My First Blog: December 2012

Monday, December 31, 2012

Spotted Turtle

As a captive, the spotted turtle does best in a shallow-water setup with a land area as least as large as the water. Insects, worms, tadpoles and other amphibians are favored foods, and some vegetation, including algae, may be eaten.

Adequate space is important. One or two small, spotted turtles could properly live in at least a 55 gallon breeder size tank, but more space is always preferable. Cleanliness is essential for the health of the turtles. Enclosures should be cleaned frequently.

Warmth--especially in the form of a basking area--is very important. Most spotted turtles enjoy basking temperatures ranging from 84 to 94 degrees Fahrenheit. Water temperatures between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit are fine. Vitamin D and calcium supplements, used in conjunction with full-spectrum lighting, will give turtles a better chance at good health.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Alligator Snapping Turtle

The alligator snapping turtle has a grotesque appearance, with its roughened mud-brown carapace, grossly oversized head, hooked jaws and roughened tail nearly the length of the carapace.
In captivity, the alligator snapper does not require a land area if their water is of suitable depth and temperature. Room temperature water (76 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit) is suitable. The water should be shallow enough to allow the alligator snapping turtle to breath when its neck is extended. High water quality should always be maintained; care should be taken to remove chlorine and chloramine additives whenever the water is changed. The ammonia content and pH of the water should also be checked frequently.
The diets of hatchling captives seem to center largely on fish. In the wild, adult alligator snappers are known to eat shellfish, crayfish, snails, worms, insects, fish, amphibians and even some aquatic plants. Adult captives readily eat all of these things, plus snakes and raw meat of many kinds.