CATDOLL : CATDOLL: Do I need aquatic plants to raise alligator snapping turtles? What are the requirements?

Do I need aquatic plants to raise alligator turtles? What are the requirements?

It is okay to put water plants when raising snapping turtles. Water hibiscus or water hyacinth are both fine, because these water plants float on the water surface, and snapping turtles feel hidden and natural.

First of all, I want to emphasize that alligators are very timid animals. Don't be fooled by their ferocious appearance. The newly bought alligator should be placed in a quiet and dark place to let it adapt for a period of time and let it get familiar with the surrounding environment. Pay special attention to avoiding vibration as much as possible. Alligators are particularly sensitive to vibration.

It is normal for alligator snappers to not eat when they first come in. Most turtles need to be fed first. Alligator snappers must be fed with live things, such as live small fish and small loaches. When you see it start to open its mouth to fish, it is considered a success. But if you feed it raw meat right away, it seems that no alligator snappers will eat it. I have raised alligator snappers for 11 years, and I have never seen one eat raw meat at the beginning.

The alligator is a deep-water turtle and does not need to bask in the sun. It is a highly aquatic turtle, which is good, but it cannot swim and can only crawl on the bottom of the water. So the water cannot be too deep, or it will drown. The water depth is generally two to three times the height of its carapace. The water temperature is around 30 degrees, which is the most suitable temperature for its growth.

And the crocodile itself doesn't like to move, it's just like that, it's normal. If you have ever raised a Mata turtle, you will find that it is even lazier than the crocodile.

Another thing is that you can't judge the age by the length of its carapace. Its growth rate depends entirely on how much it is fed, and the faster it grows. So its growth is not completely proportional to time. It is not afraid of cold or heat, and can even withstand a low temperature of minus 6 degrees. The breeding container can be a large aquarium, a basin or an outdoor pool. However, if you raise it from a young age, it doesn't need to be too big at the beginning. The appearance of a small alligator turtle is still very cute. The way of eating of alligator turtles is very peculiar. There is a unique pink organ on their tongue, just like a worm. They often crawl quietly at the bottom of the water, open their mouths wide, and use their unique organs to lure the passing small fish, acting according to the situation. Of course, they are sometimes very proactive. As long as they can swallow food, including other turtles, they will not let it go. Therefore, you must not mix them when raising them. If you raise them at home, you can use small fish and lean meat as food. The growth rate of alligator turtles is fast, which will let you enjoy the sense of accomplishment of raising them soon.

Note:

Although it is not difficult to raise them, they are very ferocious. Be careful when grabbing them. For large individuals, you can grab the sides of the turtle with both hands. Don't let it taste your fingers easily. Other precautions are to clean the tank or pool where you raise alligator turtles regularly to reduce the chance of contamination. Also, when it hibernates, be sure to put it in a box in a cool place.