Common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina)

Short answers

Common snapping turtle: How big does the enclosure need to be?

250×100 cm, for adults a pond is better.

Common snapping turtle: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–26 °C, basking spot 30 °C, at night 16–20 °C.

Common snapping turtle: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 6 %).

Common snapping turtle: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 40–60 years.

Common snapping turtle: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

20–26 °C

Night temperature

16–20 °C

Basking spot

30 °C

Humidity

Aquatic

UVB

Essential (UVB 6 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

250×100 cm, for adults a pond is better

Substrate

Water 40–60 cm deep, sand, roots

Feeding

Food

Fish, insects, carrion, a few water plants

Feeding interval

2×/week

Key facts

Adult size

30–50 cm, up to 16 kg

Life expectancy

40–60 years

Origin

North America

Protection status

A DANGEROUS ANIMAL – keeping it requires a permit or is prohibited in several German states; classified as invasive in the EU, so trade is restricted

Brumation

A winter rest of 12–16 weeks at 5–10 °C

Cohabitation

Keep them singly. This species bites hard and uses that bite on its own kind too — bitten-off toes and tail tips, injured necks and damaged shell margins are the rule rather than the exception when they are kept together. With softshell turtles there is also the sensitive, leathery shell skin: even superficial scratches infect easily. For breeding, put them together only briefly and under supervision.

Notes

It grows very large and heavy and bites hard – classified as a dangerous animal. The space requirement is enormous; adult animals effectively belong in a secured pond. Check state law before buying.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

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Related species

• Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina) – Intermediate
• Flattened musk turtle (Sternotherus depressus) – Intermediate
• Spotted box turtle (Terrapene nelsoni) – Expert
• Alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) – Expert
• Loggerhead musk turtle (Sternotherus minor) – Intermediate
• Rough-footed mud turtle (Kinosternon hirtipes) – Intermediate
• Mississippi mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum hippocrepis) – Intermediate
• Ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (250×100 cm, for adults a pond is better), substrate (Water 40–60 cm deep, sand, roots), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.