Box turtles are the most common type of turtles that are found living in a wild habitat, specifically in the ponds, meadows, fields, and woodlands. Box turtles are also very popular pets if they have been cared for properly. They have gained people’s attention because of their dome-shaped carapace, printed with box patterns. Let’s see to what length a box turtle can grow.
What is the Largest Species of Box Turtle?Â
Well, the largest species of a box turtle is the Eastern box turtle which has an adult size of 4.5 to 6 inches but the largest species measures the size of 13 to 16 inches maximum. Similarly, another in the list is the Gulf Coast box turtle, which is found living in the Gulf of Mexico, and measures a maximum length of 8.5 inches.
How Big Do Box Turtles Get?
Box turtles like other turtles have an average size of 5 to 7 inches or 13 to 18 cm in diameter. However, the size of the turtles varies with age, and when they become fully grown the growth rate of the species slower down
The Size of the Box Turtle With Age
Here is enlisted the variation in the size of Box turtles with age:
| Age | Average Size |
|---|---|
| Hatchling | 1 to 2 inches |
| 1 year | 2 to 3 inches |
| 2 years | 3 to 3.5 inches |
| 3 years | 3.5 to 4 inches |
| 4 to 6 years | 5 to 7 inches |
How Much Time Does it Require for the Box Turtles to Become Fully Grown?Â
According to an estimate, box turtles require 6 to 10 years to become fully grown species. When they reach adulthood, their carapaces become hardened, which slows down the growth rate.
What Factors Affects The Growth Of The Box Turtles?Â
Certain factors affect the growth of box turtles, these are:
Nutrition
The dominant factor which affects the growth of the species is the nutrient they feed on. Good nutrition and a healthy diet support the normal growth of the box turtles and maintain the ideal growth rate. These omnivorous species feeds on insects, eggs, roots, flower, and amphibians.
Genetics
Genetics will be the other reason that will affect the growth of the species. Some turtles grow larger, some are smaller, while some are prone to weight gain or pyramiding – all depends upon genetics.
Exposure To UV Light
Basking also affects the growth rate of the turtles because regulating their body temperature while exposed to UV radiations will help them to activate the calcium production in them. This prevents the turtles to develop bone disease or shell rot which will reduce the growth rate.
Final Verdict
Box Turtles are the most fascinating species of turtles which can grow to an average size of 5 to 7 inches, after that, their growth rate ceases. However, the largest specimen of the Box turtle measures to be 13 to 16 inches. There are certain factors such as nutrients, habitat, basking and genetics will greatly affect the growth rate of the turtles. If they are provided with the ideal environment then they will be able to grow normally.
