Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Considering that turtles are not normally on a snake's menu, what are the odds that a snake would eat a turtle in a captive environment?
Thanks,
RF

Low, though not impossible. OTOH, I'd expect the probability of the turtle nipping the snake to be much higher. Much would depend on what species of snake and turtle, though.

Paul Hollander

Well, what kind of snake? Also, how big is the turtle in relation to the snake? Example- an adult Eastern kingsnake in a cage with a hatchling turtle.. that wouldn't be good for the turtle. A garter snake in with an adult turtle.. might not be good for the garter!

There are three turtles all slightly larger than hatchlings. One red ear slider, one map, and one razorback musk. The snake is a 15" false water cobra. I would like to keep them all together in a 55gal for the next two months. Then the whole 55 will be the water section in a home built enclosure.

Ok.. I think I have the answer... send me the razorback!!!!
Um... as for the other turtles... I'd be very worried about those turtles passing nasty turtle germs to the snake. Also, I think someone is definately going to get nipped in this situation. Also, have a bunch of turtles constantly mucking around in its water source would totally stress a snake out.
Basically the situation will benefit no one but you.
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Peter: It's OK, I'll handle it. I read a book about something like this.
Brian: Are you sure it was a book? Are you sure it wasn't NOTHING?

I'm not too sure I would do that for a couple of reasons:

1. A hungry False Water Cobra will eat just about anything it can catch and swallow.

2. There is the possibility of cross-transmission of parasites and other diseases.

Thanks for the fast replies, the turtles are now in a 25 with a 10gal in reserve in case they don't get along in the smaller area. It would have been neat with them all together but their health and happiness is far more important.
Thanks again,
RF