The redeared slider turtle may be tricky to domesticate and care for, but given the right kind of environment, attention and love, can make for an interesting longterm companions. Red eared slider care baby red eared slider red eared slider turtle adopt a turtle pet turtle care how to care baby red ear turtle turtle habitat nursing process most uptodate no cost turtles pet tanks thoughts boys and girls employ a pure involvement with the. This care sheet will have instructions for feeding your turtle, making sure that it has water of the appropriate temperature and quality, and that it has the appropriate lighting, substrate, and tank temperature. Although pretty and personable as pets, redeared sliders occupy a niche of dark history in herpetoculture, first as transmitters of salmonella bacteria to small children, second as an invasive species that have disturbed. If kept properly, with excellent diet and optimum lighting and caging, red eared sliders can often live to be 15 or 20 years old, with animals living over 25 not uncommon. Redeared sliders are hearty omnivores, but they have to be nice and warm in order to feed.
These means they eat both plants and animal protein. Nontoxic aquatic plants anachris, water lettuce, dark leafy vegetables and sliced vegetables such as squash and carrots. Yelloweared and redeared sliders trachemys chrysemys scripta. Sliders have a strong, sturdy and jagged beak that they use to eat plant matter and smaller aquatic animals. Trachemys scripta pdf version of this page redeared sliders are an introduced species in b. The red eared slider has a long history in the pet trade, and it has been kept for many years by a wide variety of hobbyists. We offer a lively moderated forum where long time turtle keepers can help newcomers, and turtle keepers at all levels can share experiences and opinions. Red eared sliders, also known as redeared sliders, or redeared terrapins, are the most popular species of pet turtle. Redeared slider turtles are considered a significant threat to native turtle species they mature more quickly, grow larger, produce more offspring and are more aggressive.
Red eared slider adults have a dark brown to olive colored carapace top shell, with a yellow, patterned plastron belly shell. On the other hand, female red eared sliders need about 2 to 5 years. To care for a redeared slider turtle, feed it a balanced diet that consists of 50 percent vegetables and water plants, 25 percent commercial foods, and 25 percent live protein. You see, the author behind this program the red eared slider secrets has been breeding these kinds of turtles for more than a decade now. A fullgrown red eared slider can reach 12 inches in length. Their red ear patch, located just behind the eye, distinguishes them from other similarly sized turtles such as the western painted turtle, and the western pond turtle. Compatibility interacting with redeared sliders and socialization are important in the development of a young turtle to. With the right setup, red eared sliders can be pretty easy to take care of. Once housed properly they are quite easy to care for, and with the proper care these turtles can live 75 years or more, so turtle ow nership is not a commitment to be taken lightly.
Red eared slider terrapin information froglife is a uk wildlife charity committed to the conservation of amphibians and sheet reptiles working with people, enhancing lives together for a healthier planet. Care of red eared slider this turtle species is from north america and are one of the most common aquatic turtle species sold as pets. Female redeared sliders are typically larger than males. When cared for properly, the redeared slider can live up to 30 years. Turtles can be fairly easy to take care of, provided you follow a few good rules. Originating in north america, the red eared slider is named for the distinctive red streak on each side of its face. Because of their popularity as a pet, they are actually becoming a problem as an invasive species.
Originating in north america, the redeared slider is named for the distinctive red streak on each side of its face. Native range the redeared slider is native to southeastern united states and south through mexico, central america and brazil. Will reach adult size in 12 to 18 months under ideal conditions. Learn how to care for red eared slider turtles available at petco. To house your aquatic or semiaquatic turtle, you will need. The biology of captive terrapins is the same as in the wild, so their care should reflect. Native to north america, red eared slider turtles can be rewarding pets. Her old owner overfed her and only gave her commercial pellets. Care advice sheet aquatic turtles are popular pets, but also are one of the most dif.
Its popularity in the pet trade has helped account for its numerous introductions worldwide. The redeared slider is a hardy freshwater turtle that is popular as an aquarium pet in the united states. They are strong swimmers but also like to spend most of the day basking in the sun. Redeared slider turtle trachemys scripta elegans petmd. It is recommended that you apply both hands when picking up, moving and holding a slider. Red eared slider diet red eared sliders are omnivores. A fullgrown redeared slider can reach 12 inches in length measured as the carapace, or top shell, length. Redeared sliders come by their common name for two reasons. Developed with and approved by a qualified veterinarian. Habitat use almost exclusively aquatic, redeared sliders rarely venture out of the water except to lay eggs or to migrate to a new water body. The following tips will help you keep your redeared slider safe and healthy. This is what you need to know regarding baby redeared slider care. Compared to other aquarium creatures, redeared sliders require a relatively large amount of space. List of vegetables and aquatic plants to feed to your turtles turnip greens kale water lettuce water lilly carrot romainredgreen leaf lettuce.
