These days many pet lovers keep snapping turtles as their pets. Are you considering a snapping turtle as your new pet? If so, you’re likely wondering, “How fast do snapping turtles grow?” Snapping turtles are prominent among the wide variety of turtle species, and they are known as the largest turtle species in North America. Despite their impressive size and beast look, snapping turtles have a slow growth rate.
Initially, baby snapping turtles may grow around 2-3 inches per year. However, they can significantly increase in size over the next 8-10 years. Various factors, such as environmental conditions, diet, and sunlight exposure, influence snapping turtle growth rates. If you’re curious about the question “How fast do snapping turtles grow?” and their growth rate, read on to uncover more fascinating insights.
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How Fast Do Snapping Turtles Grow?
Snapping turtles are popular as pets. However, their look is not so friendly. These turtles grow fast when young due to their hungry appetites. When snapping turtles are kept as pets, they often eat too much, which makes them grow quickly. However, growth rates vary among individuals based on their feeding habits, environment, etc.
Snapping turtles can grow impressively large, reaching 40 inches and 175 pounds. That’s as big as a small adult human. Another snapping turtle relative is the alligator snapping turtle. The largest recorded alligator snapping turtle weighed almost about 113kg which is more than 249 pounds.
Growth Rate of Snapping Turtles
When snapping turtles are born, they are tiny, only about 1.14 inches and around 2.9 cm long. But snapping turtles grow fast. Snapping turtles undergo three main stages of growth: hatchling, juvenile, and adult.
Early Years: 0-5: In their first year, they grow (carapace length growth) about 2 to 3 inches (5.08 – 7.62 cm). Then, in the second year, they grow another inch or two. By this time, they’re about 3 to 5 inches or 7.62 – 12.7 cm long. As they grow, snapping turtles need larger prey like fish, insects, and crayfish to satisfy their hunger. In particular, they prefer meat food during their juvenile years.
3rd to 5th Year: From the third to the fifth year, they have their biggest growth period. In this period they, grow from 5 to 6 inches to about 8 to 10 inches. After the initial growth period, snapping turtles continue to grow but at a much slower pace.
Transition to adulthood: 5-10 years: In the next five years, snapping turtles will add another 2 to 4 inches (5.0 to 10.16 cm) to their length. Their weight ranges from 10 to 40 pounds during this time.
Baby snapping turtles usually hatch in late summer or early fall. If it’s too cold, they wait inside their eggs until the environment becomes warmer.
Common Snappers vs. Alligator Snappers
Common snappers typically reach carapace lengths of 10 to 18.5 inches (25 to 47 cm). And weigh between 8.8 and 35.2 pounds (4 to 16 kg).
Alligator snappers can grow even larger. Alligator snappers can reach impressive lengths of up to 39.8 inches (101 cm), and generally, they can weigh up to 176 pounds (80 kg).
The South American and Central American snappers are like cousins to the common snapper. They belong to the same family called Chelydra. They’re around the same size too (weighing over 35 pounds and reaching 20 inches). Another type is the Suwanee snapping turtle, which is closely related to the Alligator snapper. When fully grown, it can weigh up to nearly 90.7kg (almost 200 pounds).
Common Snapping Turtles Growth Chart
The following chart shows the average shell length of Common Snapping Turtles at different ages, measured in both centimeters and inches.
| Age (years) | Average Shell Length (cm) | Average Shell Length (inches) |
| 0 | 2.9 | 0.5-1.1 |
| 1 | 8.9 to 12.7 | 3.5 to 5 |
| 2 – 3 | 13.5 to 15.5 | 5.3 to 6.1 |
| 4 – 6 | 11.9 to 23.9 | 4.7 to 9.4 |
| 10 | 25.4 | 10 |
| 15 – 40 | 35.6 to 47 | 14 to 18.5 |
Alligator Snapping Turtles Growth Chart
This table presents the growth ranges of Alligator Snapping Turtles.
| Age (years) | Average Shell Length (inches) | Average Shell Length (cm) | Mass/Weight (pounds) | Mass/Weight (kg) |
| 0 | 1.5 | 3.8 | 0.03125 (Few ounces) | 0.0141 |
| 1 | 2.5 to 4 | 6.35 to 10.2 | 1 to 2 | 0.4 to 0.9 |
| 2 | 5 to 6 | 12.7 to 15.2 | 3 to 5 | 1.35 to 2.26 |
| 3 | 6 to 8 | 15.2 to 20.3 | 5 to 8 | 2.26 to 3.6 |
| 5 | 8 to 10 | 20.3 to 25.4 | 7 to 10 | 3.17 to 4.5 |
| 10 | 10 to 12 | 25.4 to 30.5 | 10 to 35 | 4.5 to 15.9 |
| 15 | 12 to 16 | 30.5 to 40.6 | 35 | 15.9 |
| 20 | 16 to over 26 | 40.6 to over 66 | 46 | 20.9 |
| 50 – 100 | 16 to over 26 | 40.6 to over 66 | 64 to 176 (males) | 29 to 80 |
Snapping Turtle Growth in Captivity
Snapping turtles tend to grow larger when kept in captivity. This is because they have extra care with constant access to food, shelter, and veterinary care.
