Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a young common snapper with about a 3" carapace. My question is when can a young snapper inflict injury on a person from a bite? Also what is the safest way to handle these guys and how often? thanks

Mine is just a little smaller than yours but I'm practicing already with picking him up at the bottom of the shell, one hand on each side of his tail. Kind of like the position you have when eating a full taco, if that helps. They can stretch their neck out pretty far and come around the side, if you're too close you'll feel it! I've seen 12inch size walking near the road and I think that would be the only way to lift them.

Ok will do, thanks

Its good to handle your snapper at least 3-4 times a week. I handle mine that much if not more. Right now, hes got a scl of 8" and weighs a little over 5.5 lbs. Also, if you find out what upsets or stresses your snapper, you will learn to avoid those situations and keep your snapper fat and happy.
-----
1.0.0 Chelydra Serpentina Serpentina --- Snappy
0.0.1 Clemmys Guttatta --- Speck
1.0.0 Graptemys Pseudogeographica Pseudogeographica --- Chomper

0.1.0 Eublepharis Macularius --- Sabrina

0.1.0 American Staffordshire mix --- Daisy

I've never even seen my snapper open his mouth if it wasn't for a quick snatch of food. Seems pretty relaxed from day one, he's about 5 inches SCL.

Ian

something even rarer.imo. try to find an ally snapper of any age that doesn't try to bite your fingers off when picked up.lol. the smaller of my 5 month olds will not open even when agitated(only tries to crawl out of your hands)i'm sure that'll change, but who knows? while his big brother is spastic, strking wildly when taken out of water.

and NONE of them will even open their mouths to bite. I haven't been snapped at even once. I figured it was just because they are still relatively small (a little bigger than a silver dollar).

Chris

>>something even rarer.imo. try to find an ally snapper of any age that doesn't try to bite your fingers off when picked up.lol. the smaller of my 5 month olds will not open even when agitated(only tries to crawl out of your hands)i'm sure that'll change, but who knows? while his big brother is spastic, strking wildly when taken out of water.
>>
-----
U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League
www.uappeal.org

good to hear they're feeding good and grown out of that fragile hatchling stage Chris. mine haven't eaten pellets yet but i'm fitin to try as soon as the little one gets a little more size to him. then i'll take the fish away for a few weeks and give the croc diet a try.