Instructions
Choose a snapping turtle as a pet only after you have given it serious thought. Because of their long life span and somewhat aggressive nature, these animals are not suitable as a first pet for a child. If you do decide to get a snapper, be sure you are prepared to invest the time and money required to care for it properly.
Consider which type of tank is best for your snapper. A good rule of thumb is that the tank should hold 10 gallons for every inch of the turtle's shell. While young snappers can be kept in relatively small tanks, keep in mind that they will need more space when they get bigger. It may be better to purchase a large aquarium in the beginning so that you won't need to replace it later. Snapping turtles also can be kept in large Rubbermaid containers.
Snappers often do quite well when kept in an outdoor pond or child's wading pool. (The wading pool should be dug into the ground.) However, these outdoor habitats should be securely enclosed, as turtles are surprisingly good climbers and can easily escape from a fenced-in area. They can usually be contained well by surrounding their habitat with vertical aluminum sheeting.
Arrange a clean and inviting habitat for your pet. The water level in the aquarium should be slightly higher than your turtle is long. Your turtle also will need a large, relatively flat rock (or other surface) where it can bask. This should include an area that is submerged and a roomy place where your turtle can be completely out of the water. Your turtle also will need a hiding place, such as a large clay flowerpot turned on its side or other cavelike object.
Feel free to decorate the aquarium with plants, but be aware that your snapper will probably destroy your work. Make sure you don't use artificial plants or other decorations, as they can block the digestive tract if eaten.
Don't worry about using any kind of sand or gravel to cover the bottom of the aquarium. Since snapping turtles need a smooth, nonabrasive surface to walk on, adding gravel is unnecessary.
Install a filter. Filtration is an absolute must for snapping turtle tanks. Because snappers have the habit of shredding their food with their claws, their tanks become dirty very quickly. Having a quality filter will save you hours of time and keep your turtle's environment clean.
Set up a heat lamp. An easy way to do this is to purchase a clip-on lamp from your local pet store. Position the lamp over your turtle's basking area. The light should heat the area to about 90 degrees. You also should set up a lamp that can provide UVB rays. Many times, these can be installed by attaching a hood with a fluorescent light to the top of the aquarium.
Feed your snapping turtle two or three times a week. In addition to commercially available turtle pellets, snappers also enjoy mealworms, crickets, crayfish, minnows and night crawlers. They also should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, butternut squash, sweet potatoes and a variety of greens. Wash all produce thoroughly. They can have cooked chicken on occasion, too. Remove any uneaten food from the turtle's tank so that the food doesn't go bad.
How to Care for a Snapper Turtle
While keeping a pet snapper turtle requires a bit of work, these hardy reptiles can make good pets for those willing to invest time in their care. Although baby snappers are often only an inch long, adults commonly grow to have shells that are more than a foot long, with the record being 18 inches.