How to Raise Snapping Turtles

The snapping turtle is known for its aggressive behavior when pulled from the water. With its strong jaws, the turtle can cause real damage to the unwary handler. Because this type of turtle is so hardy (it can live anywhere from Canada to South America), it is an easy pet to take care of, though it needs a lot of space.

Things You'll Need

  • Tank
  • Fluorescent light
  • Filters
  • Heater
  • Fish food
  • Water-purifying drops
  • Thermometer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a 10 gallon tank up as deeply as the turtle shells are long. You will have to purchase a larger tank later on (40 gallons or more) for the adult turtles. A 10 gallon tank can house several hatchlings or one small turtle. Provide a ramped area of land in the tank for the young turtles.

    • 2

      Feed the young turtles mealworms, small crickets, earthworms, small shrimp, chicken, turkey and fish. The hatchlings also need vegetables like lettuce and mustard greens. Feed them every day and give them as much food as they can eat.

    • 3

      Provide a full spectrum fluorescent light for the tank. The turtles need 12 hours of light per day. Do not put the tank in direct sunlight. If you purchase a timer, it is easy to make sure the turtles are on a regular schedule.

    • 4

      Provide both internal and external filters for the tank. A good setup means you spend less time cleaning the tank.

    • 5

      Clean the tank every five to seven days. Prepare a temporary home for the turtles while you clean their tank. The water you put into the tank should be clean, chemically balanced and at the proper temperature. You may need to purchase water-purifying drops from the pet store if your tap water is not of good quality.

    • 6

      Keep the tank at 82 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 72 at night. Install a submersible heater with thermostat for the winter months. Keep a thermometer in the tank to monitor the temperature in case the thermostat stops working.

    • 7

      Buy a larger tank for the adult turtles--40 to 55 gallons is the minimum, but the bigger the better. With a larger tank you will need a more powerful filtration system. You should give the turtles a long, shallow rock on which to rest.