For beginners, western box turtles are difficult to keep. Western box turtles are omnivorous, but they tend to be more insectivorous than other box turtles, occasionally eating a little fruit and vegetables. Food is also great.

However, the growth is relatively slow, and it takes more than 5 years to reach maturity. The western box turtle is more timid than the Carolina box turtle, and is susceptible to respiratory disease that can lead to physical exhaustion and sudden death. Therefore, it is not suitable for novice breeding.