TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction 1
- Chapter One: Wood Turtles 101 3
- Facts about Wood Turtles 4
- Size, Life Span, and Physical Appearance 5
- Quick Facts 6
- Chapter Two: Wood Turtles as Pets 9
- What Makes It a Great Pet? 10
- Choosing Your Wood Turtle 11
- Wood Turtles Licensing 13
- Conservation Connection 15
- Cost of Owning a Wood Turtle 16
- Is Your Budget Ready? 16
- Chapter Three: Purchasing a Wood Turtle 23
- Where to Purchase Your Wood Turtle 24
- The Reputable and Smart Wood Turtle Breeder 27
- Characteristics of a Healthy Breed 31
- List of Breeders and Rescue Websites 31
- Chapter Four: Proper Housing for Your Wood Turtles 37
- Housing Requirements 38
- Cage 39
- UV & UVB Light 40
- Night Light 42
- Substrate 42
- Humidifier 44
- Terrarium 45
- Heat Pads 45
- Chapter Five: Diet for Your Wood Turtle 47
- Nutrition in the Wild vs. In Captivity 48
- Nutritional Needs in the Wild 48
- Nutritional Needs in Captivity 49
- Tips for Feeding Your Pet 50
- Feeding Amount and Frequency 51
- Juveniles 52
- Adults 52
- During Hibernation 52
- The Best Turtle Food Brand for your Pet Wood Turtle 53
- Chapter Six: Husbandry Requirements for Wood Turtles 57
- A Happy and Healthy Home 58
- Cage or a Terrarium 58
- Temperature 59
- Humidity 60
- Filtration and Cleaning 60
- Landscaping/Aquascaping 61
- Lighting 62
- Basic Housing Checklist: 63
- Habitat Tips 63
- Habitat Maintenance Tips 65
- Chapter Seven: Handling and Hygiene of Your Wood Turtles 67
- Handling and the Hygiene of Your Pet 68
- Grooming Your Pet Wood Turtle 70
- Water Quality 71
- Other Essential Information 73
- Nails 74
- Beaks 75
- Chapter Eight: Breeding and Shipping Wood Turtles 77
- Sexual Dimorphism 78
- How to Set Up the Right Breeding Conditions 78
- How to Breed Your Pet Wood Turtle 80
- Egg Removal, Incubation and Hatching of Eggs 80
- Raising Wood Turtles 82
- Life Cycle of a Wood Turtle 82
- How to Package Your Wood Turtles 85
- Chapter Nine: Common Diseases and Treatments 89
- Superficial Wounds 90
- Respiratory Infection 91
- Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) 92
- Diarrhea 93
- Dehydration 93
- Eye Problem 94
- Abscesses 94
- Shell Rot 95
- Chapter Ten: Care Sheet and Summary 97
- Glossary 111
- Photo Credits 117
- References 119
