Product Description
Florida Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina osceola) are found only in peninsular Florida where they live the typical snapper's life at the bottom of their pond or lake buried in the mud waiting for their next meal to pass by. The only real difference between Florida and Common Snapping Turtles is soft spikes on the neck and head called turbercles. On Common Snappers the tubercles are rounded, and on the Florida Snapping Turtle, the tubercles are pointed. Florida snappers are usually a warmer light brown color as juveniles, while Common Snappers are more gray to black. Otherwise, Florida Snapping Turtles behave identically to Common Snappers who's behavior and description follows:
One of North America's most recognizable fully aquatic Turtles, the Common Snapping Turtle, inhabits nearly all bodies of slow moving, soft bottomed water, fresh and brackish, from Nova Scotia to Mexico, east of the Rocky Mountains. In Florida it gives way to the Florida Snapping Turtle.
Common Snapping Turtles are true omnivores, and will eat anything they can fit into their mouths. Juveniles freely forage for food, while adults prefer to be ambush predators, lying in wait for the next passing meal. These tendencies make all sizes excellent tank turtles. Not the best community turtles, juvenile Common Snapping Turtles think everyone's tail is a worm - and will promptly remove them - even other snappers'. We feed ours pellets, cut fish and beef. Water plants are also offered. One study has shown hatchlings to imprint well on early food items.
In the last century, people's taste for Common Snapping Turtles, severely damaged many wild populations. Now, many are farm raised, both in the US and abroad. Wild Snapping Turtles are almost always quite vicious. Captive raised snappers, if handled often, will tame down fairly well. They never loose their fiercely vicious feeding response, and keepers never seem to loose their fascination for them...
Please note that California and Washington state do not allow Florida or Common Snapping Turtles to be kept by individuals - so we cannot ship Snapping Turtles to those states without special permits.
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Reviews
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Excellent little turtle
I've wanted a pet snapper for a long time and after doing extensive research and preparation I decided to get one. Glad I found the Turtle Source. I ordered a Florida Snapper instead of a regular CST due to the brown hue to the carapace. Turtle arrived safe and sound and is acclimating very well to his enclosure. He took about a week of adjustment before he ate but he finally started. I highly appreciate the food supplied with him to get him started, very cool to add that in. He has a huge attitude for a turtle so small but we will work on trust and socialization. He is still very defensive but that is totally understandable. I look forward to many years of working with this snapper. Thank you Turtle Source.
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On year two!
Now hitting around the two year mark since I got my FL Snapper. He's been very healthy and fairly easy to care for. While I'm sure he'll never love me, I've handled him enough that he has a fairly mild temperament. Beautiful turtle to sit and watch. Definitely prepare for them to grow fairly rapidly. He's roughly 12" fully extended already!
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Was better then expected
Let me just say I'll be telling all my friends and family about these guys at the turtle source!! I couldn't be happier with my little baby nor with their amazing customer service. My little one was purchased a couple days before it's arrival date (reason was is I was waiting for a few things for it's tank) so I'd be ready for my new little baby. I gave them a call and the lady I talked too was very polite and knowledgeable. I can't say any bad nor negative things
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5 snapping turtle from The Turtle Source
I have now bought 5 turtles from The Turtle Source! Amy always so professional and makes time to answer any questions. This week hatchling was just perfect and great color. Eating well and doing great! Thanks Marc and Amy!
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Baby snapping turtles
5th order from the Turtle Source and 2 baby snappers were perfect Nd beautiful. I am very happy. Won’t buy from anyone else!
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Happy and healthy
I received my Florida Snapping Turtle and he was in excellent good condition and healthy. Will order from The Turtle Source again
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Florida Snapping Turtles
Really beautiful, healthy and active little turtles. Once again I'm astonished by the care and service provided by the kind and knowledgeable folks at theturtlesource, will be buying more before the end of the year hopefully!!!!! Why buy turtles/tortoises from anyone else?
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So cool
Arrived yesterday, and quickly acclimated to the terrarium. Super cool, tiny little thing. Ate within a few hours of arriving. Tough little guy. My son is thrilled. Thanks!
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Florida snapper
Great arrived early the day it was promised lovely & healthy turtle, I recommend The Turtle Source to anyone looking to purchase a turtle.
