Red-Eared Slider Care Sheet

A Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Your Pet Turtle Happy and Healthy

The Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a popular pet turtle that has been in the pet trade for many years. Unfortunately, many of these turtles died due to the lack of knowledge of their owners, particularly children who begged their parents to buy them from dime stores. Today, reptile enthusiasts are better educated, and red-eared sliders have a better chance of survival in captivity. This turtle is a large species that requires proper care and attention, and it should be kept only by people who are prepared to provide for its needs.

Red-Eared Slider Appearance and Behavior

Red-eared sliders are strong swimmers and spend most of their time in the water. They also bask a lot, particularly during warm, sunny days. Pet red-eared sliders can be very personable and will often swim up to you, begging for food. The red ear mark on both sides of their heads gives them their common name. The native habitat of the red-eared slider is from New Mexico north to Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and West Virginia, then south through Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia, all the way to northern Mexico. They are often found in slow-moving streams, creeks, lakes, ponds, and marshes with a fresh and warm water supply.

They were introduced to Asia as pets, where they have become an invasive species. The exact method of introduction is not clear, but it is believed that they were either released or escaped from captivity. Once they were introduced to Asia, they quickly became established in the wild due to their hardy nature and ability to adapt to different environments.

Red-Eared Slider Availability

Red-eared sliders are one of the most common turtles found for sale in pet stores across the world. You can purchase them at local pet stores, reptile shows, or online. However, it is illegal for hatchlings with a carapace length of less than 4 inches to be sold for anything other than educational purposes.

Red-Eared Slider Size

Full-grown red-eared sliders can reach 12 inches in length, with females usually being the largest in size. There are rare instances of adult red-eared sliders growing larger than 12 inches.

Red-Eared Slider Life Span

When cared for correctly, red-eared sliders can easily live longer than 20 years in captivity.

Red-Eared Slider Diet

Red-eared sliders are omnivores that feed on aquatic vegetation, small fish, and decaying material such as dead fish and frogs in the wild. 

As a pet owner, you can feed them:

• Vegetables - such as kale, lettuce, carrots, and squash are all great options to incorporate into your turtle's diet.

• Fruits - including apples, strawberries, and bananas, are also a great addition to your turtle's diet.

• Protein - sources of protein such as cooked chicken, fish, and shrimp can be offered occasionally as a treat.

• Commercial turtle pellets - these are readily available at most pet stores and are a great source of complete nutrition for your turtle.

It is important to ensure that you are providing a balanced and varied diet for your Red-Eared Slider. A diet consisting solely of one food group can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems. Additionally, be sure to research any specific dietary requirements for Red-Eared Sliders to ensure that you are meeting all of their nutritional needs.

Red-Eared Slider Housing

Hatchling red-eared sliders may seem small and cute, but they grow to a considerable size when fully grown. Therefore, you should only keep red-eared sliders if you are prepared to provide a large enclosure or pond for them. The general rule of thumb for housing red-eared sliders is for every inch of shell length, you should provide 10 gallons of water. For example, a red-eared slider with a 5-inch shell length should be provided an enclosure containing 50 gallons of water to allow for adequate swimming space. They can be kept in aquariums, turtle tubs, or other suitable enclosures.

Primary accessories required to properly house a red-eared slider are a water filtration system, a water heater, a basking dock, and a basking lamp. Because red-eared sliders are messy feeders and produce a lot of waste, it is essential to purchase a water filter that is rated at least double the amount of water in your turtle’s enclosure. This reduces the frequency of water changes that will be necessary (though don’t neglect water changes; you should still perform them regularly) and maintains the cleanliness and health of your turtles.

Use a submersible water heater to maintain the water temperature between 24-27°C (75-80°F). Red-eared sliders need to bask regularly to regulate their body temperature and to dry off their shell. A basking dock should be provided in the enclosure where they can completely get out of the water and bask under a basking lamp or UVB lamp. The basking lamp should be positioned over the basking dock, and the temperature should be maintained at around 32-35°C (90-95°F). A UVB lamp should be provided to mimic the natural sunlight and provide essential vitamin D3 for your turtle.

Red-Eared Slider Health

A healthy red-eared slider should have clear eyes, healthy skin, and a smooth, unblemished shell. Signs of poor health include a lack of appetite, lethargy, nasal discharge, swollen eyes or limbs, and abnormal behavior. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles.

