But how do people manage to find out how much turtles live, how do they find their age? If you look at the scales, they have rings, similar to a tree. If the turtle is young, size can help you if you know what is normal for the type of turtle you have. is practically proved that a box turtle’s size can determine its age.   Female turtles have short and skinny tails while males sport long, thick tails, with their vent (cloaca) positioned closer to the end of the tail when compared to a … The exact process that the skeleton will go through can differ since there are a lot of methods to study the bones so i am not going to go into details any further for this method, the only thing that you have to know about this is that this is the way they determine the age of turtle fossils and extinct species of turtles in general. In some classes or species, turtle age may also be determined by the darkness of Shell of the turtle. You can also estimate a turtle's age using its size. You can support our site and thousands of other turtle owners by contributing with a small donation. It will help you to get a fundamental idea about its length. Compared to other animals, turtles grow very slowly, some species will … Want to learn about small pet turtles that stay small? The shell is made up of individual scales. (With 20 Examples and Pictures), link to Do Turtles Smell? Some box After a rainfall, males become especially active in their search for a female. In my opinion the simplest way to estimate the age of your turtle is the counting method. Another issue to consider in determining turtle turtles generally younger ages for more unique or spoken lines in their shells. like the ring counting method, this method will also give you a closer age Box turtles reach sexual maturity around the age of 5. some box turtles do not grow according to its age. Some box turtles have even lived more than 100 years. It’s hard to tell the sex of very young box turtles, but once they get to be a few inches long (usually about 3 to 3.5 inches), you can start to see the differences between the sexes. “Turtle” is the umbrella term for all 200 species of the testudine group, which includes turtles, tortoises, and terrapins. Determining the sex of these turtles is simple when you're comparing a male and a female of the same age and species since the female is noticeably larger than the male. A box turtle’s age plays a significant role in its life. Let’s see how we can do it. While two of them require special equipment, two of them can be used by anybody at home. Land turtles have a longer life expectancy: up to 150 years in captivity. This calculation means the turtle is six years old. Mud turtles will still grow after that point but a lot slower, and during periods of slow activity, like the winter, they will grow even slower or they won’t grow at all. Red Eared Turtle and Reeves Turtles, for example, have shells that darken as they mature. After that turtles are free once again to go back in the wild. Over time, these gradually disappear, and the shell becomes smooth across the top. So you can count the number of rings to determine age. You may not be able to be 100% sure until they reach sexual maturity, which can take up to 10 years! Turtles are no different. this method, you have to count the rings on your box turtle’s shell. Unless one raises a box turtle from right out of the egg, it is almost impossible to actually "age" a boxie as they all grow at varying rates and are various sizes depending on species and genetics. So, If you know them You may not be able to be 100% sure until they reach sexual maturity, which can take up to 10 years! For his shell length is about 5 inches and a width of about 3 1/4 inches I am also a the proud owner of 4 turtles, as well as biological sciences student at Oxford Brookes University. There are four different species and several subspecies within this genus. For those who have a pet three-toed box turtle, Eastern box turtle, or Gulf Coast box turtle, the daytime temperature of its enclosure should be around 75 degrees Fahrenheit with a basking spot that’s between 85 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit. To... We all need sleep to function our brain and body perfectly. Tail Length. your turtle’s size accurately, use the proper measuring gauge. I have what i think to be a gulf coast box turtle and i would like to know his age, but I don't know how to tell. Eastern box turtles are one of the most commonly seen turtles in the wild. several ways to determine a box turtle’s age. scientists can determine the age. Well, I have. 1. This is similar to estimating the age of a tree but for turtles, the "rings" are lines that form on part of the shell that are like scales and the longer a turtle lives, the more rings are formed. I’ve fallen in love with these cute pets from the moment I saw them. maintain good health for your box turtle, determining age is truly necessary. As the turtle grows, new ring is formed each year of the turtle's life. Find out what the adult size for your turtle is that you need to know: 1.The size of your box turtle. The Coahuilan box turtle is also known as the aquatic box turtle. 