can work well as long as you decorate them appropriately and it’s big enough to accommodate your turtle. However, ensure you buy high-quality plastic containers rather than low-quality, as these can melt under the heat lamp.
Final Thoughts
Box Turtles have a long lifespan and can live 50–100 years with proper care. They are a lifetime commitment and one not to be entered lightly. However, they are relatively easy to care for and will bring you years of enjoyment and companionship. They need adequate housing and space to live long, healthy lives, so be sure you give your Box Turtle plenty of space inside the enclosure you choose to build. A rule of thumb is the bigger, the better.
We hope our DIY plans assist you in building the perfect indoor enclosure for your Box Turtle, and if ever in doubt, consult your veterinarian to ensure you provide every necessity your Box Turtle needs.
Featured Image Credit: Wirestock Creators, Shutterstock
