Zhou's Box Turtle (Cuora zhoui)
| Zhou's Box Turtle Cuora zhoui | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Zhou's Box Turtle |
| Name Lat. | Cuora zhoui |
| Family | Asian River Turtles |
| Family lat. | Geoemydidae |
| Order | Turtles |
| Order lat. | Testudines |
| Origin | China |
| Habitat | Swamps |
| Diet | Fish, crayfish, insects, veggies |
| Humidity | 60-80 % |
| Behavior | ♂ semi-aggressive |
| Keeping | Individual, group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Oviparous |
| Housing | Humid terrarium |
| Life Span | 20 years |
| Protection | CITES Appendix II; EU Annex B |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 18 cm |
| Temperature | 22-28 °C |
| Temperature Local | 30 °C |
| Housing Size | 100 x 50 x 50 cm |
| US Units | |
| Size | 7" |
| Temperature | 72-82 °F |
| Temperature Local | 86 °F |
| Housing Size | 40" x 20" x 20" |
Distribution and habitat
The range of the Zhous Hinged Turtles is in the Chinese provinces of Guangxi and Yunnan. They live near slow-flowing or stagnant waters with dense vegetation that provides sheltered basking sites.
Maintenance
Minimum dimensions for the terrarium, according to the size and number of animals:
| floor space for 1-2 animals | 4PL x 2PL (L x W) |
For each additional animal, increase the footprint by 10%, and for the 5th animal or more, increase the footprint by 20%. The carapace length (PL) is measured at the largest animal. A terrarium of e.g. 100 x 50 x 50 cm is recommended, which should be placed in a quiet place.
The land part, about two thirds of the base area, with a soft substrate of sand-earth mixture, covered with bark mulch and foliage, should be equipped with robust plants and roots (hiding places) and offer sunny spots. In addition, a shallow water section with roots, marsh and floating plants (also artificial) and a substrate of fine gravel and stones, some of which reach the water surface. To maintain water quality, a powerful filter with low flow and frequent water changes are recommended, and to maintain humidity, a rain or mist system.
| Temp. day: 22-28 °C | Temp. night: 18-22 °C | Temp. local: 30 °C | Humidity: 60-80 |
The lighting duration should be 8-14 hrs. They need daily UV irradiation and sunny places with radiant heat.
Diet
They are omnivores, but require mainly animal food. The food supply consists of commercial water turtle food, supplemented with small crustaceans, snails, earthworms, shrimp, fish pieces, etc., which are also well accepted frozen. In addition, they need some vegetable food, such as lettuce, dandelion, etc., and occasionally sweet fruit (e.g. banana, pear, apple). The regular addition of minerals and vitamins is important, also cuttlebone should be constantly available
At least 1-2 fast days per week are recommended. A regular and varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.
Reproduction and breeding
Males have a concave ventral carapace and a much thicker tail than females, and the anal opening is closer to the tip of the tail in males
Breeding usually takes place after winter dormancy. The eggs (1-3 pieces) are laid and covered in moist soil. At about 27 °C the incubation period is about 75 days.
The life expectancy can be 20 years.
Species protection
The animal population must be reported in writing to the competent authority immediately after the start of keeping. Subsequently, all arrivals and departures must be reported.
Protection of species: WA Annex II; EU Annex B. The proof of purchase is the required proof of origin for the animal. Please keep it safe! Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.
Important
Since the males are very eager to mate, keeping the sexes separately is recommended. Males should be kept singly, females in groups. In case of incompatibility the animals should be separated immediately. For a 10-12 week hibernation period, lower the temperature to 12-15 °C and reduce the lighting time by 2-4 hours. Outdoor keeping is possible from May to October. Zhou's Hinged Turtles prefer a more terrestrial or more aquatic lifestyle, depending on the individual. A transverse joint on the abdominal carapace allows the animals to fold up the anterior and posterior parts in case of danger
The terrarium must have good ventilation without drafts and meet the species-specific needs. Measuring devices such as thermometers, hygrometers, etc. are necessary. The lighting has to correspond to the species-specific day-night rhythm and has to be placed in such a way that the animals cannot injure themselves. The terrarium should be locked in such a way that neither unauthorized persons can open it nor the animals can escape. Contamination must be removed regularly
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: Alex Rinesch
Source: BMELV (1997): Tierschutzgutachten - Mindestanforderungen an die Haltung von Reptilien; ENGELMANN (2006): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Reptilien und Amphibien, Harri Deutsch Verlag
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF