How to Make a Turtle Trap

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Turtles are reptiles that populate certain land areas and or ponds and aquatic environments (likely depending on species). Their diets may vary depending on type and environment. [1] . You should release them after you catch them if/when they're healthy and well. They should not be released into a dangerous or the wrong environment (ex: aquatic varieties in wrong salt content water, terrestrials in water above bottom of shell), and if their environment where they're found is safe and appropriate to their species, they should remain (or be released after a rehab situation) there. One of the easiest ways to catch turtles is by building a turtle trap. Set it up in an area where you know turtles live, such as a pond or creek. You might also need to build a turtle trap if you have a pond in your yard. Sometimes, turtle populations can get out of control and you might need to remove some of the turtles. Building a good trap is essential for this.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Building A Turtle Trap

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  1. You will need the following: [2]
    • Plywood
    • Chicken wire or hardware cloth
    • Metal dowel rods
    • D 20 nails
    • A fence post or garden stake to anchor the trap
    • Rope or wire
  2. Secure it together with nails. [3]
    • While this method is not the only way to make a turtle trap, it is recommended by fish and wildlife authorities.
    • Make sure the box is large enough to house several turtles at a time.
    • A good rule is to make the box at least 2 ft x 2 ft.
    • Ensure that the box is sturdy and well constructed. It will sit in water so you want to make sure it won't come apart.
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  3. This will prevent turtles from escaping. [4]
    • The chicken wire will allow water to enter the trap to keep the turtles wet and comfortable.
    • Nail the chicken wire onto the frame, making sure there aren't any gaps where the wire is loose.
    • Make sure the chicken wire or hardware clot is a fine mesh. You don't want the turtles' feet to get stuck in the wire.
  4. This will serve as a ramp. [5]
    • This ramp will allow turtles to crawl up into the trap.
    • Make sure the ramp is long enough and at a small angle so it is not too steep.
    • Make sure the ramp is tightly nailed to the frame. If it falls off, you won't get any turtles into your trap.
  5. You will want to pass it through the center of a board of plywood that is smaller than your trap. [6]
    • This will serve as a teeter board.
    • When you trap a turtle, the turtle will crawl up the ramp onto the teeter board.
    • The weight of the turtle will cause the teeter board to tilt and drop the turtle gently into the trap.
    • Attach the teeter board and rod to the top of the frame of the trap. Screw this in just adjacent to the ramp.
  6. Angle these upwards. [7]
    • Space these every 4 inches (10.2 cm), 2 inches above where the surface of the water in the trap will be.
    • Before you do this you will need to put the trap in the water where you will set it up to see where the water line lies.
    • These nails will prevent the turtles from escaping the trap.
  7. This will serve as bait.
    • The turtles will smell this food and be attracted to the trap.
    • After you set up the trap, check this often to see if you need to replace it.
    • Make sure the bait is secure enough that it is not swept away by moving water.
  8. This should be an area where you see turtles resting or feeding along the water's edge. [8]
    • Anchor a fence post or garden stake into the bottom of the pond or creek where you want to set up your trap.
    • Tie the trap to the stake with rope or use strong wire to attach it.
    • Place your trap in the water carefully.
    • Check to make sure it sits in the water with part of it above water.
    • Check your trap everyday to see if you have trapped any turtles.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Caring for Trapped Turtles

