Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have kept a common snapper for 17 months, and want to move up to a Alligator snapper. I have several questions. Any information would be greatly appretiated.
I understand this is a very long term critter.
Are hatchlings available? I have only seen 03's listed.
Would there be any problems keeping two of the same age in one cage?
I dont know all of what is involved, but, I would like to get male from one stock, and a female from another with the intention of breeding them. I am under the impression that it is dificult to sex turtles in genral, much less very young ones. Any thoughts on this?
At what age do they reach sexual maturity?
I am going to be in Melbourne FLA the first week of august. I would very much like to pick up one or two alligator snappers in person. Are there any dealers in central-north FLA that deal in person?
Are there any alligator snappers for sale at herp shows?
Thanks for any info.
Doug in TN

Hatchlings will be available around august to september. No problems with keeping the same aged turtles together. It will take a while for them to be sexualy mature. Don't know exactly how long though. Turtles in general are vey eay to sex. Males simply have bigger tails and according to species many other traits. Only sexualy matured turtles can be sexed. Babies are somtimes temp. sexed though. Most don't. They try to make a variety. What would you plan to breed them in?
-----
Justin

Alligator snappers are great . I have 9 of them right now. If you want to breed from hatchlings, be prepared to wait a long time. The other way to go would be to purchase breeder size animals...but you will need a pond.
Alligator snappers are actually very social animals. Especially when younger.

Keep them separated by size when younger.
( I have my 3 year olds separated from my 2 year olds.
They will only get aggressive towards each other when really cramped, and especially when out of water. Mine are always piled on top of each other in one far corner of their tank. They get along really well.
BUt drain the water , and they HAVE to be separated.
The will start to fight.
E-mail if you have any questions.
Call John Richards in missouri. He usually has ones of various sizes.

The sale of ally snappers in Florida is illegal, and you can only have one at a time in your possession.

Besides that fact, they make great pets... I'm picking one up later this year when i get my new apartment... Gonna drive up to NC at my friends... he has a few hatchlings in his pond for me...
-----
Coastal Carpet Python 0.1 (Lillith)
Albino Burm 0.1 (Kimba)
Columbian RedTail 0.1 (Squishy)
Kenyan Sand Boa 1.0 (Shai'hulud)
Common Snapping Turtle 0.1 (Sherman) (RIP Abrahms)
RES 1.0 (speedy)

I like the P&J turtle farm. They don't have any available as of right now but they have absolutely greta prices ($25) and the pink ones for only $40. I called the other day to see if they had any and he said just last week he put his yearlings in his pond because he got tired of messing with them. They are a realy friendly bunch of people and if you realy want one, he might catch a few of his yearling in one of his poonds to sell to you. I don't like Richards prices. I have heeard a few bad things about him not being honest. This is not in my experience because I have never dealt with him so I don't know.
-----
Justin

Thanks Justin,
I'll check out p&j, The best I've found so far is $35. Thats reasonable I think.
In your first response, you asked what I would breed them in. I figure that is some time away. Any uninformed idea I may have at this point, will probably change as it gets closer to that time, and my experiance level increases.

Where did you see the $35 ones? Randleas Turtle Farm? I ordered several times in the past and he is a real good guy. One of the best turtle dealers. He sent me a few turtles and one died 2 weeks later and I called 2 weeks after that and he still sent me one free. I still have the common snapper today. It was runt and at 4 years old his growth must be alil stunted he is onely about5 1/2". For those of you that will say that is to small I assure you he is not underfed and is kept right. I keep the water very clean, warm and plenty of food. He was only the size of a dime when I got him(runt). But he is completly 100 percent healthy. Fat and active and eveything.
-----
Justin

I saw the $35 on kingsnake classified's, Troy I think?
I have only been looking for a few weeks, but have seen a few advertised. I'm not in a super hurry, so I figure I'll be patient and see if hatchlings start showing up in aug-sep, like I've heard.
I will definately take a look at the two folks you recomended, they sound like repitable peaple.

Mike, Thank you for the input. Very helpful.
I realize It will take awhile for hatchlings to get to breeding age. I'm in no great hurry to breed. I definately want something between a hatchling, and one year old. To start with anyway. With a critter that has a life span of a century, I wouldnt be suprised if it took 10 years to reach breeding age. I have not found any information on this, and just dont know.
Are there any book's that have specific information on alligator snappers?
Thanks again!

I know some people don't like John, and I've heard their stories and I understand.
All I can say is I've had good luck with him. I've got 5 of his snappers now and my big guy is also from him.
John can come across a little un-friendly at times maybe. But he's always been really good to me. When I went down to see his place last fall, after he realized I was serious about what I do, he warmed up quite a bit. I think he's a little suspicious of people at first.

Anyway, he's a good source of information if it works out. I might be wrong, but I was told about 15 years to sexual maturity.
John said it also sometimes takes a few years before a snapper feels comfortable in a new space to breed . They don't like change at all.

I have a female that I might part with in the future. ( Maybe)
Shes about 17" long shell. Keep us informed and let us know how things are working out

15 years wouldnt suprise me one bit.
I'm new to this site, looks like a good place for information.
Thanks