Transporting a Turtle It may become necessary to transport your turtles. If the turtle is traveling by car and accompanied by you, here are some suggestions:

• Use a sturdy, clean cardboard or plastic box not a hard, rigid container, such as a glass tank. Line the box with shredded newspaper and towels for substrate. Never transport your turtle in a container filled with water.
• Make sure there is a lid or a way you can close the box to prevent escape, to keep drafts out, and to keep it dark. The turtle will likely borrow under and sleep. You still need to make sure air can get inside the box.
• Keep ambient air temperatures around 70F-85F and bring a thermometer. A wired digital thermometer would allow you to check the temperature without opening the box.
• Regularly check to make sure they have not flipped over and clean up any waste that may be present.

If air temperatures exceed 85F and you cannot cool the vehicle with air conditioning, here are some suggestions:

• Keep a thermometer with the turtle and check every 15 minutes. A digital thermometer with a wired probe will allow you to check without having to open the box.
• Keep the box out of direct sunlight.
• Mist the turtle if you cannot cool the air down. You can also wipe it down with a cool towel.
• If you are traveling a long distance in hot weather, then you could wait to travel in the evening.

If air temperatures drop below 65F and you cannot heat the vehicle, here are some ideas:

• Keep a thermometer with the turtle and check every 15 minutes. A digital thermometer with a wired probe will allow you to check without having to open the box.
• Place the box into a large plastic tub or a Styrofoam container. Add a hot water bottle or use a heat pack, with neither in nor near direct contact with the turtle. Make sure that these heat sources are securely wrapped and protected.