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  1. You will want to release them to a natural environment. [9]
    • Turtles are wild animals. They will fare better in their own natural environment than in a home or outdoor aquarium.
    • Release turtles by a wild pond or creek. This is their natural habitat.
    • If you can't release the turtles right away, you will need a proper enclosure with enough water, light, shade, and food.
  2. Wild freshwater turtles generally do well outdoors or in a large indoor enclosure. [10]
    • Avoid keeping them in glass aquariums. They tend to be too small.
    • Try a rubbermaid tub with opaque sides. Turtles in glass or see-through containers will obsessively try to climb through or become afraid by activity in the room.
    • Seriously consider on outdoor trap with adequate sun, shade, water, and weeds. A small pond (either natural or homemade in a tub) is best.
  3. This acts as a comfortable cushioning for the turtle. [11]
    • A mixture of potting soil, sand, leaf mulch, and sphagnum moss is recommended.
    • Keep this misted everyday to hold humidity.
    • Turtles need a moist, humid environment.
    • Turtles will burrow or nest into the substrate. This makes them feel comfortable. Make the substrate deep enough that the turtle can completely bury itself.
    • Put some flat rocks in the enclosure. This will allow the turtles to sun themselves.
    • Make sure you keep the terrarium or enclosure misted daily. It is very important to keep the turtles habitat very moist or they can develop respiratory problems.
  4. Make sure the water is warm so that the turtle does not become disabled if it falls into the water. [12]
    • A shallow pool in a plastic tub will suffice for a pond.
    • Turtles will swim for an hour or more a day.
    • Turtles tend to defecate in their water so it is very important that this is changed everyday.
  5. Outdoor enclosures will need to be heated if the temperature drops below 60 degrees. [13]
    • A ceramic heater will help to keep a colder enclosure warm enough for the turtles.
    • All enclosures should provide a cool area and warm area.
    • In hotter climates, make sure that the turtles have an area where there is lots of shade and soil for burrowing. This will help to keep them from getting overheated.
    • Keeping the enclosure misted will help this issue also.
    • Light is also necessary for keeping the turtles healthy and comfortable.
    • Make sure the turtle has a sunny area in an outdoor trap or buy an incandescent bulb for an indoor enclosure.
  6. Turtles like to eat insects, vegetables, fungus, weeds and even snails. [14]
    • Try feeding the turtle a small "salad" with some lettuce, grated carrot, and a live earthworm.
    • You can also feed them mushrooms and strawberries.
    • You can buy live insects to feed the turtles at pet stores.
    • Feed the turtles on a flat rock instead of in a dish. This is a more natural way for turtles to eat.
    • If a turtle is reluctant to eat, try misting or wetting the turtle ahead of time. Feed them in a warm area of the enclosure.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I know if the turtle is male or female?
    Clint Bartley
    Herpetology Expert
    Clint Bartley is a Herpetology Expert based in Chandler, Indiana. He has over 30 years of experience working with reptiles, and opened Metazotics in 2022, a large reptile breeding facility and specialty store where he oversees a breeding colony of nearly 500 reptiles. Metazotics specializes in reptiles such as colubrids, ball pythons, geckos, tortoises, and more, and serves a national audience with their state-of-the-art online merchandise platform. In particular, Clint is known as an industry leader in Asian rat snake and black rat snake mutations. Clint has successfully reproduced more than 60 species of reptiles in captivity. He was the second person in the United States to produce Archelaphe bella chapaensis (bell rat snakes), and the first person in the U.S. to produce them twice. Metazotics carries a comprehensive line of supplies and habitats, offers all bioactive enclosure needs, and works with local organizations to further their knowledge and understanding of reptiles.
    Clint Bartley
    Herpetology Expert
    Expert Answer
    You can distinguish between male and female turtles based on their carapace. First, note the size and shape, with females typically having larger and broader shells. Look for the vent, which is closer to the edge in females and closer to the center in males. Additionally, examine the plastron, where males may have a slightly concave underside, and check the length of the claws, which are often longer in males. Consider any species-specific characteristics and consult guides or experts for clarification if needed.
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  • Question
    How will I know if it has a disease?
    Bunnycorn Murderer
    Community Answer
    You can take it to a vet, or check or any unusual bumps, scars, or behaviors.
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  • Question
    I have two ponds with lots of slider turtles in them. Do these do harm to my fish population? What about the snapping turtles effect?
    Animal Expert101
    Community Answer
    The turtles eat fish and hatchlings love fish eggs. Fish is their main diet, but remember nature is nature.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.livescience.com/45539-what-do-turtles-eat.html
      2. ↑ http://www.grit.com/departments/turtle-traps-build-your-own.aspx
      3. ↑ http://www.grit.com/departments/turtle-traps-build-your-own.aspx
      4. ↑ http://www.grit.com/departments/turtle-traps-build-your-own.aspx
      5. ↑ http://www.grit.com/departments/turtle-traps-build-your-own.aspx
      6. ↑ http://www.grit.com/departments/turtle-traps-build-your-own.aspx
      7. ↑ http://www.grit.com/departments/turtle-traps-build-your-own.aspx
      8. ↑ http://www.grit.com/departments/turtle-traps-build-your-own.aspx
      9. ↑ http://turtlepuddle.org/american/boxcare.html
      1. ↑ http://turtlepuddle.org/american/boxcare.html
      2. ↑ http://turtlepuddle.org/american/boxcare.html
      3. ↑ http://turtlepuddle.org/american/boxcare.html
      4. ↑ http://turtlepuddle.org/american/boxcare.html
      5. ↑ http://turtlepuddle.org/american/boxcare.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make a turtle trap, start by building a 2 feet by 2 feet wooden box with chicken wire over the bottom to allow water into the trap. Then, nail an angled piece of plywood to one side of the box to create a ramp. Next, fix a teeter board to the top of the trap, which will drop the turtle inside when it stands on it. You should also attach a piece of beef or pork to a wire in the trap for bait before positioning the trap in a pond or creek. After you've set it up, check your trap every day to see if you've caught any turtles. For tips on how to care for trapped turtles, keep reading!

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