The American Box turtle needs extreme high humidity in order to thrive. Misting your turtle daily and adding potted plants to your pet's living environment will help to keep air moisture at peak levels. Humidity levels can range from 60-80 percent. Those turtles not provided with enough moisture are prone to illness, injury, disease, and early death. A good source of lighting is a necessity when keeping turtles as pets.
Reptiles require access to direct sunlight or artificial light at all times.
Special reptile bulbs and lighting options are available at most major pet stores. Lights should be set to warm one portion of the turtle's living environment to a consistent temperature of 85-degrees Farenheit at all times. American Box turtles also require the addition of water to their living environment. This type of turtle does well when it is given the opportunity to wade, stand, or soak in water each day. A small pet tank can be purchased separately or a tiny pool can be added to the turtle's space.