Impact of Diet: A healthy diet can significantly accelerate a snapping turtle’s growth rate beyond the average of 12 to 15 cm.
Factors Influencing Growth: A snapping turtle’s growth isn’t solely determined by its age. Genetics plays a significant role, too. Even in the same tank, turtles can vary greatly in size.
Varied Growth Rates: In captivity, snapping turtles may experience different growth rates. For example, One turtle may reach 4.5-5.5 inches in shell length. Another turtle may exceed it by 6-6.5 inches.
Example of Growth Chart
Here’s an example of snapping turtles’ growth in captivity, which shows the variation in weight and shell length over time:
| Snapping Turtles in Same Enclosure | Years | Weight (kg) | Weight (lbs) | Shell Length (inches) |
| Turtle 1 | 1 | 9 kg | 19-20 lbs | 3-3.5 |
| Turtle 2 | 1 | 9 kg | 19-20 lbs | 4.5-5 |
| Turtle 3 | 2 | 4.5-15.8 kg | 10-35 lbs | 5.5-6.5 |
In the wild, snapping turtles usually live around 11 to 45 years, maybe hitting 50 if they’re lucky. But in captivity, they can live up to 70 years! In captivity, they’re fed a balanced diet every day, so they grow healthier and bigger.
Male snapping turtles can grow up to 26 inches long and weigh about 175 pounds, while females are smaller, around 50 pounds. The challenge for wild snapping turtles is finding food, which affects their growth rate.
What are the Factors for Snapping Turtles Growth Rate?
As we have mentioned earlier, snapping turtles’ growth rate depends on various factors. Such as –
Dietary Influences
Diet plays a significant role in snapping turtle growth. Providing a balanced diet with animal and plant matter is essential for their development. When snapping turtles are young, they should be given meat food rather than vegetables. Snapping turtles thrive on protein and plant matter. Optimal growth requires a mix of flesh and aquatic plants.
Environmental Adaptation
Snapping turtles’ growth rates can be influenced by their environment. Maintaining a temperature range of 75°F-80°F for water and 80°F-86°F for air is crucial. Humidity levels should be around 75%. Cooler temperatures may slow down their growth, while a suitable enclosure with ample swimming space can promote healthy growth.
Age and Genetics
Snapping turtles’ growth slows as they reach adulthood. Male snapping turtles typically grow larger than females, reaching 175 to 220 pounds. The growth rate slows as turtles age. Genetics, including gender and family lineage, also influence their size and growth rate.
Basking Need: UVB Light and Vitamin D3
While snapping turtles don’t necessarily need UVB light for basking, it’s crucial for their Vitamin D3 intake, which aids in calcium absorption. Insufficient UVB light can lead to metabolic bone disease. A UVB light source, such as a fluorescent bulb, helps them in Vitamin D3 absorption. This supports calcium intake for shell health.
Water Quality and Temperature
Maintaining clean water with suitable temperature ranges between 75°F-80°F for water and 80°F-86°F for air is essential. Proper humidity and basking spots ensure optimal growth conditions.
Enclosure Size and Enrichment
A spacious enclosure with access to both land and water is ideal for snapping turtles. Adding natural structures like rocks and plants enhances their environment and promotes healthy growth.
FAQ
How fast do alligator snapping turtles grow?
On average, these turtles typically grow about 1 to 2 inches per year. The growth rate of alligator snapping turtles varies depending on factors like their diet and how often they’re fed.
How fast do common snapping turtles grow?
In their initial two years, common snapping turtles typically reach around 12 to 15 cm (5 to 6 inches) in shell length. However, their growth slows down significantly afterward, adding only about 30 to 35 cm (12 to 14 inches) in shell length over the next 15 to 20 years.
How fast do baby snapping turtles grow?
When they first hatch, common snapping turtles are tiny, only about an inch long with soft shells. Over the next two years, they undergo rapid growth, reaching an average shell length of 12 to 15 cm (5 to 6 inches). However, during this vulnerable time, they are at risk of different predators.
Read More: How Big Are Turtle Eggs
Wrap-Up
When wondering about “how fast do snapping turtles grow?” it’s fascinating to discover the varied pace of their growth. While young snapping turtles undergo rapid development, reaching impressive sizes within their first few years, their growth slows as they mature. From diet to the environment, understanding the factors that influence their growth helps us nurture them properly. It’s interesting to watch snapping turtles’ growth, whether as youngsters or as they grow into adults.