Price for Ornate Box Turtle

[RobV]

Hello, a local pet store here is selling adult (9 years old) ornate box turtles for $200 each. They're super friendly and curious, but I know nothing about prices of these guys, can anyone help me out?

Thanks,
Rob

[RobV]

me again..
They also seem a little dry compared to pictures I've seen on the internet, does this mean anything?

[latazyo]

I would pick up the turtle and feel if it feels heavier than it looks

that is a good unscientific way of testing it's hydration

[Linds]

If they are in a pet store they are likely being kept improperly and dehydrated, amongst other things. If they seem a little on the dry side, that is probably the case.

[RobV]

They do not seem light (in weight), like when I pick them up, they appear to weigh what they look like.
From what I understand, they are captive bred, and have been with the same previous owner for 7 to 9 years. They are alert, and aware of what is going on outside of the tank that they are in. They do not seem aggressive, that is, they look at what is in front of them, and realize food from non-food.

Other than that, what would be the best kind of conditions to keep/house them in? I have heard differing opinions...
But if they are being improperly kept, I would like to know what is the best way to keep them in captivity (in the wild I think that they come from south - to - southwestern states)

Also, does this seem like a reasonable price? I think I might take them anyway since I've never seen them offered in Winnipeg before, but it would be nice to know if I am getting what I've paid for... I've seen eastern boxes for $200 - $250 canadian, but never ornates, so this is one of my major concerns.

Thanks for the help,
Rob V

[KrokadilyanGuy3]

They do not seem light (in weight), like when I pick them up, they appear to weigh what they look like.

Do they fill hollow or solid when you pick them up?

They do not seem aggressive, that is, they look at what is in front of them, and realize food from non-food.

Smell, bright colors and movement help them determine what is spiffy or not.

Other than that, what would be the best kind of conditions to keep/house them in? I have heard differing opinions...

Adult ornates require a relatively dry habitat.(I do a bi weekly flooding) 6sq. foot is the minimum I keep my boxes in. They love to dig, soak and sleep. Outdoors seems to be the best place to house them.


Also, does this seem like a reasonable price? I think I might take them anyway since I've never seen them offered in Winnipeg before, but it would be nice to know if I am getting what I've paid for... I've seen eastern boxes for $200 - $250 canadian, but never ornates, so this is one of my major concerns.

Ive never seen either species offered for that much. I sell, my cb boxies (Hatchlings, Juvies, adults) for 45$ and I dont recall ever seeing any box native to the US over 100. Seems pricey to me, but I guess they are less commonly sold up there. Reasonable price would determine on how much you like the box turtles. They are commonly sold for less, but the price of an animal shouldn't determine it's quality.
~Xain

[latazyo]

you want it to feel heavier than it looks...kind of like surprisingly heavy...