This is a very belated response, but I am bored and perusing Kingsnake, and I don't understand why no one else said anything.

First, I love my Alligator Snapper. Timid little bugger. He has never gaped at me in the water but he snaps at anything outside of it, including his own legs if I have him in the air. (Now I block his head while I am doing his nails. Yes, I trim his nails.)

If you want one that will garner a response buy an older one or wait five to six years. Buying an older on will also give you a chance to pick sex more accurately. When I bought my hatchling I asked for the best guess on a male. I got one with a slightly concave plastron and a tail that wraps around to his nose.

And I hate to be the one who has to throw in corrections, but I hate more for any misinformation to be floating around so I offer this with the best intentions. Now, I am too lazy to get up and thumb through my books but I am almost positive turtles gender is genetically determined, not by temperature. I've been keeping for about 20 years. And I've also never heard of rolling a tail to pop a turtle. Sounds dangerous to the turtle. Experienced keepers can pop crocs (I've done it) and neonate snakes (I suck at popping them.) If you are not experienced it is dangerous to the herp.

Alligators, as in Alligator Missisipiensis, like all crocs, are gender determined by temperature and not genetics. They can also be popped by rolling their tails back.

Well, I hope you got an Alligator Snapper. Pretty amazing creatures. Thanks for asking around about them first, it shows your concern and dedication.

And if I was wrong on any of the above I am sure the marvelous patrons here at Kingsnake will correct me. Please, do. We need to offer the best info we can.

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