The Complete North American Box Turtle

We recently added a new book to our collection of reptile care books and after reading it from cover to cover we believe it is a book that Box Turtle fanciers should not be without. The Complete North American Box Turtle by Carl J. Franklin and David C. Killpack provides a complete synopsis for, not only keeping Box Turtles in captivity, but also provides complete coverage of the natural history of these animals in the wild. The days of picking up a Box Turtle in the wild and taking it home to keep in a cardboard box while feeding them raw hamburger, a few fruits and vegetables is now over. This book gives the reader a complete understanding of the nutritional, physiological and behavioral requirements for keeping these creatures. Fourteen species or subspecies are featured in the species accounts. A complete natural history section features important information on taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, predators and defenses, activity and home ranges, periods of inactivity and longevity. Knowledge of all of these are important to today's Box Turtle keepers. There is extensive information on breeding and care of the young turtles with specific information on care of eggs and juveniles, weeks 1-2, weeks 2-4, 4-5 months after hatching, 1-2 years old and a complete reproductive overview. Information on population status, state laws regarding Box Turtles and internet resources will also prove valuable to any turtle enthusiast.

This is a nice 242 page hard cover book with a nice full color dust jacket. Illustrated with hundreds of full color photographs and featuring an easy to read and understand text, this book is most certainly the "bible" regarding the Box Turtle and would make a wonderful gift for any turtle lover or naturalist. Put on your Box Turtle cap and enjoy a great read.