2. In some classes or species, turtle age may also be determined by the darkness of Shell of the turtle. One of the more common ways to sex your turtle is to look at the tail. Another way to guess the age is by measuring the length of the carapace. Look at the scutes. The most obvious one is that if you have little to no knowledge you will be way off with your guess. The counting method still has some flows. Box turtles dig into leaf litter and soil and go dormant to survive winter. This is the most reliable answer to your question. result. So again, the small ones are hatchlings, and maybe just a few months, to a few years old. Its carapace (top of shell) is high and shaped like a dome. 2. This is meant to protect the turtle from predators, especially the neighborhood dog. I have kept turtles but never bothered to mate them. 4. Most turtle species tend to sleep underwater. But your little turtle is very young, probably less than five years old. Varieties of ornate box turtles bred in captivity tend … How to tell how old a box turtle is? The rings start growing closer This is a perfect description, as unlike other box turtles, Coahuilan box turtles spend over 90% of their lives in the water. If Another problem with this method is that it won’t work well with pet turtles, if you keep your pet turtle at a constant temperature year-round there won’t be any difference in the speed at which the shell grows so there will be no annuli to count. When the turtle is 2 years old, its carapace should be about 4 inches long. live up to 100 years. After the mark is placed the turtle will be released in the wild form where it came. That said, it can be difficult to determine the age of your slider if you don't know when he hatched. Compared to other animals, turtles grow very slowly, some species will grow faster than others but in general they will grow very slow. turtles because box turtles do not spend much time in the water. main key here. One of them is that it can only be used on hard shelled turtles, since the shell of soft shelled turtles works in a different way, there won’t be any growth annuli to count. This is why you can usually get good results with this method only if you apply it to well researched species like slider turtles and painted turtles, and if you know the area where they live very well. it properly. A box turtle, both wild and pet, will Here are the First of wide rings in the scutes represent the period of healthy eating, and warm sounds easy, right? The turtle’s shell, or carapace, differs slightly between male and female. “Turtle” is the umbrella term for all 200 species of the testudine group, which includes turtles, tortoises, and terrapins. So I guess to fully answer your question (but not really), it is extremely hard to tell the age of a turtle after it has surpassed 20 years. Size Saunders As a means of sexing the turtle, this method is limited because you need to make sure that the turtle is fully grown. Subtract some years if the turtle was raised in captivity, because captive turtles grow much faster because their diet is usually richer. The rings denote cycles of seasonal growth. “turtles kept indoors may have more growth lines. 2. Females can store sperm for up to four years and therefore do not mate every year. method can not give you the precise age. All turtles have … However, for older turtles you are going to have to make a more general guess most of the time. The only real way to know is to be there when the turtle is born. adopt two methods to determine your box turtle’s actual age. chart, and you will find its age. What to Expect and How to Prevent, You Can Help Us Keep TurtleOwner.com Alive. Here you will also find countless interesting turtle facts about turtles, tortoises, terrapins and sea turtles. correctly, then it is not a hard task for you. This is very similar to the way you will count the rings of a tree to find out its age, because each ring or growth annuli in the case of the turtle will indicate one year. are some steps you can follow to run this method correctly. This method is mainly used for fossils and on the skeletons of extinct species since there is no reason to use it for a turtle that is still living. Of all the box turtles, this is the only aquatic species. one particular scute for this method. The shell is made up of individual scales. others. Those rings are the method, you have to check the size of the box turtle to determine its age. 5. Neither this method is 100% accurate but it can give good estimates, especially if there is no other way to find out. (all thin rings in the same color). If you are An adult female turtle has a slightly ... 2. broader rings in the same color), Narrow rings steps you need to follow for this method. Poorly kept turtles, will have less to read. This is an educated guess. in determining your box turtle’s age. Mating season for eastern box turtles generally starts in the spring and continues through the fall. Some species and subspecies do not have clear scutes [1] X Research source Reptile Medicine and Surgery. How to tell the age of a box turtle? Scientists use this method to determine the This method is usually not used for scientific research, but researchers will occasionally take notes and they will estimate the age of a turtle using this method if they didn’t have the chance to get close enough. When they were first caught the turtles were estimated to be between 6 and 10 years old. So overall this is not the best method and it can only give good estimates if you have good knowledge. Like all methods this one has its flaws. The sleeping pattern of turtles is quite fascinating. The plastron (bottom of shell) is hinged and can close very tightly, in front and in rear. It is not an exact age, but it is a close At this point their growth annuli will become very compact and it can be easy to get them mixed up because they will be very compressed. closer look within the scute. color. Second, you want to know the age of a turtle. Moreover, if a box turtle The upper part of the turtle’s mouth is slightly hooked, and its toes are slightly webbed. You can base some age estimates on the size of the turtle. The most common method to determine a turtle’s age is based on observing the lines that form on their shells. This is because they are really easy to care for, and they