Summary

Red-eared sliders are fascinating pets that can provide years of enjoyment, but they require proper care and attention. If you are ready to provide for their needs and provide them with a large enough enclosure or pond, they can make great pets. Remember to research and understand their needs, feed them a balanced diet, provide proper housing and accessories, and monitor their health regularly to ensure they live long and happy lives.

Visit us in Facebook and Join our Community!

German Shepherd Care Sheet

A Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Your Furry Friend Happy and Healthy

If you're a proud owner of a German Shepherd in the Philippines, it's essential to provide proper care to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and active dogs that need plenty of exercise and attention. In this care sheet, we'll provide you with all the information you need to take care of your German Shepherd, from feeding and grooming to exercise and training.

History:

The German Shepherd Dog, or GSD for short, has a relatively recent history, dating back to the late 19th century. The breed was created by a German cavalry officer named Captain Max von Stephanitz, who wanted to develop a versatile working dog that could perform a wide range of tasks.

In 1899, von Stephanitz purchased a dog named Hektor Linksrhein, who he later renamed Horand von Grafrath. Horand became the foundation dog of the German Shepherd breed, and von Stephanitz used him to breed other dogs that would become the basis for the breed.

Von Stephanitz and other breeders worked to refine and standardize the breed over the next few decades, and the first German Shepherd Dog Club was formed in Germany in 1899. The breed quickly became popular not only in Germany, but also in other parts of Europe and in the United States.

During World War I, the German Shepherd Dog served as a military dog, performing a variety of tasks such as guarding, message delivery, and even locating injured soldiers on the battlefield. Their bravery and loyalty made them highly respected, and after the war, the breed continued to gain popularity around the world.

Average size and weight:

German Shepherds are large dogs, with females weighing around 25kg and standing at 55cm tall, while males typically weigh around 40kg and stand at 68cm tall. It's important to ensure that they maintain a healthy weight, as obesity can lead to health issues such as joint problems.

Breed personality, characteristics & temperament:

The German Shepherd is a breed known for its loyalty and trustworthiness, and they are often used as working dogs due to their ability to act as guardians, herders, trackers, and guides. It's important to note that a German Shepherd should never be nervous, over-aggressive, or shy, as this can be a sign of poor breeding or lack of proper socialization and training.

Compatibility with other pets:

While German Shepherds can get along with other pets, proper introduction and discipline are necessary. Early socialization is key, and exposing puppies to new experiences from as early as eight weeks of age can help ensure that they grow up to be well-adjusted and sociable. It's also important to note that parents of German Shepherds should be tested for Hip Dysplasia, a common genetic condition that can cause joint problems in dogs.

Ideal owners:

The ideal owners of German Shepherds are assertive individuals who can command respect from their dog while also respecting the dog in return. They should be active and enjoy spending time with their dog, but should not expect lap dog behavior as German Shepherds require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. It's important to provide proper training and socialization to ensure that your German Shepherd is a well-behaved and happy companion.

Feeding:

German Shepherds need a balanced diet rich in protein, fats, and carbohydrates to maintain their energy levels. A diet of high-quality dry food mixed with fresh meats and vegetables is ideal. Avoid feeding your German Shepherd with table scraps, as this can lead to obesity and other health issues.

Grooming:

German Shepherds have a thick double coat that needs regular brushing to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Bathe your dog as needed, but not too frequently, as this can dry out their skin. Trim their nails regularly, and clean their ears to avoid infections.

Exercise:

German Shepherds are active dogs that need plenty of exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. A daily walk and playtime in a spacious yard or dog park are recommended. Engage your dog in activities like fetch or swimming to keep them entertained and happy.

Training:

German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that need proper training to develop good behavior and social skills. Start training your dog at a young age and use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise. Enroll your dog in obedience classes to teach them basic commands and socialize them with other dogs.

Health:

Regular visits to the vet are crucial to keep your German Shepherd healthy. Vaccinations, deworming, and flea and tick prevention are necessary to prevent diseases and parasites. Watch out for signs of health problems like lethargy, loss of appetite, and diarrhea, and consult your vet immediately. Note that: Parents of this dog should be tested for Hip Dysplasia, the most common disease of GSD breeds.

Taking care of a German Shepherd is a true labor of love that demands patience, dedication, and compassion. These amazing dogs offer us loyalty, protection, and endless affection in return. By following the guidelines outlined in this care sheet, you can ensure that your furry friend is healthy, happy, and thriving. Together, you and your beloved German Shepherd can create a bond that will last a lifetime.

Visit us in Facebook and Join our Community!