How to Clean Snapping Turtles

Snapping turtles earned their name for their predilection for snapping at those trying to handle them. Snapping turtles have a hard shell, which is serrated near the reptile's tail. They have sharp claws on their feet and are very aggressive. Snapping turtles as pets must be handled very carefully and should be cleaned twice a month.

Things You'll Need

  • Large square bucket
  • Water
  • Work gloves
  • Soft-bristled toothbrush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Add water to a large square bucket. Make the water as close as possible to the temperature of the water that is in the snapping turtle's aquarium. The bucket's water level should be deep enough to cover your turtle's body, but shallow enough for it to hold its head above water.

    • 2

      Put on your gloves, and gently place your turtle in the water, being careful to stay away from its mouth. Pick up the turtle by its tail, with its mouth facing away from you.

    • 3

      Run the soft-bristle toothbrush over the snapping turtle's shell. Use gentle pressure.

    • 4

      Flip the turtle over gently and clean the bottom of the shell with the toothbrush. If your snapping turtle becomes agitated, lay him back onto his belly until he calms, then turn him over again and clean. You may have to do this several times before the bottom of the shell is cleaned. Place the snapping turtle back into his home when you are done.