Is it ok if i add some gravel to my baby common snapping turtles cage?

Question

just wondering i also need some advice on how to keep it healthy.

Answer 1

It is ok to add gravel to the tank, but I wouldn't get the small pellet type gravel, as the turtle could ingest it.

Answer 2

Gravel is fine. Some people worry too much about impaction, but it is so rare it's not even worth worrying about. Your turtle has a better chance of getting struck by lightning. The last person thinks she is an expert, but all she ever does is copy and paste info from less than reputable websites. I have owned dozens and dozens of turtles, and know other people who have had many kept on gravel and I've never seen a problem. In the wild there are all kinds of rocks and gravel in the river and lake bottoms, but I don't see dead, impacted turtles all over. Use the gravel, make a nice looking enclosure, and enjoy your turtle. Don't worry about what some self proclaimed "expert" says. Having alot of points on Yahoo does not make you an expert. And snapping turtles don't need UV either. They never bask, so what good do expensive lights do? I have raised more snappers, both common and alligator, and have never used UV lights, and all are perfect. I have one that I've had for six years and he is great, didn't eat gravel, didn't need lights, just alot of food!

Answer 3

1. For good care info, try http://www.chelydra.org or http://www.austinsturtlepage.com

2. Gravel is a mixed blessing.
PROS-
- better looks
- better natural behaviors IF the turtle can indeed burrow in it (which usually requires a rather fine gravel)

CONS-
- sand or fine gravel can hurt filters
- colorful, coarse textured fish gravel is often mistaken for food and eaten, which can lead to impaction. (Most smoother gravel and sand is not a problem this way.)
- sand or fine gravel holds debris on top and can look nasty
- food and wastes settle in the gravel and cause odor and harbor bacterial growth. MOST of the smell in a trutle tank comes from the stuff in the gravel. (A good bottom vac cleaner helps a lot with this!)

My preference for most species is to scatter some flat pieces of rock on the bottom to provide some cover and looks, but still make cleaning easy.

For a snapper or a softshell, etc., I generally go with a layer of clean sand, thicker on one side, thinning to the other (the side with the filter), and use a good filter pre-filter to keep sand out. I also make sure to vac (carefully) every week.

Answer 4

i actually caught an person snapping turtle whilst i exchange right into somewhat youthful. if he's no longer looking after himself based in case you have an adequate sized tank you are able to positioned a huge mound of airborne dirt and dirt on one side and fill something of the tank with water because of the fact's there established abode. i do no longer understand your geographical area yet whilst he's no longer hibernating interior the right enviroment provide him some warmth and lay some warm canines in his cage and notice how he reacts. if this is already chilly and he would not have a place to hibernate and stay then being positioned decrease back out he won't final long in any respect. merely watch your palms.

Answer 5

Yes, its a good idea to have some substrate in with snapping turtles, as they tend to crawl along the bottom instead of swimming like most aquatic turtles. If you feed it live goldfish/guppies, its fun to watch them creep across the bottom trying to sneak up on the fish.

Answer 6

Gravel is good. Feed it fresh meat.

Answer 7

Nope, there's a good change it will eat some gravel and become fatally impacted. Have seen it happen! Not worth the risk. It needs heat/UVB,water filter, water heater, frequent water changes, good diet and vitamins. Check out this site for more info:

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-red_ear_slider.htm

Answer 8

thats perfectly fine!!!
feed it blood worms