Caring for Indonesian Snake Neck Turtle for sale

With their incredibly long, winding necks and aquatic abilities, Indonesian Snake Neck Turtle for sale captivate reptile enthusiasts. However, properly caring for these unique turtles takes dedication and understanding their specialized needs.

This comprehensive   guide covers everything new Indonesian snake neck turtle owners need to know to successfully care for their turtle's housing, nutrition, health, and enrichment.

An Introduction to the Indonesian Snake Neck Turtle Species

The Indonesian Snake Neck Turtle for sale (Chelodina mccordi), also called McCord's snake neck turtle, is named for its remarkably elongated neck which can stretch up to 3/4 the length of its 10 inch body. This gives them a distinctive serpent-like appearance unlike any other turtle species.

Native to freshwater lakes, ponds and slow moving streams in Indonesia, East Timor, and Roti Island, the Indonesian snake neck turtle has a dark gray to black carapace (top shell) and plastron (bottom shell) with a yellowish underside. Their necks are olive green and yellow striped, providing camouflage in their aquatic habitat.

These personable turtles are active during the day, spending much time swimming and basking. Given proper care, Indonesian snake neck turtles can exceed 15 years in captivity. Their unique look and engaging personalities make them increasingly popular as exotic pets.

Constructing the Proper Enclosure for Indonesian Snake Neck Turtle for sale

While adaptable to different environments, optimal housing for Indonesian snake neck turtles includes:

• Tank Size - These active swimmers need ample room. A minimum 75 gallon aquarium is recommended. Larger is always better.
• Basking Space - Provide raised basking area like a floating dock or ramp for fully emerging from the water. This allows regulating temperature and accessing UVB light.
• Water Temperature - Maintain water between 75-80°F using a submersible aquarium heater and thermometer. Lower temperatures can lead to respiratory infection.
• Basking Temperature - Allow a basking area reaching 85-90°F under a heat lamp for thermoregulation.
• Lighting - Full spectrum UVB rays are critical. Provide UVB bulbs like Reptisun 5.0 for 12-14 hours daily.
• Water Plants - Add live aquarium plants like hornwort, anacharis and floating lettuce to filter the water.
• Canister Filter - Use a robust canister filter rated for at least 2-3 times total tank volume. Snake necks are messy!
• Tank Lid - Cover 50% of tank with mesh lid to retain humidity while preventing escapes.
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  Indonesian Snake Neck Turtle for sale

Routine 25% partial water changes are essential to maintain clean water free of ammonia, nitrites and waste. Use a chlorine neutralizer when refilling tank. Proper habitat setup supports a healthy turtle.

Feeding Recommendations for Indonesian Snake Necks

A balanced, varied diet is vital for the health of Indonesian snake neck turtles. They require:

• Commercial Turtle Food - Kibble or pellets make a nutritious base. Mazuri Aquatic Turtle Diet is a quality choice.
• Protein Sources - Live foods like feeder fish, river shrimp, worms satisfy protein requirements. Rotate varieties.
• Produce - Leafy greens like kale and vegetables like zucchini offer key vitamins and minerals.
• Occasional Fruit - Berries and melon provide fiber and nutrients. Use as limited treats.
• Calcium Supplement - Coat food several times weekly with calcium powder to prevent bone and shell deficiencies.
• Clean Water - Fresh chlorine-free water changed frequently and available at all times.

Target feed in the basking area to encourage eating while absorbing essential UVB light. A rotating, nutrient-rich diet supports a healthy turtle.

Recognizing and Treating Common Health Issues

Watch for these signs of potential illness and take prompt action:

Respiratory Infections

Wheezing, nasal discharge and trouble diving can indicate respiratory infection. Ensure basking area temperature is 85-90°F and water is 75-80°F. Seek vet assistance if symptoms persist despite correct temperatures.

Shell Problems

Soft shell, shell deformities or pyramiding can arise from nutritional deficiencies, dehydration or metabolic bone disease. Have your vet assess diet, lighting and overall husbandry.

Eye Issues

Swollen, irritated eyes may signal vitamin A deficiency. Improve diet diversity and research supplements if needed.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Loose stool or diarrhea can result from parasites, certain foods or bacterial issues. Bring a stool sample to your exotic vet for analysis. Review diet and reduce protein.

Parasites

Have vet check for internal parasites annually or anytime illness is suspected. Medicate as directed by your veterinarian if parasites are found.

Schedule annual exams to assess growth, shell health, and run fecal tests. With attentive care and early intervention, most health issues can be successfully treated.

Handling, Interacting with and Taming Indonesian Snake Necks

Indonesian Snake Neck Turtle for sale are solitary but can become quite personable and interactive once accustomed to their owners. Use these taming and handling tips:

• Acclimate new turtles slowly to your presence by initially placing the enclosure in a quiet room and spending time quietly near the tank.
• Handfeed preferred foods like mealworms to establish positive associations. Use long tongs first to avoid being mistaken for food.
• Pet and interact with your turtle while supporting its body fully when out of water. Never suspend them fully by the shell or neck.
• Limit handling sessions to 10 minutes 1-2 times daily. Overhandling causes stress.
• Scoop up anxious turtles versus reaching overhead which can seem predatory. Avoid approaching from the front.
• House singly. Indonesian snake necked turtles can be very territorial towards each other.

With time, consistency and positive routines, Indonesian snake neck turtles become highly interactive pets, fascination to observe as they twist their sinuous necks.

Enriching the Life of Your Indonesian Snake Neck Turtle

In addition to habitat furnishings, add further enrichment:

• Provide places to hide like tunnels, plants and rock crevices. This reduces stress.
• Allow supervised exploration time outside the tank in a plastic wading pool or enclosed play pen.
• Offer large rocks, logs and slate ramps in the habitat for climbing and basking variety.
• Provide foods in different ways - floated on the surface, sunk to the bottom, placed on platforms.
• Engage their foraging instincts by hiding food around the tank.
• Introduce novel objects like large stones, pine cones or floating betta logs to investigate. Rotate regularly.

Mental engagement and sensory stimulation keep Indonesian snake neck turtles active and healthy. Always supervise out of tank time.

Finding a Responsible Breeder or Rescue

Locating a healthy Indonesian Snake Neck Turtle for sale from an ethical source is crucial. Avoid pet stores. Look for:

• Established breeders who focus on Indonesian snake neck turtles. Ask fellow hobbyists for referrals.
• Rescues that ensure turtles are vetted for health before adoption.
• Small scale breeders offering captive bred turtles only. No wild caught specimens.

Reputable sellers will:

• Provide hatch dates and care history for each turtle.
• Administer health certificates from an exotic vet.
• Let buyers visit facilities to meet parents and see conditions.
• Answer all questions and follow up post-adoption.

Take time finding an excellent source to start your turtle ownership journey right.

Conclusion: The Joys of Keeping Indonesian Snake Neck Turtles

While requiring more specialized care than some species, Indonesian snake neck turtles fascinate owners with their snake-like winding necks and aquatic abilities.

Their unique behaviors and engaging personalities make the investment in large housing, nutrition, and their other needs worthwhile. With dedication to understanding and fulfilling their ideal environmental conditions, diet, enrichment routines, and preventative health care, Indonesian snake neck turtles thrive, often exceeding 15 years in captivity.

Do extensive research before embarking on ownership of one of these remarkable turtles. An Indonesian snake neck turtle will likely become a beloved aquatic companion for years to come.