Box Turtle Enclosures

Timothy Wilson
12 min readJun 18, 2024

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Welcome to our Box Turtle Enclosure roundup! In this article, we’ll be exploring a variety of enclosure options perfect for your beloved box turtle. Whether you’re looking for a starter enclosure or an upgrade for your experienced turtle-owner, we’ve got you covered. From budget-friendly to high-end models, we’ve gathered a range of options that cater to different needs and preferences. So, buckle up and get ready to embark on a journey to find the best box turtle enclosure for your little friend.

The Top 7 Best Box Turtle Enclosures

  1. Wooden Box Turtle Habitat with Two Room Design — Elevate your tortoise’s comfort with the PawHut Wooden Tortoise House, featuring sturdy wood construction, a natural two-room design, and lockable wire safety for your reptile pet.
  2. Upgraded Tortoise Habitat for Box Turtles — Coziwow’s beautifully crafted Wood Box Turtle Enclosure provides a spacious, secure, and comfortable home for your reptile companion, with easy assembly, seamless cleaning, and UV/heat lamp compatibility, all within a stylish and sturdy design.
  3. Kenosha Wooden Tortoise Tiered Habitat with Ladder and Openable Roofs — Keep your pet tortoise cozy and secure with this 2-tier, wooden enclosure featuring a balcony and ladder, perfect for both indoors and outdoors use!
  4. Eco-friendly Reptile Lounge Habitat with UV Mesh Top & Glass Doors — The New Age Pet 24" Mojave Reptile Lounge offers a sturdy, non-toxic environment for reptiles, with easy assembly and temperature regulation, making it a popular choice among pet owners.
  5. PawHut Wood Tortoise House: Turtle Habitat for Reptiles and Small Animals — Give your turtle the perfect habitat with PawHut’s versatile Wood Tortoise House, combining a cozy sleeping area with an open viewing space for a comfortable and enjoyable living space.
  6. Sturdy Wooden Tortoise Habitat with Transparent Windows and Removable Tray — Experience the perfect fusion of solid craftsmanship, comfortable pet living environment, and easy maintenance with the Bestpet Wooden Tortoise Habitat.
  7. Tetra Deluxe Aquatic Turtle Kit for All Lifestages — Elegantly designed 20-Gallon Turtle Tank Kit with a decorative waterfall filter, heat lamps for basking, and easy setup for a comfortable living environment for all turtle, frog, or newt life stages.

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Reviews

Wooden Box Turtle Habitat with Two Room Design

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As a product reviewer, I decided to give the PawHut 37" Wooden Tortoise House a try for my pet turtle. When I first opened the box, I was a bit worried about the quality of the wood, but it turned out to be quite sturdy. The two-room design was perfect for my little guy, who enjoyed having ample space to walk around and rest.

The enclosed sleeping area with the hinged lid was a great addition, allowing my turtle some privacy while also being easily accessible for cleaning. I also liked the wire top design, which kept my pet safe while still allowing him to enjoy sunlight. However, I did find the lockable wire safety covers with latches to be a bit difficult to use at times, but overall, it worked well.

One downside I experienced was that the turtle habitat seemed to have a lack of durability, with the wood becoming damaged over time. It wasn’t the most visually appealing product either, but it served its purpose pretty well. Overall, I would say the PawHut 37" Wooden Tortoise House is an easy to assemble and functional enclosure, but it may not be the most sturdy or long-lasting option available.

Upgraded Tortoise Habitat for Box Turtles

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Welcome to our Coziwow Wood Box Turtle Enclosure, the upgraded habitat for your esteemed reptile companion. This enclosure is designed to accommodate a 12-inch turtle and provides ample space for it to thrive. The hinged top with a latch ensures that your pet’s safety is of utmost priority. Cleaning is a breeze with the inclusion of two removable waterproof plastic trays.

Moreover, the galvanized mesh top allows UV and heat lamps to effectively penetrate the enclosure, promoting proper air circulation. The large transparent windows provide constant observation, fostering a deeper connection with your pets. Equipped with a convenient light stand, you can easily hang a heat lamp to provide the ideal temperature for your turtle’s needs.

Our turtle enclosure has been praised for its easy assembly and the sturdiness of its craftsmanship. It’s a great addition to your pet’s home, offering a spacious and comfortable environment for it to thrive in. The enclosure’s dimensions are 37.75 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 12 inches high, making it a perfect fit for your beloved companion.

The Coziwow Wood Box Turtle Enclosure has received consistently positive reviews from its users, with a rating of 5.0 out of 5.0 stars. Its easy assembly, sturdy construction, and ample space have been highlighted as its key features. The enclosure is easy to clean and maintain, making it an excellent choice for pet owners.

