General Traits

The Malayan box turtle can be easily recognized by their distinctive yellow stripes on each of the heads. They prefer warm, calm, shallow water pools or slow-moving streams and they remain active all throughout the year. When met with predators, their hinged plastron enables their bottom part to tightly seal against the top, safeguarding their vulnerable limbs and heads from potential harm. They will also swiftly swim away and take refuge at the water's bottom and if their escape proves unworkable, they employ a defensive strategy by retracting their entire body inside their protective shells.

Biological Data (Quick Facts)

How to Differentiate Gender?

The plastron, the underside of the shell, is a useful indicator for determining the gender of turtles. Males have a concave depression in their plastron, which aids them in reproduction. In contrast, females typically have a flat plastron.

The tank shape should be in a "long" layout allowing a larger surface area. The water-to-land area should be in a 50:50 ratio and substrates such as gravel, pebbles and stones can be used. The water must be changed twice weekly using portable and handy water suction pumps.

A tank with at least 20 gallon capacity is highly recommended for one to two turtles; an example of a 20 gal tank in long dimensions is 30 inches x 12 inches x 12 inches. It is best to have larger tanks for habitat enhancements such as pebbles, rocks, stones or other novelty decors safe for turtles that can be placed to mimic the natural environment. A water depth where the width of the turtle shell is submerged and enough for them to swim is ideal. Water should be treated with anti-chlorine and a decent water filter is ideal to keep the water clean.

A water heating device must be used to keep the water warm and it is best to keep the water temperature between 26 to 29 degrees Celsius. In addition, basking areas must also be kept warm with the use of heating lamps. On top of these, UVA and UVB bulbs that are placed approximately 28 to 30 cm away from the basking areas can also be turned on for 8-12 hours daily to imitate the natural daylight cycle as this would foster overall health and well being of these pets.

Feeding and Handling

Malayan box turtles must be fed an omnivorous diet. Well-balanced nutritional commercial diets are available on the market. Vegetables, some fruits, mushrooms and various aquatic plants can be fed over time. Waxworms, crickets, fish and many other types of insects can also be prepared and given as their food. Malayan box turtles may not require daily food and can be fed twice a week. They should be fed in the water to accommodate their highly aquatic instincts. Unconsumed food should be removed with a water suction pump after 8 to 10 minutes. Allow Malayan box turtles to acclimatise to a new environment for at least a week. It is best not to disturb them in their new homes to avoid unnecessary stress. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling them. Please avoid overhandling or any undesirable handling. Pets, in general, should be handled gently, and any unnecessary handling can be a stressful event for your pets.

Unhealthy Signs to look for:

• Abscesses and pus such as hard swellings near the ear and eyes.
• Gasping for air while breathing.
• Black or whitish discolouration and softening of the shells.
• Wounds and ulceration of the skin.
• Broken or fractured shells.
• Diarrhea and weight loss.

Other common Diseases:

• Vitamin A deficiency, respiratory disease, and shell fractures.

It is best to seek veterinary medical attention should these signs be shown.

A pet is for life, and before purchasing a Malayan Box Turtle, you must understand the responsibility that comes along with it. Rehoming pet options can include friends and family. Pet abandonment is an offence under the Animals and Birds Act.