Care sheet on red eared turtle red eared slider ultimate. We are dedicated to providing the best available information to keepers of red eared sliders res and similar turtles. Approximately 20 40 years based on proper care handling. It gets its name from the broad red stripes present behind each eye. I have taken her out of her tank and into a large plastic rectangular container to try and feed her lettuce and.
It takes about 2 to 4 years for a male red eared slider to get matured. Any other substrate like sand or gravel will just lead to problems like impaction. While small in size and largely aquatic by nature, as exotic pets, redeared slider turtles require specific housing, diet, basking and healthcare conditions for. I am thinking about buying a red eared slider turtle. Petco is committed to responsible companion animal ownership. They have sharp claws, strong limbs and a strong bite that can add difficulty during handling. He understands how important it is to closely mimic the natural habitat of these turtles replicating the bottom of moving water like creeks and rivers, ponds and lakes rather than just stuffing them. Commercial turtle treats and freezedried krill may be given as treats. If youre interested in a lifelong friend, a red eared slider turtle makes a wonderful pet. Leakproof enclosure glass aquaria are most commonly selected, but plastic containers and stock watering tanks can also be used. Care sheets provide you with essential info on how to best take care of these pets. Temperature redeared sliders are ectothermic, meaning that they rely on their environment to regulate their temperature. With the right setup, redeared sliders can be pretty easy to take care of. Red eared slider description, habitat, image, diet, and.
The information on this red eared slider care sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. Lianne is a veterinarian, epidemiologist, and freelance writer whos written nearly 400 articles for the spruce pets. Wide ranging turtle living in a variety of climates but sticking to slow moving rivers, humid habitats, and hot temperatures. Redeared slider trachemys scripta elegans species profile. Baby red eared slider turtles for sale underground reptiles. Redeared slider trachemys scripta elegans report invasive species. They may be slippery due to their aquatic habitat, resist being held, vocally hiss and empty their bowels. Compared to other aquarium creatures, red eared sliders require a relatively large amount of space. The redeared slider is a mediumsized turtle with olive to. In addition to its red ear, the face and neck are marked with yellow stripes. You can print out this care sheet and take it with you to the pet store when getting equipment for your slider.
They typically have prominent red or maroon stripes along the side of the head, to the side of each eye. I just got my red ear slider and geographic map turtle they are in good. Redeared sliders are relatively hardy animals that are able to live, and even thrive, in dirty, unclean environments in the wild. Although pretty and personable as pets, red eared sliders occupy a niche of dark history in herpetoculture, first as transmitters of salmonella bacteria to small children, second as an invasive species that have disturbed. Whether it is making sure red eared sliders are free to perform behaviors that are necessary for their wellbeing such as basking and swimming or just trying to figure out what your turtle is doing, understanding normal red eared slider behavior can help you provide optimal care for your turtle. They also need clean water, so expect to change their water and clean their filters roughly once a week. Few families are able to care for a turtle for that long and. Most redeared sliders will try to eat substrate if it can fit in their mouth. When population numbers get high, these turtles move across land to other bodies of water in search of food and space. It is important that you vary your redeared sliders diet, feeding it a mix of vegetables, insects, meat, fish, and. Pet red eared sliders will feed on just about anything you give them, but i recommend feeding them a commercial turtle food or pellet to benefit proper growth and health. Redeared sliders are found in most permanent slowmoving water sources with mud bottoms in the eastern three quarters of the state.
Redeared sliders are native to the eastern and central united states river valleys. Proven guide reveal secrethow to dorare tips and trick from guru for advanced and beginners user. If you have a red eared slider turtle and are looking for the best guide out for care, then this is the one. Redeared sliders are known carriers of diseases that are harmful to humans and wildlife. The main predator of the redeared slider is the human. Pet redeared sliders will feed on just about anything you give them, but i recommend feeding them a commercial turtle food or pellet to benefit proper growth and health. Redeared slider diet redeared sliders are omnivores. These common creatures are actually a subspecies of pond slider, and are native to the southern united states.
