Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Okay,
I recently caughy a hatching common snapper. I have never really done a whole lot with these turtles, but i have kept them before (for short periods of time). I've decided to keep this turtle. he is doing VERY well, eating a lot, and has already grown a little.

my question is, if i handle my turtle enough now, and hand feed it (with hemistats, of course), will it become SOMEWHAT tame when it gets bigger? I understand they are always a little snappy (hints the name). I was thinking maybe i could just handle it in the water where it feels safe.

Thanks so much.

Andrew

In my opinion, having dealt with many snappers over the years, both common and alligators of all ages and sizes, temperment varies from turtle to turtle. You can have the same interaction with two turtles and they can react totally opposite one another. They seem to each have their own personalities.

if one of the two will "tame down",it will be the common snapper.allthough alot of people have big ally snappers that will take food from your hand,you take them out of the water and they'll remove your hand. lol. goodluck

thanks,

My common seems pretty calm under water, so maybe i can make a "pet" out of him yet.

Thanks
Andrew

I think they are all calm under water it's above that they go nuts. I had a hatchling that I raised up for 6 years and he never calmed down. I found a small snapper last year crossing the road and he has yet to open his mouth to bite. It's the luck of the draw.

I've had my little male since last spring, when he was found as a hatchling, and I enjoy his fiesty personality. He is not the most agressive I've seen, but he's also not the friendliest(unless you brush his shell with a toothbrush, he LOVES it so much he turns side to side so you can scrub him! hehe). Alligator/Snapping turtles will never be a "pet" species in my mind and this is part of what I really enjoy about them, the fact that they can definitely be a challenge to work with. I want mine to retain his natural attitude, it's part of what makes these turtles what they are.