The Identification & Care of Snapping Sand Turtles

The common and alligator snapping turtles are the only two species of snapping turtles still existent on Earth as of 2011. Belonging to the family of freshwater reptiles, both these species of snapping turtles live only in North America. However, the alligator snapping turtle inhabits relatively higher locations in contrast with the common snapping turtle. You may require knowledge on the identifying features and caring tips for the animal if you bring one home as a pet.

  1. Identifying Characteristics

    • The snapping turtle certainly appears more primitive than the other members of this reptile family. Some of the distinctive features of this turtle include a carapace with three distinct ridges that are comparatively more evident in young age; a yellow plastron; skin varying in the colors of black, gray, brown, tan, olive and yellow; body lined with tubercles and scales; a large head with eyes placed on top toward the back; a sturdy jaw that is yellow or cream in color; a long and bulky neck that enables the reptile to bend to the extent of almost half the length of its body; massive webbed legs; and an extremely long tail having three rows of scales, with the middle row making the turtle particularly resemble a dinosaur.

    Dietary Requirements

    • Snapping turtles require healthy food, but you must take caution to avoid overfeeding them, as it makes the animal obese and sick. Feed younger snapping turtles daphnia, shrimp, krill and blood worms. Food for adult species can include organ meats, tiny birds, fish, wax worms, earthworms, feeder fishes, aquatic snails, lean beef meat, chicken and crickets. Occasionally feed your turtle some mashed fruit. While the smaller varieties of snapping turtle require food once every two to three days, the larger ones are fed on a weekly basis.

    Housing Needs

    • While procuring the tank for your pet snapping turtle, remember to purchase one that can store more than 20 gallons of water. Segregate areas within the tank for swimming and basking purposes. Some other commodities required for healthy survival of the reptile include a thermometer to check the temperature of the water, pen lid, incandescent light, under tank heating source, gauge to check humidity, filtration system to keep water clean, light timer and full-spectrum lighting source.

    Water

    • Check to ensure the water in the tank is clean and warm at all times. Change 50 percent of the water of the tank twice in a week, and keep the temperature between 71.6 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The level of the water in the tank should be just sufficient to immerse the reptile so it can breathe comfortably by sticking its head out.

    Light

    • Expose the reptile to a light source during the daytime. Although not mandatory, a basking light could also prove beneficial for the general well-being of the snapping turtle --- especially when it is young and loves to bask.