Kenosha Wooden Tortoise Tiered Habitat with Ladder and Openable Roofs

The Kenosha Tortoise House is a versatile and practical reptile habitat, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It features a classic Freeport Park Finish, with brown and orange tones providing a warm and inviting atmosphere.

This wooden enclosure offers three rooms, providing ample space for your pet to roam and rest. During the colder months, you can transition this habitat indoors, ensuring your tortoise remains safe and comfortable. While the tortoise table encourages natural outdoor exposure during warmer days, it can also be used as a cozy indoor haven during winter.

With this enclosure, your pet can live freely and enjoy a comfortable atmosphere, regardless of the weather conditions.

Eco-friendly Reptile Lounge Habitat with UV Mesh Top & Glass Doors

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I recently gave the New Age Pet 24" Mojave Reptile Lounge a try, and let me tell you — it was love at first sight! The product’s sleek and sturdy design got me excited to set it up right away. Assembly was a breeze, and the ECOFLEX material is just what I needed for a durable and moisture-resistant enclosure for my pets.

However, I did notice a few downsides that I wanted to share with others who might be considering this product. First, the Mojave Reptile Lounge is not watertight, which could be a problem for certain pets who need standing water in their habitat. Secondly, while the ECOFLEX material is easy to clean, it’s not chew-proof, which means my pets could potentially damage the enclosure if they were so inclined.

Overall, I think the Mojave Reptile Lounge has a lot going for it — the removable sliding glass doors make cleaning and accessing the habitat easier than ever, and the design can accommodate a wide variety of reptile species. Just make sure you’re aware of the product’s limitations before diving in, and keep an eye on those curious little critters to make sure they don’t do any damage to the enclosure!

PawHut Wood Tortoise House: Turtle Habitat for Reptiles and Small Animals

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I recently tried out the PawHut Wood Tortoise House for my pet turtle. The first thing that stood out to me was how spacious it was, making it a perfect habitat for my little guy. The separate hut area offered a cozy spot for my pet to retreat to, while the large windows let me easily observe him at all times.

One feature I loved was the mesh roof, which provided great air circulation and kept my turtle comfortable. Plus, the side panels could be pulled out to create more space for him to roam around. I was impressed with how easy it was to assemble and clean, making it a perfect addition to my home.

However, one downside I noticed was the strong paint smell when I first opened the box. But that quickly dissipated, and I haven’t had any issues since. Overall, the PawHut Tortoise House is a great choice for any turtle lover. I was happy with my purchase and would recommend it to others.

Sturdy Wooden Tortoise Habitat with Transparent Windows and Removable Tray

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This wooden tortoise habitat is everything you need for your indoor or outdoor reptile companion. Its large transparent windows allow you to observe and interact with your pet, while the metal mesh at the top ensures plenty of light and fresh air. The habitat’s partitioned design provides a comfortable rest area and ample space for your pet to explore during playtime.

Maintenance is a breeze with two removable trays and easy-to-access cleaning features, creating a clean and comfortable living environment for your pet. The sturdy and durable construction is both aesthetically pleasing and safe for your pet, and the lightweight nature of the cage makes it easy to assemble and move around if needed. Overall, this tortoise habitat offers a well-thought-out design that is perfect for small animal pets and reptiles alike.

Tetra Deluxe Aquatic Turtle Kit for All Lifestages

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Imagine coming home after a long day to your very own 20-Gallon Turtle Tank Kit, complete with everything your pet turtle needs to thrive. As I set up this magnificent tank, I was impressed by the two dome lamps that warmed my turtle and provided the perfect basking platform. The 20-gallon glass aquarium, with its decorative waterfall filter, not only improved the visual appeal of the tank but also ensured the water remained clean with its multi-stage filtration system.

One downside I encountered was the need to purchase a separate heater, as the lamps weren’t enough to maintain the water temperature. The filter, though efficient, required frequent cleaning. However, overall, this 20-Gallon Turtle Tank Kit provided an attractive and functional home for my pet turtle, and I would highly recommend it to fellow turtle enthusiasts.

Buyer’s Guide

When considering a Box Turtle Enclosure, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure the safety, health, and happiness of your pet. In this buyer’s guide, we will dive into the critical features and considerations to make when selecting the right Box Turtle Enclosure.

Size and Space Considerations

One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a Box Turtle Enclosure is the size. Box Turtles require a spacious enclosure to roam and play, as well as to retract into a safe hiding spot. The minimum enclosure size for a Box Turtle should be 2x2x1 feet, but providing additional space is always better.