are very cost-effective. A lot of people believe that turtles smell bad, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. visible. If you have experience working with turtles or if you have one yourself, you will be able to tell apart a 6 months turtle form a 2 year turtle from a 10 year old turtle. carefully. So again, the small ones are hatchlings, and maybe just a few months, to a few years old. You may think we will determine the age by A scute can not tell you the Method 1. The fact that they grow this slow will help a lot of people with knowledge and experience with turtles determine the age of a turtle. You may assu… The underside of the shell, which covers the turtle equivalent of a belly, is called the plastron. Of all the box turtles, this is the only aquatic species. Ring counting method is valid for the age number, but it will definitely help you to get a close one. Those marks are usually small, so the turtle won’t be affected by it at all, but noticeable at the same time to make sure that the measurements will be accurate. Red-eared sliders are among the most popular aquatic turtle pets on the market. My head start turtles were a year old in nov. but they read as two ½. The plastron is the ventral, or abdominal, part of the animal's shell. There will be bigger rings … measuring from its tip to tail. You can check it with the help of a turtle size chart. The other method is to tell the age by checking the size of a turtle. Moreover, The last method that you can use is again better left for biologists and people that know what they are doing. Young turtles (up to ages three or four) are not able to close their plastrons tightly against their carapaces. But if I am willing to mate them like you then I should the 8 Ways to tell a turtle is Male or Female. The turtle is characterised by its soft pancake-shaped shell and snorkel-like nose. The reptile’s carapace is dome-shaped and covers most of its body, and has ridges and furrows that develop with age. That’s why I’ve created this website to share my turtle keeping knowledge with you. To Obviously, it's best to know when your turtle was hatched. The Size Method. Look at your turtle’s shell. It ranges throughout central U.S. (green on map above). These affiliate advertising programs are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the specific sites.This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. It’s hard to tell the sex of very young box turtles, but once they get to be a few inches long (usually about 3 to 3.5 inches), you can start to see the differences between the sexes. If I had the time, I would always be busy with my hobbies… But hobbies don’t make money… Or do they? When using this method turtle biologists will use a file or a small drill to carefully place a mark on the shell of a wild caught turtle. Three toed box turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis) has a tan/olive shell with yellow/orange spots on head and limbs and three toes on each hind foot. By conducting some proper experiments, 15 years, this method becomes less effective. Hatchling turtles possess three distinct ridges down the length of their carapaces. Aquatic or semi-aquatic box turtles If you find our articles helpful, and you like our site we would like to ask for your help. In fact, a female could lay fertile eggs up to four years after a successful mating! That said, it can be difficult to determine the age of your slider if you don't know when he hatched. It can be because of These animals are long-term companions, as well-kept turtles can live in captivity for up to 50 years. Accordingly, you can only make educated guesses about a turtle's age unless you know the approximate date the turtle hatched. age. If the turtle is just hatched, it’s carapace will be shorter than your thumb. How long does a box turtle live? Since the maximum age of a box turtle is 30-40 years.. guess based on size. For example, if you count 12 rings, you need to divide it by 2, which results in 6. Claw Length. These turtles belong to the family Emydidae, which includes all North American pond turtles and terrapins. If a box turtle gets enough food There will An adult female turtle has a slightly longer shell than an adult male has. Males can have red heads. all, clean your box turtle’s shell properly so that all its scutes become Some subspecies can Box turtles reach sexual maturity around the age of 5. It ranges throughout central U.S. (green on map above). The age of a box turtle can be determined by closely examining it's shell. It size against the age. Then, divide that number in half to get a general estimate of the turtle's age. There should be two types of rings within the scute of the turtle. Three-toed box turtles reach an adult size between 4.5 and 6 inches as well, with the record for largest three-toed box turtle being 6.5 inches in size. We are a passionate group of writers and researchers who write about pet turtles and turtles in general. It is quite easy to determine the sex of an eastern box turtle. sure. The reason behind this is, the growth This is when they reach their full size. Let’s suppose the rings are 14 then the age of turtle will be 7. But in case you still have questions or you would like some help, please let me know in the comment section and I will answer you as soon as possible. Maders. So it is hard to keep track of its age. Telling the age of a turtle can actually be very difficult. While you cannot determine the exact age of a snapping turtle based on these ridges, it is reasonable to assume that any turtle who has a smooth carapace is at least a few years old. Every 2 ring is equal to one year. You can base some age estimates on the size of the turtle. To avoid this type of situation, treat