Description
Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
The Common Snapping Turtle is a powerful and prehistoric-looking aquatic reptile, well known for its strong jaws, rugged shell, and bold personality. Native to North America, this impressive species is best suited to experienced keepers who can provide the large enclosure and long-term commitment it requires.
Habitat
Common Snapping Turtles require a spacious aquatic setup with strong filtration and easy access to both swimming and resting areas.
- Enclosure: Very large aquarium, indoor pond, or outdoor pond setup depending on size
- Water Temperature: 22–26°C
- Basking: While they bask less often than other turtles, access to a dry resting area and proper lighting is beneficial
- Lighting: UVB lighting recommended for indoor setups
- Humidity: Maintained naturally through aquatic setup
- Decor: Open swimming space, sturdy hides, driftwood, and secure resting platforms
Feeding
These turtles are opportunistic omnivores with a strong feeding response and varied diet.
- Diet: Turtle pellets, fish, insects, worms, crustaceans, leafy greens, and occasional vegetables
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Feeding frequency:
- Juveniles: Daily
- Adults: 3–4 times per week
- Fresh, clean water should always be maintained due to messy feeding habits
General Care
Common Snapping Turtles grow large and require experienced handling and long-term planning.
- Temperament: Strong, defensive, and capable of powerful bites
- Handling: Minimal and only when necessary—requires extreme care
- Lifespan: 30–40+ years with proper care
- Maintenance: Heavy-duty filtration, regular water changes, and large secure housing are essential
Why Choose a Common Snapping Turtle?
- Impressive prehistoric appearance
- Strong personality and fascinating behaviour
- Excellent centrepiece species for large aquatic setups
- Long-lived and highly rewarding for experienced keepers
A true giant of the turtle world, the Common Snapping Turtle is ideal for dedicated reptile keepers looking for a bold, unique, and unforgettable aquatic reptile.
Click & Collect
Livestock will only be bagged once you arrive, or if you contact us in advance to request it ready beforehand.
Local Delivery
Order anything from our in-store range and have it delivered right to you.
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Minimum spend: £50
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Delivery from £15 - £30
- Range 0-25 miles from store
Distances are measured “as the crow flies”, not by road.
Once your order is placed, we’ll be in touch to arrange a suitable delivery date and time.
Please note, delivery may take a little longer as we often group orders together to build an efficient delivery run.
Important: If you’re ordering a large aquarium, please ensure someone is available to help unload the van on arrival.
Dry Goods Delivery
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DX Express: 1 working day, same-day dispatch before noon 0-75kg
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Express Pallet: 1–3 working days 75-500kg
If you'd like to add more items to an existing order that hasn't yet been dispatched, please place a Click & Collect order and leave a note asking us to combine the orders.
Please note: We currently only dispatch parcels Wednesday to Friday.
Pre-Order
Want the full details? Check out our Terms & Conditions.
Livestock Delivery
Thursday Delivery – £24
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Dispatched Wednesday afternoon
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Delivered Thursday before 1pm
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Order by Wednesday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
Friday Delivery – £24
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Dispatched Thursday afternoon
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Delivered Friday before 1pm
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Order by Thursday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
Saturday Delivery – £29
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Dispatched Friday afternoon
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Delivered Saturday before 1pm
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Order by Friday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
📦 Want to Add to an Existing Order?
No problem! Just place a Click & Collect order and leave a note asking us to link it with your original one (as long as it hasn’t been dispatched yet).
🛒 Dry Goods Now Included!
You can now include dry goods in your livestock delivery – perfect for topping up supplies in one go.
❄️ Please note: We can’t send frozen food with livestock – please order frozen items separately.
⚠️ Delivery Exclusions
Unfortunately, we’re unable to deliver livestock to the following postcodes:
Scotland & Isles:
AB30–AB56, DD8–DD10, DG3–DG9, DG12–DG14, FK17–FK21, KA18–KA19, KA26–KA30, PA20–PA38, PA80, PH3–PH40
Cornwall Isles: TR21–TR25
All of the following postcodes are excluded:
BT, HS, IM, IV, JE, KW
Plus Channel Islands and Shetland Islands
Payment & Security
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