Alligator Snapping Turtle Care

What weighs about 70 to 80 kg and can live up to 70 years in captivity? It is the alligator snapping turtle, the largest of freshwater turtles. Alligator snapping turtles have a really mean look and are not very popular turtles as pets. This is because they reach a really, really large size and can bite when aggressive. They may look very cute and easy to care when small. However, they are slow growers will soon become very big in size. They live for a really long time and you have to be ready to take care of them your entire life. Let us have a look at the following turtle care sheet and understand the requirements of this prehistoric looking pet.

Care Sheet

Alligator snapping turtles have three ridges that are pronounced on their backs. The characteristic identification of these turtles from other snapping turtles is their eyes. There eyes are placed on the side of the head. They have very strong and powerful jaws with a large head. They are called dinosaur of the turtle world due to their ancient looks. They can grow about 15 to 26 inches in size and weigh about 70 kg. These turtles are not meant for inexperienced hobbyists. Alligator snapping turtle care is very difficult and requires expert handlers. Caring for an Alligator snapping turtle will prove to be a challenge if you do not understand the basic requirements. People are fascinated by exotic pets and never ever bother to understand if they can handle them as adults. They need a lot of space to live and can snap when mishandled.

Habitat
Alligator snapping turtles are native species of the southeastern United States. The habitat consists of large rivers, canals, lakes as well as swamps. Juveniles as well as the hatchlings live in small river streams.

Housing
These are large animals and need a lot of space to live. You can house a juvenile in a 10 gallon tank. However, large adults will require bigger enclosures. They require an aquatic setup as they love to float on the water surface. You can provide them with a heat lamp or place the enclosure in such an area that receives sunlight. The water level should be enough for the turtle to keep its nose out. They grow really big in size, therefore it is very difficult to find suitable tank mates for them. They consider anything and everything in the tank as food. Therefore, do not place any decorative plants or plastic toys in the tank. This can prove to be dangerous as the turtle might consider eating it up. So, within a few years, you might have to consider getting your alligator snapping turtle a gigantic aquarium tank or place it in a pond. The alligator snapping turtle requires an ideal temperature of about 75 to 87ºF. They are very messy creatures and you will need to keep changing the water as frequently as possible.

Diet
The next important thing to understand is its diet. As I have already said, these turtles will eat anything they find in their habitat. In the wild, they are used to eating frogs, clams, snakes, fish and yes, other turtles as well. They have no qualms about eating their injured or sick tank companion. They will even feed on aquatic plants growing along the pond. So, when you bring one home, you can feed it with small fish like guppies, minnows and crawfish. You can even feed them with mice, rats, chicks as well as cooked chicken.

Turtle Facts

• The alligator snapping turtle is very timid under water. But, if you try to move it away from its environment, it will snap and bite the person harassing it.
• The alligator snapping turtle is known by many names that include alligator tailed turtle, snapper, mud turtle, etc.
• The best way to handle an alligator snapping turtle is by catching it with its tail. This will keep its snapping head away from the handlers body.

It is very dangerous to handle an alligator snapping turtle as is can bite off a finger from your hand. Therefore, never, ever attempt to hand feed your pet. If your turtle refuses to eat, that means there is something wrong with the temperature. The ICUN lists alligator snapping turtles as a threatened species and the turtle is said to be an endangered species in several American states. You should refer guide books and gather informantion before bringing one as a pet. This pet requires an experienced handler who has a lot of time to spare.