Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well my brother owned a common snapper since it was the size of a quarter. That was about 4-5 years ago. I aquired him when my brother couldn't take care of him anymore cause of his living arraingment. So anyway. I always noticed that he seemed small to me for his age. I am not sure of what my brother used to feed him but now I give him "turtle sticks", live goldfish, greens etc. His carpace is only 4 inches long. He is pretty fat so I have to take him out for some exercise lol. Anyway is 4" ok for a 4-5 year old male common? And another question. Why is he the meanist animal in the world? I mean if I get into sight he bites at me (from like 10 feet away). He's in his tank and he still wants to kill me or something. I know they can be pretty mean but he seems to go out of his way to kill me. I'll be in the same room and hear his head hit the glass trying to bite me. I want to breed him but am afraid to put anything in with him cause ANYTHING that comes into his tank must be destroyed. Any tips on introducing a female without her getting destroyed? Thanks in advance.
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Hi,

Snappers can grow at different rates. In your case, perhaps your brother wasn't providing proper nutrition and lighting. Snappers will eat just about anything so try to offer as many different foods as you can to keep him healthy. Mine always has live fish in the tank. Plus I feed her pinkies, salmon bits, lean beef, chicken livers, beef heart, banana, spinach, carrots, and shrimp.

His personality is what it is. Snappers are naturally agressive. I think those of us that have tame snappers are in the minority. However, if you want to try and get him used to you you wil have to handle him as much as possible. Wear thick leather gardening gloves at first just to be on the safe side. But the more you handle him the more he should understand that you are not a threat.

Why do you want to breed him? There are plenty of common snappers out there. I would refrain from breeding your turtle.

Thanks. I'm not sure on why I was interested in breeding him. It was just that I wanted to do something more with the species. Probably won't end up doing it anyway. But as far as handling him I have no problems with that. I know how to pick him up without getting bit (no...I don't pick him up from the tail either ) I also know that snappers are pretty agressive suckers but I was just thinking that mine went off the deep end sometime cause he's insane lol. The only time he is calm is when he had a LOT to eat and he gets too lazy to move. I know he will never be "tame" but I don't like to see him bash his face into the glass every time he sees someone even if it's across the room. I guess I'll just handle him some more. It's really funny when I take him outside for some exercise cause he just rears up and stands still forever. Some exercise huh? haha. thanks again.
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