Raising a wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) requires dedication, specialized care, and a deep understanding of its semi-terrestrial lifestyle. Native to northeastern North America, wood turtles are intelligent, active, and strikingly beautiful—but they are also vulnerable in the wild and not ideal for beginners. With proper care, they can live 40–60+ years in captivity.
⚠️ Important: Wood turtles are protected in many states and provinces. It is illegal to collect them from the wild in most areas. Always obtain captive-bred individuals from reputable breeders—and verify legal ownership in your region.
Size: 5–8 inches (13–20 cm)
Shell: Sculpted, pyramid-like scutes with rich brown, orange, or yellow tones
Temperament: Highly intelligent, curious, and active; known to solve mazes and recognize caregivers
Habitat in wild: Clean, slow-moving streams with sandy banks, forested areas, and nearby terrestrial foraging zones
Lifestyle: Semi-aquatic—spends significant time on land, especially in spring/summer
Indoor Habitat (Year-Round or Winter)
Size: Minimum 4' x 2' x 2' (LxWxH) for one adult—larger is better
Layout: 70% land / 30% water
Land area: Deep substrate for burrowing
Water area: 6–10" deep, large enough to fully submerge and soak
Outdoor Enclosure (Preferred in Warm Months)
Secure, predator-proof pen with:
Shallow pond or water tub (with easy exit)
Leaf litter, logs, rocks, and native plants
Shade and sun access
Burrowing substrate (soil, coconut fiber, leaf mold)
🌿 Note: Wood turtles thrive outdoors in appropriate climates (USDA zones 4–7) during warm months. Bring indoors if temps drop below 50°F (10°C).
Land Area
Substrate: 6–8" of moist, diggable mix (e.g., coconut fiber, topsoil, sphagnum moss, leaf litter)
Hides: Logs, bark slabs, commercial hides
Enrichment: Rocks, branches, edible plants (dandelion, clover), shallow digging pits
Water Area
Depth: 6–10 inches (deep enough to soak, but easy to exit)
Filtration: Use a canister filter or change water daily if unfiltered
Temperature: 68–72°F (20–22°C)—do not heat unless ill; they prefer cool water
Temperature & Lighting
Ambient air: 70–75°F (21–24°C)
Basking spot: 82–86°F (28–30°C)
Night temp: Can drop to 60–65°F (15–18°C)
UVB lighting: Essential—use a 5.0 or 6% linear UVB tube over basking area
Photoperiod: 10–12 hours/day (use a timer)
Wood turtles are omnivores with a strong preference for animal protein (especially in spring) and seasonal plant matter.
Diet Breakdown
Protein (50–60% of diet):
Earthworms, nightcrawlers, crickets, mealworms (occasionally), slugs, snails
Occasional pinky mice (for adults, sparingly)
Plant Matter (40–50%):
Dandelion greens, clover, kale, collard greens, squash, berries, mushrooms
Avoid: spinach, iceberg lettuce, citrus
Feeding Schedule
Adults: Feed every other day
Juveniles: Daily
Always provide fresh, clean water for drinking and soaking
Supplements
Calcium (without D3 if using UVB): 2–3 times/week
Multivitamin: Once weekly
Highly intelligent: Provide puzzle feeders, foraging opportunities, and varied terrain
Seasonal activity: Most active in spring/fall; may slow down in summer heat or winter
Hibernation (brumation): Possible in captivity but not recommended for beginners—requires precise temperature and moisture control
Common issues:
Respiratory infections (from improper temps)
Shell rot (from constant wetness without drying)
Parasites (especially in wild-caught individuals)
Always work with a qualified reptile/exotic veterinarian
Annual check-ups recommended
Wood turtles are listed as Species of Special Concern or Threatened in many regions
Never remove from the wild—it harms fragile populations
Captive breeding is vital for conservation—support ethical breeders
Raising a wood turtle is a privilege—not just a pet-keeping project, but a conservation partnership. With the right environment, diet, and respect for their natural behaviors, they can be deeply engaging, long-lived companions.
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