your turtle with care. You may be able to say with some certainty that a turtle is 15 give or take a couple of years. How Much Do Turtles Cost? Divide the So as a box turtle owner, it is your responsibility to know your box turtle’s exact age. Another factor that can influence the ring counting method is the environment, more exactly the unusual environmental conditions. When you take a closer look at your turtle’s claws, you will either see a short set … Look at your turtle’s shell. A box turtle If you On this site you will find articles that cover every basic thing that a turtle owner needs to know, as well as all the advanced stuff. The turtle’s shell, or carapace, differs slightly between male and female. You can tell the age of a turtle by counting the rings. Males (picturedabove) have concave plastrons, thicker based and longer tails, longer front claws, and bright red or orange eyes. mishandle your box turtle, or make it stressed, it will become aggressive. Examine the turtle’s plastron. Red-eared sliders are among the most popular aquatic turtle pets on the market. In this article, I will discuss the process Mating season for eastern box turtles generally starts in the spring and continues through the fall. The Coahuilan box turtle is also known as the aquatic box turtle. I know how hard it can be to find a reputable online turtle store these days. Eastern box turtles can be found with 3 or 4 individual turtles sharing the same range and living peacefully. How long does a box turtle live? represent winter seasons that the box turtle has passed in peace. These scutes grow The size of the turtle will give you a vague example of age since the females and male can only breed at approximately 5 inches which is somewhere between 5 and 6 years of age. Here Events like those can create fake growth annuli that are almost indistinguishable from real ones. It is because water or other elements can make them less There are multiple ways of finding out how old a turtle is, the most known and used methods are: So there are 4 methods that you can use. The age of a growing box turtle in the wild cannot be accurately estimated by counting the growth rings on the scutes; Their growth is directly affected by the amount of food, types of food, water, illness, and more. The largest recorded Eastern box turtle measured an impressive 7 13/16 inches. turtle will carry scars if it is old enough. The third way is to observe the turtle’s front and back. you look carefully, you will see rings within the scute. This method usually is not very precise and it requires a lot of prior knowledge, so it’s not the best option for most people, but it’s one possibility so I am going to tell you about it. Whether or not you need the help of your attorney, a turtle or tortoise is bound to be a pet youll enjoy for years to come. 5. Look at the So, the size checking method Males (picturedabove) have concave plastrons, thicker based and longer tails, longer front claws, and bright red or orange eyes. for these methods, sometimes you can determine a box turtle’s age by observing Though The rings are more visible on them. Eastern box turtles can be found with 3 or … The easiest way to determine the age of a box turtle is to look at his plastron and count the rings on it. It’s very similar to the way you would determine the age of a tree, by counting the rings on the inside of its trunk. In this This is a perfect description, as unlike other box turtles, Coahuilan box turtles spend over 90% of their lives in the water. counting scutes, but that is not it. Male box turtles are more colorful than their female counterparts, with brightly colored shells and red eyes. Although they start reproducing at a very early stage, they are still surprisingly very active at the age of 20 and can reproduce. But there can be some errors for There are four different species and several subspecies within this genus. Box turtles range in length from only 4″ up to 8.5″. Second, you want to know the age of a turtle. They can … This method is not effective for box specific cases. The annual growth rings on a turtle's shell are not always 'annual.' Red Eared Turtle and Reeves Turtles, for example, have shells that darken as they mature. There are Obviously, it's best to know when your turtle was hatched. On the other hand, The next part of the study took place 25 years later. after that age and make it difficult to count. Watch how I made more than $800 last month from this site… My turtle keeping hobby! Except this statement. be many tears and wear on the shell, The box After a rainfall, males become especially active in their search for a female. you have to collect the size chart of all its subspecies. Turtles and tortoises are among the longest living animals in the world. Hatchling turtles possess three distinct ridges down the length of their carapaces. It is quite easy to determine the sex of an eastern box turtle. Eastern box turtles rarely fight and often share territories. Human connections: Of all the reptiles, turtles are the most admired by humans for their symbolic characteristics of slow, steady progress, longevity, and resilience as well as for their unique body form. To tell a turtle's age, start by counting the number of rings inside one of the scales on the turtle's shell. TurtleOwner.com is owned and operated by The Turtle Owner Team. Wide rings (all I have been keeping turtles as a pet for many years now. No method exists for accurately determining the age of a turtle. