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.
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