Aligator Snapping Turtle

Dracyia · 25th March 2010, 10:45 PM

Hi,

My partner has been doing alot of research into getting a turtle. We were going to get a pair of snake necks; but slightly to my dismay (simply due to size and lifespan) I think the decision has been made and if there is an ali snapper available at Houten then it's getting picked up for us. We have everything ready to keep it for at least 2 years; then we'll need to upgrade the tank.

I know somebody who keeps one of these who has been alot of help- but does anyone else have experience with these animals? Anything the care sheets don't tell you? Eg. that common snappers can bite you even if you're holding them from the back. Took me 12 care sheets to finds that out!! I'd rather not have too many surprises.

Thank-you;L

Fundo · 26th March 2010, 09:03 AM

Firstly, you won't need a tank after a few years - you will need a pond/lake with very good fencing around it.

When they're adults, they will go through bone like a hot knife through butter. A friend of mine has 3 of them in a small lake in Germany and feeds them on whole chickens which they tear through in seconds.

There is a massive difference in looking after Aligator Snappers and Snake Necks - the main thing being that Aligators get a lot bigger.

Are you sure you mean Aligators and not common snappers? If snake necks have an unappealing potential size then Aligator Snappers seem illogical.

Mark

LizardlinksUK · 26th March 2010, 12:57 PM

I agree, I'd rather pickup a caiman then one of these thing. Just in case you haven't seen an adult alligator snapping turtle here are a few pics

Dracyia · 26th March 2010, 01:19 PM

Aah tirednes phrased my opening wrongly. Edited!

He wanted a snapper; I was pushing for snake necks as I know they caught his eye before... But he has decided for a snapper. I do mean aligator snapper as although the commons are smaller he's decided it's an ali snapper he wants. I've seen adult pictures and videos of both and realise the vast difference in adult size- but also realise that as long as youre careful picking them up an ali snapper appears less likely to harm you due to their docility in the water and their stumpier neck. I've seen the pictures and read the care- but I do disagree about it needing a pond within 2 years. They don't grow as quickly as commons- and I got to see one the other day who I have seen pictures of for over 2 years, and it's still in a rather large tank. However, I did ask for help and we are planning to convert the loft where we are moving to- so there will be adequate room.

Khanidge · 29th March 2010, 08:21 AM

I thought it was the Aligator snapper that had the longer neck and could bite almost to its rear legs???

gaz216 · 29th March 2010, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khanidge

I thought it was the Aligator snapper that had the longer neck and could bite almost to its rear legs???

that there it is, if u picked mine up under its back legs with ur thumb on his back he wud no doubt get u, but he was only a baby (6"shell) n that f**ker hurt,

Khanidge · 29th March 2010, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LizardlinksUK

I agree, I'd rather pickup a caiman then one of these thing. Just in case you haven't seen an adult alligator snapping turtle here are a few pics

Are these are Comman snappers?? Biggens though I certainly wouldn't want to be bitten by them.

LizardlinksUK · 29th March 2010, 01:53 PM

I'm not sure just grab the pic's from google