How to Take Care of a Snapping Turtle Hatchling

Snapping turtles are exotic pets that can live for about 30 to 40 years, according to Turtle Homes. Before welcoming such a long-lived pet into your home, examine whether you are fully committed to raising him. Snapping turtles are not cuddly pets. They are aggressive, even to other snapping turtles. They may even use their powerful jaws to snap at your fingers when you try to feed them. If you've decided to accept the responsibility of caring for a snapper, learn what's involved before bringing him home.

Things You'll Need

  • Tank
  • Water
  • Heat lamp
  • Driftwood
  • Rock
  • Food
  • Toothpick
  • Toothbrush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide your snapping turtle with a large enough tank for him to move around comfortably. Turtle Homes recommends a tank at least 36 inches long and 18 inches wide for a young turtle. As he grows, buy him a larger tank (or just make sure your first tank is large enough to accommodate an adult). In two years, your hatchling can grow to 7 to 8 inches long, and more than 1 foot long at full growth. An adult snapping turtle may require a tank at least 70 inches long and 20 to 24 inches wide.

    • 2

      Fill the tank with just enough water to allow the turtle to rest on the bottom and still be able to breathe comfortably. The exact depth of water will vary, depending on how tall your hatchling is. Place water in the tank up to about the turtle's neck and observe him. If he appears to be having trouble raising his head high enough to breathe, lower the water depth. An ideal water temperature, according to Turtle Homes, is no lower than 68 degrees and no higher than 77 degrees. Change the water at least once per week to maintain a clean tank.

    • 3

      Use a basking, or heat, lamp that provides UVB light to maintain the proper temperature. If you take the water temperature with a thermometer, always remove the thermometer when you're finished. If you leave the thermometer in the tank, your turtle might try to eat it.

    • 4

      Add some "furniture" for your snapping turtle. Turtle Homes recommends avoiding loose gravel and other small objects that are easily swallowed by turtles, as well as fake aquatic plants. Instead, place one or two large pieces of driftwood. Add a large rock, with the top above the water level, for your turtle to rest on.

    • 5

      Feed your hatchling an omnivorous diet. According to Animal-World, snapping turtles love worms, fish and vegetation, as well as commercially formulated pellets, available from your pet supply store. Include vegetables in his diet, such as red-leafed lettuce and collards, as well as the occasional fruit, such as strawberries and grapes.

    • 6

      Experiment with the proper amount of food. Hatchlings generally eat once to twice per day, according to Turtle Homes. If your hatchling's skin appears baggy, offer him more food. If his body looks like it is bulging in the shell, feed him less. Sometimes, a hatchling might be reluctant to eat. Pierce an earthworm or other food item on a toothpick and wave it in front of his face--he may be more interested in eating moving prey.

    • 7

      Clean your snapper's shell after it has hardened. The shell is furry while in the process of hardening, so wait for the fur to disappear. Use a soft toothbrush to gently brush the shell with lukewarm water. Do this one to two times per month.