I have a pet snapping turtle that i've had for 3 days. I found it in my back yard as my cat was playing with it. I had a small 10 gallon tank that i put him in with about 2 inchs of water and a rock he can climb on to bask. I know i hav eto buy a 100 gallon tank and a good filtration and a basking light. Right now i only have a regular light and bring him outside for about an hour everyday. I was wondering what kind of water am i soppose to be using? Since it is a wild turtle. I have been using pond water. I didn't want to use town water. Also is there anything else i need besides a light and filtration? I am planing on getting some turtle vitamin supplements and some duck weeds. I am feeding him earthworms now.
2007-06-06 09:36:56 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
I love snapping turtles and have lots of experience with them, including one that I hatched from an egg that is now 21 yrs old. They are intelligent and interesting, but rarely become tame.
The best way to keep them (as adults) is in a cattle watering tank. They don't need deep water. It should be filtered, but stay away from sponge filters as the turtle will destroy them. Use tap water; treat it with a dechlorinator.
They do not need a basking rock, as they normally bask by floating on the surface of the water.
They are carnivorous, eating worms, insects, crawdads, fish, mice, and occasionally pellets.
To dispel some misinformation posted above:
-Common snapping turtles deliver a nasty bite, but can't bite the finger off of an adult. They do not have teeth.
-There is no such thing as a "domestic" turtle.
-They should not eat dog food or raw meat.
2007-06-06 13:20:37 · answer #1 · answered by markwedloe 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Pet Snapping Turtle
2016-10-01 10:50:37 · answer #2 · answered by Erika 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. It is possible that it is illegal to keep this turtle in your area. They are often considered a 'fish' or something, depending on your state. It is also unlikely you will get in much trouble for it.
2. Wild caught turtle make terrible pets in general- they just do not repay your efforts by thriving. For example, they usually have a large parasite load and the parasites in captivity stress the turtle badly.
3. Moving it back and forth between habitats is stressful- avoid it if you can.
4. Any water you can drink is OK. Even chlorine is not really a big problem. After all, turtles do not 'breath' or 'absorb' water like a fish or frog would. It would be nice to let the water 'air' out for 24 hours before you use it, but not a big deal- with proper filtration.
5. You need a lot more good information. Try http://www.austinsturtlepage.com or http://www.chelydra.com
6. Please consider letting this turtle go. If you decide you like turtles as pets, try a captive bred Painted Turtle, Musk Turtle, or similar species. You can even get captive-bred Snappers- but the adult snapper really is not a beginner turtle.
2007-06-06 16:27:23 · answer #3 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Snapping turtles as pets.?
I have a pet snapping turtle that i've had for 3 days. I found it in my back yard as my cat was playing with it. I had a small 10 gallon tank that i put him in with about 2 inchs of water and a rock he can climb on to bask. I know i hav eto buy a 100 gallon tank and a good filtration and a...
2015-08-18 08:27:13 · answer #4 · answered by Melodee 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the others; a snapping turtle is not a good choice for a pet turtle. I have a red-eared slider and he is a great pet. My class loves him during the school year. During the summer months, he is a joy at our house. Just remember, turtles live a long, long time. Be prepared to have a pet turtle for life. I hope this helps!
2007-06-06 13:48:52 · answer #5 · answered by Iteachdailey4u 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't know much about keeping turtles so I can't help you there. I will say however that if you have a REAL snapping turtle be careful. I'm not sure if they're all the same, maybe there's different types, but I've seen ones on TV that get HUGE which can easily snap your fingers right off.
2007-06-06 09:42:08 · answer #6 · answered by DiRTy D 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I had a turtle (a red eared slider) that I caught in the wild as a pet for years. It actually grew to like being around people and it would beg for food when you would walk into the room. We just put it in tap water and fed it worms, fruit, vegetables, canned dry turtle food, and sometimes raw hamburger. It made a wonderful pet and was very low maintenance. It would hibernate all winter under our couch, so for several months out of the year it wouldn't need hardly any attention at all.
2007-06-06 09:47:27 · answer #7 · answered by DorkRawk 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ask your vet if he needs certain foods. You might be shorting is life expectancy if he does not get the proper diet. Also you should be ok with the pond water but again ask your local vet.
Good luck
And by the way I think a snapping turtle would make an awesome pet.
2007-06-06 09:42:06 · answer #8 · answered by JJ 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
A true snapping turtle will never be a pet, and once you become short one finger you'll know what I mean.
This is one of the pre-historic critters that belong only in the wild or zoo, not in the home. Find a pond or small stream and turn it loose.
The bigger they get, the meaner they get.
2007-06-06 09:42:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
You need to let him go, a 100 gallon tank is not going to hold a full grown adult. Snapping turtle adults usually weigh from 10 to 35 pounds but fattened captive individuals can weigh as much as 80 pounds or more.
They are also VERY aggressive and can take a finger off...let it go!
2007-06-06 09:46:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