How to Keep a Snapping Turtle As a Pet

According to the book, ̶0;Turtles and Tortoises,̶1; snapping turtles are fierce, aggressive reptiles with jaws so powerful they can easily remove the fingers of humans. If you remain undaunted by such a description, you are likely a good candidate to own a snapping turtle as a pet. Though these creatures do not require hourly walks or cuddle sessions on the couch like dogs, they mandate just as much attention and care.

Things You'll Need

  • 30-gallon aquarium
  • Water filter
  • Heating light
  • Thermometer
  • Plastic container
  • Large rocks
  • Turtle pellets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up an aquarium. Snappers grow at a rapid rate, so purchase the largest, widest tank possible. For baby turtles, Turtlehomes.org recommends selecting a 30-gallon tank for a small snapper̵7;s domain. However, for every inch the snapper grows, increase its aquarium size by ten gallons. For example, a 100-gallon aquarium will be needed for a 10-inch snapper.

    • 2

      Fill the tank with water a little higher than the length of the turtle: A 7-inch turtle should have its tank filled with 9 inches of water. The turtle should be able to lift its head for a breath of air without swimming to the top of the tank.

    • 3

      Use only heavy, large objects in the aquarium. Recognize that snappers are like toddlers: They will try to eat everything, including bad-for-you objects like small stones and plastic. Snappers do not care if their home is pretty. Simply make a home that is clean, easy to navigate, and allows the snapper a place to sunbathe and hide.

    • 4

      To enable the snapper to sunbathe, place a large flat rock or piece of wood that extends above the water. Place a heat light over the rock. Create a dark, enclosed hiding spot by cutting the side of a large plastic container for a door and placing it upside down in water. Hold it in place by setting a large stone atop the container.

    • 5

      Change the tank once a week. The homes of snappers get dirty very quickly. Buy a water filter for the aquarium to prevent growth of harmful bacteria which could make your snapper ill.

    • 6

      Chelydra.org suggests keeping the temperature of the tank between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintain this temperature by purchasing a submersible water heater. Use caution when placing a tank outdoors: the summer sun can easily overheat the water and kill the turtles.

    • 7

      On warm spring or summer days, take the turtle outside for exercise.

    • 8

      Feed the snapper a healthy diet. Purchase turtle pellets at pet or reptile stores in addition to leafy greens, occasional strawberries and supplements like calcium and vitamin D. Also feed the snapping turtle meat from mollies or goldfish, snails, and as a treat, cooked chicken. Feed the turtle no more than two to three times a week. Give the turtle food until she shows no further interest in taking another bite.