Turtle Facts

Turtles are part of the reptile family, which includes snakes, crocodiles, alligators and lizards. Like other reptiles, turtles are cold-blooded. This means that a turtle’s body temperature varies depending on the temperature of its surroundings.  And just like other reptiles, turtles can be found in every continent in the world, except for Antarctica.
A turtle’s shell is made up of the top portion, known as the carapace, the underside, known as the plastron, and the bridge, which connects the two sides. Both sides are covered with keratin-containing scale-like material, known as scutes. The scutes, which turtles are capable of regenerating, may be used in some cases to estimate a turtle’s age, not unlike the way rings in a tree can approximate a tree’s age.

Turtle Facts

The size and weight of a turtle’s shell is usually suited to its habitat, whether it’s a land-based turtle or an aquatic one. For instance, a land tortoise has a heavier shell used to deter predators, compared to an aquatic or soft-shelled turtle that needs a lighter shell for better buoyancy and faster swimming. There are some exceptions however, like the African pancake tortoise that has a flat shell that makes it useful for hiding under rocks.
Turtles have strong senses. They are able to see in colour, and their sense of hearing, smell and touch are equally good. The turtles’ sturdy jaws and hooked beak make up for the fact that they have no teeth.
Turtles are not actually capable of breathing underwater but they are able to hold their breath under water for certain amounts of time. Some of these aquatic turtles eat mostly plants while there are some that eat jellyfish. Generally, a turtle’s diet varies according to its species. One thing that is constant for all aquatic turtles is the fact that they can only eat while they are in water.

Turtle Facts

Both land and water turtles alike lay eggs on land. The incubation temperature of these eggs is said to determine if the hatchling will be male or female. The hatchling will make use of an egg tooth found on its beak to break open the egg.
Another way of grouping turtles aside from land-based and water-based is by how they draw their neck into their shell. Some, known as the Cryptodira, do it by lowering their neck under the spine, while others, known as side-neck turtles or Pleurodira, achieve it by folding their neck to the side.
One last addition to the above list of turtle facts: did you know that a group of turtles is known as a bale?
The world of turtles is a big one, filled with all sorts of details meant to fill many pages. The above is just a small sampler of turtle facts, but hopefully it has satisfied the turtle enthusiast in you.

Snapping turtle care can be difficult because they are considered as dangerous and aggressive. Aggressive means that when ever they can reach something they snap at it. When they are in the water they tend to be quiet until it is time for them to eat. They eat frogs, baby ducks, vegetables, crabs, fish and other tiny reptiles. They are considered to be passive hunters for the reason that they hide in the mud and wait for their prey to snap at.

Snapping Turtle Care

So if you are looking to take care of this kind of turtle better know the different kinds of snapping turtle care:

1.    Do not give this kind of turtle to a beginner or a child. Snapping turtles are easily irritated and have a bad temper and there is no exemption for a juvenile snapping turtle. If this turtle bites someone, they might need medical attention.
2.    Keep snapping turtles in an aquarium if possible. It is the safest place where you can house this kind of turtle. For hatchlings, the recommended depth is three to six inches and a dry basking spot on one end. Take note that snapping turtles grow quickly. So, it is wise to make a large habitat even if they are only hatchlings.

Snapping Turtle Care

3.    Snapping turtles are “bottom walkers”. When they are in the water there necks should be able to reach the surface for them to breathe.
4.    Quality of water is important. Your snapping turtles might suffer if you do not pay attention to the filtration system. Water gets dirty easily and smells fouls and this is what happens when the snapping turtles snap at their prey shredding it to pieces when they are in the water. Canister filters are recommended for adult snapping turtles because they can be cleaned easily and provides excellent water quality. For hatchlings, a power filter is recommended and regular water change is best.
5.    Though snapping turtles can be raised even without the basking facilities, everyday light cycle is still important for them. This is also said to help them be in their normal behavior. If you are planning to create an artificial basking area, place an artificial reflector clip light lamp, which is placed above the dry basking area together with a shelf that is slightly submerged.

Snapping Turtle Care

6.    When the weather is warm, it is also nice to setup an outside habitat for the snapping turtles. You can use a kid’s wading pool that is sunk in the ground and make sure that it is in a closed and safe area where children cannot easily enter. If you have extra money to spare, create a larger habitat for them complete with a filtration system.
7.    Snapping turtles should be fed properly and not overfed them. Over feeding your snapping turtles can lead to obesity. For adult snapping turtles, it is recommended to feed them two to three times a week and for hatchlings, feed them daily or every other day. They are carnivores but do not feed them hamburgers because it can easily foul their habitat due to its high fat content.

Make sure to take extra precaution when it comes to snapping turtle care because they are not the kind of pet that you can play with.