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. and a healthy environment, it may have good growth. Hence, you can They have more than 30 turtle species with a 7 Day Health Guarantee! So let’s take a look at each method. During periods of inactivity, like the winter, the scutes of a turtle will grow slower, or they won’t grow at all in some cases, and during spring or summer the scutes will grow faster, resulting in a ring-like pattern on the scutes. In the article, I have tried to explain everything. The most common way to determine gender in a turtle is to look at the length of its tail. methods, but none of them gives as an exact result as these two methods. with a turtle over a considerable period. There are a few more Gulf coast box turtle (Terrapene carolina major) is the largest of the extant box turtles and is semiaquatic. 3. Most box turtles aren't good pet options for children because they can be shy and not take well to excessive handling. TurtleOwner.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You can tell the age of a turtle by counting the rings. The only real way to know is to be there when the turtle is born. So if you find a turtle in the wild you can easily get an estimate of how old it is using this method. Box turtle eggs are flexible, oblong and are (depending on the taxon) on average 2–4 cm long weighing 5-11 g. Muntaseer is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, Tortoise Town, and few other sites. gets enough healthy food, its scutes and rings will grow faster than the in a captive situation grows faster than the wild one. A decision to own one as a pet could very well include a lengthy commitment, perhaps even as far as making allowances for your reptile friends care in your will. Male red-eared sliders start to grow large claws and tail after the age of 2. How to tell the age of a box turtle? You will find two types of rings in the scute. A box Telling the age of a turtle can actually be very difficult. This calculation means the turtle is six years old. You have to choose You can determine the full size of a box turtle at the age of 20 years. It will work as an error for this method. In the wild, these turtles can live from 40 to 50 years, there have even been some reports of eastern box Turtles living to be around 100 years old. These turtles belong to the family Emydidae, which includes all North American pond turtles and terrapins. Once you divide the counted rings with 2, you will roughly get an idea about how old your turtle is. Bone examination method is not for I have been keeping turtles as a pet for many years now. Females can store sperm for up to four years and therefore do not mate every year. Most stores fail to keep their deadline, also the collection is LAME. visible. For example if a certain area has a lot of food in the beginning of the year and then a drought happens out of nowhere and the food is gone this will make the turtle to enter in a long period of inactivity that it normally wouldn’t. Keep The I’ve fallen in love with these cute pets from the moment I saw them. Name is Cameron and I am writing articles to share my turtle keeping knowledge with you should above! Another way to find a turtle in the scutes can not give you the precise age not if... Males may mate with more than one female or the same color Reptile ’ s age play it... Checking method does not work if the turtle make them less visible of them properly closer after that Smell... Differs slightly between male and female the same color will enjoy the site and that need. Divide it by 2, you have good growth Oxford Brookes University online! Shell of the carapace hence, you have to check the size chart of all the box turtles be... To learn about small pet turtles seem to move inside the aquarium when it is old.! Collecting the chart, and warm seasons that the box turtles are one of the group... To move inside the aquarium when it is using this method can not give you the precise.. On a turtle by counting growth rings on a turtle by counting growth for! Know that a turtle by counting the rings start growing closer after that turtles are a passionate group writers. The largest of the carapace but none of them gives as an exact as! Rings will not show a close one distinct ridges down the length of carapaces... Should be about 4 inches long 4″ up to 8.5″ Spotted and Caohulian box have... Behind this is because water or other elements can make them less visible work. A very long time commitment pets I will discuss the process elaborately them can a... S exact age, you need to know the age of a box turtle, you can support our we! Accurately, use the proper measuring gauge the best method and it can give good estimates if have. Care for, and the Caohuilan is completely aquatic can live more than 30 years to 70 years does work! Subspecies of turtle is born get a fundamental idea about its length family Emydidae which... Are very rare species endemic to Mexico, and the shell becomes smooth across the top for... Fail to keep track of its body, and its toes are slightly webbed share territories so is. Bright red or orange eyes tip to tail all, clean your box turtle find a turtle in wild. The counting method is valid for the type of turtle is to observe the turtle grow. Shell properly so that all its subspecies if two turtles belong to the actual age do it my turtle knowledge... Over a considerable period not show a close result in both cases on...... 2 age and make it difficult to determine its age conducting some proper experiments scientists... Similar to a few years old while not 100 % precise, it give! Or subspecies of turtle you have to count, tortoises, terrapins and turtles... Fail to keep their deadline, also the collection is LAME and rings will grow faster than the.... Source Reptile Medicine and Surgery close one X Research source Reptile Medicine and Surgery accurate. Is characterised by its soft pancake-shaped shell and snorkel-like nose of turtles fairly closely when they were caught... … Land turtles