Tortoise found in Shanghai China

[littlehonier]

Hi all,

This is quite wild, but true story. About an hour ago, I was driving around in Shanghai, China. A construction worker sat by the side of the road holding a giant stick with a huge tortoise tied on top of it. The worker said he found a family of them while digging pipes at a nearby construction site. This tortoise is quite heavy; I would say about 8-10 pounds. I decided to buy it because the construction worker was gonna sell it to the near by wet market, where Chinese go grocery shopping. Anyway, now this thing is walking around in my apartment. Can you guys look at my pictures and let me know the breed? Furthermore, some simple care instructions please? It gets quite cold here in Shanghai during the winter time. Should I be worried?

Thank you so much,
Joe

 

[dmarcus]

Hello and welcome to the forum... Looks like some kind of snapping turtle, but I am not that sure since I dont know much about turtles...

 

[yagyujubei]

It's a common snapper. Watch your fingers. Lives in water. Eats fish, frogs, ducks, smaller turtles.
http://45001235.blog.163.com/ Here's a chinese site where you might find more info, or someone who wants it if you don't.

 

[Angi]

He is cute. I am glad you saved him from the market or someone that would treat him bad.

 

[Redstrike]

They like to bury themselves in mud and ambush their prey via exploding their long neck out. You'll want to watch your fingers for sure! Could make a good pet but would probably be best kept outdoors...

 

[AnthonyC]

I wouldn't go scratching that sucker under the chin, Joe! Nice of you to save him. Did they point you in the direction of the others?

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Joe:

Welcome to the forum!!

Its nice that you saved the turtle from the stew pot, but unless you have a large pond to keep him in, I wouldn't suggest that you try to keep it as a pet. Snapping turtles are pretty aggressive and one might get hurt trying to interact with it.

 

[Redstrike]

Hi Joe:

Welcome to the forum!!

Its nice that you saved the turtle from the stew pot, but unless you have a large pond to keep him in, I wouldn't suggest that you try to keep it as a pet. Snapping turtles are pretty aggressive and one might get hurt trying to interact with it.

Agreed...

 

[bobbymoore]

i love snapping turtles we have 4 common snapping turtles that occupy our pond they just showed up oneday

 

[tyler0912]

I thought snapping turtle also...dont know which type!

 

[byerssusan]

Yep it's a snapper. And believe me you do NOT want it biting you. Becareful.

 

[Jacqui]

Welcome! We have three of those snappers and you do need to be aware of them because they can move fast, have great snapping strength in those jaws and they usually hold one for a bit. They are fun to watch eating their food.

 

[pdrobber]

welcome. nice of you to take it before it got to the market.

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

Welcome.

 

[Kraig]

Joe Count your fingers and toes mate .

and welcome to the forum

 

[MatrixDJ]

Crazy!! Welcome to the forum!! I'm new too

 

[Yvonne G]

Joe Count your fingers and toes mate .

and welcome to the forum

Hi Kraig:

Won't you take a few moments to start a new thread in the "introductions" section and tell us a bit about yourself and your tortoises?

 

[evlinLoutries]

Welcome to the forum..

It is a turtle, not a tortoise..
And it looks like common snaping turtle to me..

 

[gopherhockey03]

Thing looks ancient very cool! And Welcome!

 

[laramie]

Hello and welcome to TFO. Nice to meet you