Really want to get a common snapper!

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fishy12

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Mar 12, 2009
2,738
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ohio
I really am wantin a common snapper and have been for a while. Wht will i need to keep him in once full grown? And how long will it take for him to be full grown. An also wht shld i feed? And how do i handle one? I wanna get one around the size of a 50cent piece so hes not agreesive when older i hope. And ill lt him outside daily to get exercise. Any help?:D
 
I have never kept one, but I did some research on one a while back.

They grow slowly, and live a long time. Then need a pond or a pretty big tank when they grow bigger. they get like 14" usually but have been reported at 18". They have a varied diet.

And don't pick them up by the tail.
 
I pick my turtle up by the sides, although he's only 10". Just keep away from his mouth (it is called a snapper) and he could give you a nasty scratch with his claws. So be careful.

A rubbermaid tub could work, but it should be at least as deep as your turtle is long, and needs to be wide enough for him to turn around. Turtles are much wider then fish, so they need more room to turn. Make sure whatever you keep him in is covered.

As with any animal, google the hell out of it and do your research. And these guys are a commitment, they live like 40 years.
 
I heard grab by the front and bak of the shell so they wont scratch
 
That would probably work, but I can't give you to much advice on handling besides keep away from the mouth, I've never handled one.
 
mmk! anyone else got some ideas?
 
don't handle it at all, you cannot tame these guys and you would need to have a big enough tank for it to get exercise on its own. I would suggest a pond for the long run but a large flat tank should do for one most of its life. Feed it pellets, fish, crickets, and mice and just about anything else you can think of. I have heard of them feeding on hot dogs before... Be ready for a big food bill since the eat non stop and go ahead and get a filter that is rated for twice as many gallons as you have and even then you will still need (bi)weekly water changes. good luck.

I have kept and raised 3 to be full grown as well as a ally snapper that is now 130lbs so I know my snappers. They are awesome turtles (one of my favorites) but they should not be taken lightly, they are a huge responsibility. Just something to keep in mind...
 
snakeguy101;3854077; said:
don't handle it at all, you cannot tame these guys and you would need to have a big enough tank for it to get exercise on its own. I would suggest a pond for the long run but a large flat tank should do for one most of its life. Feed it pellets, fish, crickets, and mice and just about anything else you can think of. I have heard of them feeding on hot dogs before... Be ready for a big food bill since the eat non stop and go ahead and get a filter that is rated for twice as many gallons as you have and even then you will still need (bi)weekly water changes. good luck.

I have kept and raised 3 to be full grown as well as a ally snapper that is now 130lbs so I know my snappers. They are awesome turtles (one of my favorites) but they should not be taken lightly, they are a huge responsibility. Just something to keep in mind...
Click to expand...

wld one of thetubs i posted work? wit 2000gallon gph filter
 
fishy12;3854087; said:
wld one of thetubs i posted work? wit 2000gallon gph filter
Click to expand...

yeah, it should work but I would be a little worried about the snapper tearing the liner of it, it looks thin. Maybe throw an extra tarp into it to prevent tearing.
 
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