Baby Snapping Turtle?

Question

I just got a baby snapping turtle, i just want to know some of the best ways to take care of it. I dont really want to buy a filter, but i dont mind cleaning the tank every week or more...

i just need some advice on the best way to take care of my turtle, and i need a name for HIM too :)

Answer 1

you are ready for a turtle who will eventually get a good 21" or more, depending if he's an alligator or common snapper.

They get huge. And you can't coddle one. You will have to feed him either live food with tongs or let him catch his own.

How do you know he's a he if he's only a baby? he needs to grow up at least 4-5" before you can tell.

Answer 2

I would put it back where you got it. They don't make very good pets, and keeping their tanks clean is very time-consuming. you have to do it more than once a week. They are really smelly animals when trapped in a cage.

Answer 3

return the baby snapper in the same area that you kidnapped it.  If you keep it, you will kill it.

Answer 4

While live food is best (earthworms, fishes [other than goldfish], and soft-bodied insects), liver dusted in bonemeal is good too.

You don't need a basking area but there should be a place where the snapper can stand and still stick its nose out to breathe.

I don't have a filter either. The water is a lovely shade of green all the time. Figure 10 gallons of tank per inch of shell and remember that they grow rapidly when they are young.

Answer 5

Snapping turtles grow to a rather big size. I hope that you don't plan on keeping it in an aquarium. Also, they are "display" pets since one cannot really interact with them safely. The snapping part of their name comes from the fact that they snap their beak when defending itself, or when trying to capture prey - they are omnivorous. I've read that they have quite powerful beaks... also hence 'alligator' snapping turtle. Regardless of whether you keep the baby indoors or outdoors, you will most probably need a filter... unless you happen to own land that has a natural pond. Please do read up on your pet's needs (i.e. housing, nutrition, UVA/UVB requirements, etc). Good luck!