Another predator??? In my home no less???

[jdr250]

Ok weird but.....Are box turtles a threat to my baby chicks?
We have an adopted box turtle Raphael. He was wild caught (I didn't catch him, but ended up adopting him when the dummy who did catch him thought it was appropriate to release him back into the wild in the middle of November so me being the doop that I am ended up with him) well anyhow, Raphael lets himself out of his cage whenever he feels the need and today is the first day since we got the chicks that he's come out well he's lingering around the brooder trying to climb up the side, stretching his neck really far to see in etc. Needless to say this is strange behavior for him as he's usually not interested in anything just pretty mellow trying to stay away from all the passing foot traffic. Should I be worried (he can't get into the cage, my 170lb saint can't even get into it but well you know over protective momma hen here....lol

Also my back yard has a summer turtle she makes her way through every summer on the way to who knows where so once my chicks go outside do I have to watch for her?

 

[chcknrs]

Box turtles are omnivores, and might be a threat to a small chick, however once your chickens are big enough to be outside it shouldn't be a problem.

Salmonella is also an issue with turtles, so make sure you wash your hands well in between handling turtle and chicks.

 

[Cetawin]

Not sure about a box turtle...but most of the water turtles, will eat baby ducks and baby birds in a heartbeat.