How to Keep a Snapping Turtle

Snapping turtles make for interesting and unusual pets for the right keeper. However, they are challenging to keep due to their large size and potentially dangerous bites. They also require a large tank, as well as long-term dedication because of their longevity. The common snapping turtle is known to reach ages in excess of 30 years, and alligator snappers are thought to live more than 100 years.

Things You'll Need

  • Large aquarium, plastic bin or stock tank
  • Filter
  • Water
  • Flat rock or ramp
  • Submersible aquarium heater
  • Heat lamp
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Decide on the species of snapping turtle you wish to keep. Alligator snapping turtles grow larger than common snapping turtles and have a more powerful bite. However, they are easier to handle because their necks are shorter and they are not as active.

    • 2

      Make sure you have enough space to house your pet snapping turtle comfortably. An adult snapping turtle requires at least a 2-foot-by-4-foot tank. Aquariums this size are expensive, so a stock tank or large plastic bin is a more affordable option.

    • 3

      Purchase an aquarium filter for your snapping turtle's tank. Snapping turtles are messy eaters, so you need a filter at least twice as powerful as the equivalent for an aquarium. If your tank is 100 gallons, buy a filter rated for 200 gallons.

    • 4

      Fill the tank with water at least as deep as the turtle's shell is long. The water should not be so deep that the turtle cannot stretch its neck up to the surface while sitting on the bottom.

    • 5

      Avoid using a substrate. It just makes the turtle's tank more difficult to clean.

    • 6

      Add a flat rock or ramp for the snapping turtle so it can get out of the water. Adult turtles rarely leave the water, but sometimes they like to climb out to rest. Otherwise they just float at the surface.

    • 7

      Position a heat lamp over one section of the water, so the turtle can float underneath. The day/night cycle should be approximately 12 hours.

    • 8

      Add a submersible aquarium heater. The water should be kept at around 20 to 22 degrees Celsius. Snapping turtles do not require a hibernation period.

    • 9

      Feed smaller snapping turtles every two or three days and adults once a week. You can feed smaller snappers commercial turtle food, but you may find that too expensive for an adult turtle's appetite. Instead, you can feed adults pieces of chicken, beef heart and whole fish, supplemented by vegetables like romaine lettuce, mustard greens and kale.