Material

Choosing the right material for your Box Turtle Enclosure is crucial. A durable enclosure made from high-quality materials such as plastic or glass is essential to maintain the safety and hygiene of your pet. It should also be easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, consider whether the material is UV-resistant to protect your turtle from harmful sun rays while indoors.

Heating and Lighting

Box Turtles need certain temperature conditions to maintain their health. Ideally, the enclosure should have a basking zone with a temperature of around 88–90°F (31–32°C) and a cooler zone under 70°F (21°C). Heating lamps or pads can help you achieve this. Additionally, your Box Turtle requires UVB light exposure to synthesize vitamin D3, which is essential for their shell development and overall health. Make sure to install a UVB-emitting lamp or a fluorescent lamp in the enclosure.

Substrate and Decorations

A Box Turtle Enclosure should have a suitable substrate to help maintain humidity while providing traction for your pet. Gravel, cypress mulch, or coconut fiber can be excellent choices. Additionally, your enclosure should include hiding spots, like caves or logs, to help your turtle feel secure and simulate their natural habitat.

FAQ

What is a box turtle enclosure?

A box turtle enclosure is a specific habitat designed for the housing and care of box turtles. The enclosure should mimic the natural habitat of the turtle, providing appropriate space, temperature, humidity, and other environmental elements necessary for their health and well-being. Enclosures can come in various sizes and materials, including plastic, wood, and glass.

It is essential to choose an enclosure that meets the specific needs of your box turtle, including adequate space, proper temperature and humidity control, and appropriate substrate. Additionally, the enclosure should be secure and escape-proof to ensure the safety of the turtle. Properly maintained, a box turtle enclosure can provide a healthy and stimulating environment for your pet.

What materials can I use to build a box turtle enclosure?

Several materials can be used to build a box turtle enclosure, including plastic, wood, and glass. Plastic enclosures are lightweight, easy to clean, and available in various sizes. However, they may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option. Wood enclosures provide a natural look and feel, but they require more maintenance and are heavier than plastic ones.

Glass enclosures, such as terrariums, are also an option for box turtles. They provide excellent visibility and allow for easy temperature and humidity regulation. However, glass enclosures can be expensive and may require additional accessories, such as a heating lamp or UV light, to provide the appropriate environmental conditions for your turtle.

What size should my box turtle enclosure be?

The size of the box turtle enclosure depends on the size of the turtle and its behavior. As a general rule, the enclosure should be at least three times the length and width of the turtle when it reaches maturity. For example, a 6-inch box turtle would need an enclosure 18 inches long and 18 inches wide.

It is also essential to provide enough height for the turtle to climb and explore, as well as enough space for a hiding spot, water dish, and food dish. The enclosure should be large enough to allow for comfortable movement and exploration, but not so large that it becomes difficult to maintain appropriate temperature and humidity levels.

How do I regulate the temperature and humidity in my box turtle enclosure?

Regulating the temperature and humidity in your box turtle enclosure is crucial for the health and well-being of your pet. Most box turtles prefer a temperature range of 70–80°F during the day and a drop to the low 60s at night. They also require a humidity level of around 50–60% to maintain their shell and prevent dehydration.

You can regulate the temperature and humidity in your box turtle enclosure using a combination of lighting, heating, and ventilation. For example, you can use a heat lamp or heat mat to provide warmth during colder months, and a cooler or fan to maintain the appropriate temperature during warmer months. Additionally, you can use a humidity gauge to monitor humidity levels and adjust as needed.

What substrate should I use in my box turtle enclosure?

The substrate, or flooring, in your box turtle enclosure is essential for providing a natural habitat and promoting healthy behaviors. Most box turtles prefer a substrate that mimics their natural habitat, such as soil, leaf litter, or sand. You should avoid using gravel, as it can be a choking hazard for your turtle.

When choosing a substrate, it is essential to consider the size and shape of your turtle, as well as its behavior. For example, a loose substrate may be challenging for a smaller turtle to navigate, while a deeper substrate may be necessary for digging and hiding behaviors. It is also essential to clean the substrate regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and other contaminants.

What accessories should I include in my box turtle enclosure?

In addition to a suitable enclosure, substrate, and temperature and humidity regulation, there are several other accessories that you may want to include in your box turtle enclosure. These may include a hiding spot, such as a cave or log, to provide a sense of security and privacy for your turtle. You may also want to include a water dish and a food dish, as well as decorations, such as rocks and plants, to create a stimulating environment for your pet.

It is essential to research and choose accessories that are safe and appropriate for your box turtle, as well as easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, you should ensure that the accessories do not pose a risk of injury or illness to your turtle and that they are properly secured within the enclosure.

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