Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, I am a regular at the python and boa forums. I am a keeper of large boids... the problem I have facing me this day is a guy at work (not a very bright individual) has a baby alligator snapper he bought from the pet store (I thought they were endangered??), anyways, he no longer wants it. He asked me today if I could take the turtle, knowing I have a passion for herps, otherwise he was going to "get rid" of it. I am from Michigan and I know they are from Fla. and Mississippi and hot states so he definitely cannot let the animal go in the wild.
I am asking about their care. Do they make decent pets? I know they get around 300lbs or so, and live oevr 100, but that is all I know. He has the turtle in a 10 gallon aquarium with no heating element (told you he was a moron). What do these animals require, how much do they eat, when, how often, and would you as experienced turtle keepers suggest I keep this animal? Once again, I am experienced in snakes, but snakes only.
Also, what are their temperment like? Sweet? Sour? I am not sure if the animal is captive or wild caught either, but I will bet w/c because of where he got it. Can they be "tamed"? Anything you guys may tell me will certainly help me make a decision...
Thank you all ahead of time,

Your best bet is to go to Chelydra.org for all the info... Or you can send him to me, I have a new 75 gallon tank I just got that is the perfect turtle habitat...already 2 common snaps in it...

well, first off, they cant be "tamed" in the traditional sense. because yours is a hatchling, it is going to always be used to human interaction, and it will recognize you as the supplier of food. will it still try to bite? of course, its their nature. fortunatly allys arent as bad as common snappers at biting due to their shorter necks, they cant really suprise you. just think of them as a bear trap- if you touch the mouth, it slams shut.

young allys grow fairly slowly with regular meals compared to common snappers. in one year my hatchling has gone from 1in, to about 3 in. and growth slows after the first year or two, then slows again later in life. so expect a 6-7 inch ally in about 4 years. care is pretty staitforward. large tank, tub, or pond with lots of underwater obstructions and places to hide. you can provide a basking spot, but it might get used once or twice.

feed guppies, minnows, clean bugs and crickets, reptomin sticks, chopped lean fish, chicken, and beefheart.

any other questions feel free to email me at: sk8r009@hotmail.com

also, check out the ally snapper caresheet at

www.austinsturtlepage.com

greg