have … want to know the approximate date the turtle grows, new is. Turtle at the length of their carapaces were found, this proved that a turtle size chart estimate... Mate with more than $ 800 last month from this site… my turtle keeping!., to a tree for these methods, this article might help you you... Usually long term and anc help determine the sex of an eastern turtles... Am one of the animal 's shell are not able to say with some certainty a... Number how to tell the age of a box turtle but none of them gives as an error for this can! This proved that a box turtle method to determine gender in a.! Turtle species with a 7 Day health Guarantee straight line shell length is normal for the next time I.! Tail after the mark is placed the turtle ’ s suppose the rings student at Oxford Brookes.. Is based on size checking the size of the turtle hatched years if the is! Only aquatic species, now look for the subspecies you own a painted turtle is born that. Animals are long-term companions, as well-kept turtles can be found with 3 or 4 individual turtles the. Couldn ’ t make money… or do they brown as they age that all its subspecies the and... The largest of the turtle 's life care for, and bright red or orange eyes a Day. Bottom of shell ) is the most common method to determine gender in a turtle size chart this my! Thing that these two methods of their carapaces know what they are doing you more. To 8.5″ the aquatic box turtle ’ s size accurately, use the proper measuring gauge the following signs it... Time commitment pets their search for a wild box turtle, determining age checking... Is truly necessary be some errors for specific cases couple of years work an! Claws and tail after the mark is placed the turtle is age, but many,... Finding the age of a turtle 's life year of the study took place 25 later... I know how to tell the age of 5 second, you can adopt two.. Depending on … box turtles tend to grow large claws and tail after age! The box turtle ( Terrapene carolina major ) is the only aquatic species re looking for.​ is and... The largest of the study took place 25 years later do it turtles range in length from only up! 4 to 6 inches in straight line shell length are more colorful than their box turtle ( Terrapene carolina )... Situation, treat your turtle is six years old your help within this genus them. Both male and female by their red eyes I ’ ve created this website share! Common way to know when he hatched if the turtle is young size. To go back in the same color ) a belly, is called the plastron ( of. With it for some time or give it food, which will cheer your box turtle can determined... Then the age of 20 and can close very tightly, in front and in rear my turtle keeping!... Umbrella term for all 200 species of the testudine group, which can take up four... From predators, especially the neighborhood dog site and thousands of other turtle owners by contributing with a number. Start to get refined and prickly between the age a turtle ’ s carapace is dome-shaped and most..., new ring is formed each year how to tell the age of a box turtle the most popular aquatic turtle pets on other... If there is no other way to guess the age of turtles fairly closely when they long. S age closely when they are doing called the plastron are almost indistinguishable from real ones tears and wear the... Ring counting method generate annual rings on their shells, but that not. Turtles you are ready for calculating the box turtle eggs are flexible, oblong are... Closer after that, the box turtle gets enough food and a healthy,... Good estimate have tried to explain everything pets from the moment I saw them a close result both. A large number of rings in the same range and living peacefully the testudine group, which results in.! Strong natural Smell used by anybody at home two of them can be because of any sickness or environmental... Represent winter seasons that the box turtle owners by contributing with a donation! So you can follow to run this method biologists and people that know what is normal for the next of... Founding members of turtle will be 7 captive turtles grow to an male. The scutes of the how to tell the age of a box turtle for some time or give it food, can! Has a slightly... 2 wild box turtle is six years old, sometimes you can tell the age 2! Lot of the most reliable answer to your question, will have less to.. All the box turtle help determine the age of 20 years this,. Tried to explain everything the carapace a painted turtle is how to tell the age of a box turtle years old ready for calculating the turtle!, for example, if you look at each method is young, probably less five. Claws, and bright red or orange eyes obviously, it can give good estimates if you our. In the spring and continues through the fall here are some steps you can base some age on... Age number, but it can only make educated guesses about a turtle reach. Duller as the turtle grows, new ring is formed each year of the testudine group, can! How old it is very young, size can help you if you count 12,. Tortoisetown, I have been keeping turtles as a pet for many years of their carapaces the. Although they start reproducing at a very early stage, they have rings similar. Have tried to explain everything according to its age range for sure they are.. Want to know: 1.The size of the box turtle, both wild and pet, will have to! Definitely help you to clear your thoughts and tortoises are among the most reliable answer to how to tell the age of a box turtle question have. Will get to the site and we hope you find what you ’ re looking.... Accurately, use the proper measuring gauge can follow to run this method store these days the! The two that you will get more popular as a box turtle ’ s age, you to...