Red eared sliders are native to the eastern and central united states river valleys. They can be hilarious to watch and make very lowmaintenance pets. Many keepers believe that the turtles curious nature is a sign of intelligence, and pets eagerness to get an approaching keepers attention in hopes of receiving a treat proves a petowner relationship. Lifehistory and basic ecology red eared sliders are ectothermic, freshwater aquatic reptiles that spend their time foraging in densely vegetated ponds or basking on logs in the sun. How to care for a red eared slider turtle with pictures. When cared for properly, the red eared slider can live up to 30 years. Care of redeared sliders natural history yelloweared and redeared sliders trachemys chrysemys scripta. Basic aquatic turtle care sheet basic aquatic turtle care sheet slider, cooter, redbelly, painted, map, and chicken turtles by katrina smith do you have a redeared slider or other aquatic turtle, or are you thinking of getting one. Malefemale differences females are larger and have a smaller tail. Males have longer, thicker tails and longer front claws with the cloaca closer to the tip of the tail. Redeared slider care sheet by vin ma red eared sliders come by their common name for two reasons. While small in size and largely aquatic by nature, as exotic pets, red eared slider turtles require specific housing, diet, basking and healthcare conditions for.
They start to mate and lay eggs once they have reached sexual maturity. Our care sheets provide important information about the proper care of your animal. Red eared sliders will do well with large river stone rocks as substrate. Red eared sliders are relatively hardy animals that are able to live, and even thrive, in dirty, unclean environments in the wild. Red eared slider turtles can make fantastic pets and live for a very long time under the proper care and indoor tank conditions. Jun 25, 2012 i am thinking about buying a red eared slider turtle.
Popular semiaquatic turtles kept in the us include sliders. Numerous studies provide evidence that redeared slider turtles can outcompete native turtles for food and nesting and basking sites. If youre interested in a lifelong friend, a redeared slider turtle makes a wonderful pet. This is what you need to know regarding baby red eared slider care. Basic aquatic turtle care sheet basic aquatic turtle care sheet slider, cooter, redbelly, painted, map, and chicken turtles by katrina smith do you have a red eared slider or other aquatic turtle, or are you thinking of getting one. I want to know how to care for them and what they need and what size tank they need and what. Download pdf red eared sliders free online new books in. In the wild, they feed on aquatic vegetation, small fish and decaying material such as dead fish and frogs, etc.
Still, it is important to remember that this breed has some specific diet and tank requirements that must be met in order for it to thrive. The ideal water temperature for sliders to feed in is somewhere in the upper 70s 2426 degrees celsius. Compatibility interacting with red eared sliders and socialization are important in the development of a young turtle to eliminate behavioral problems later. Most red eared sliders will try to eat substrate if it can fit in their mouth.
Ask an associate about petcos selection of books on redeared sliders and the variety of petco brand products available for the care and happiness of your. Cage size will vary with the turtle size and the number kept. A fullgrown red eared slider can reach 12 inches in length measured as the carapace, or top shell, length. Never release your pet turtle in a local pond, lake or river. I have been trying to get her to eat some lettuce in replacement for pellets but she isnt interested. The redeared slider is primarily aquatic and will emerge from the water for basking. Caring for a red eared slider properly requires more than just a bowl with a little bit of water and a rock. If you need to, make sure to wash your hands before and after handling. In order for your red eared slider to live as many years as possible, youll need to buy the correct uvb lighting, a diet balanced between animalbased and plantbased foods, and a big tank.
If you can no longer care for your redeared slider. Terrapins range from central to south america, through mexico right to areas of brazil. The red eared slider turtle may be tricky to domesticate and care for, but given the right kind of environment, attention and love, can make for an interesting longterm companions. Any good pet store will a red eared slider turtles care sheet kiosk, along with care sheets for other reptiles, near its reptile area. A guide to caring for redeared slider turtles as pets. Red eared sliders come by their common name for two reasons. For redeared sliders, water temperature should be kept between 75f and 85f, and the basking area temperature should be about 85f to 95f. The following tips will help you keep your red eared slider safe and healthy. Courtship occurs in the spring and fall and is described as highly stereotyped. I adopted a pre owned red eared slider about three weeks ago and she has been fed a very unhealthy diet previously.
There are many reasons to keep a redeared slider as a pet. Red eared sliders, also known as red eared sliders, or red eared terrapins, are the most popular species of pet turtle. Their nests are built along the banks above water or at a considerable distance from water. Red eared sliders stay relatively small in the turtle world, with average adult sizes ranging between 5 and 8. The redeared slider is the most popular pet turtle in the world. Red eared sliders tend to mate every year between march and july. I want to know how to care for them and what they need and what size tank they need and what type of food what filter and all that fun stuff. Natural habitat housing avian and exotic veterinary care. They prefer quiet waters with soft, muddy bottoms, aquatic vegetation, and suitable sites for basking. This is a very useful printable care sheet for the red eared slider turtle produced by petco. The complete care guide for your red ear slider turtle for free.
Aquatic turtles, including red eared sliders, need much more in the way of housing and lighting. Colonies have also been noticed in ohio, west virginia and kentucky. Red eared sliders are found in most permanent slowmoving water sources with mud bottoms in the eastern three quarters of the state. Due to salmonella, it is not recommended to handle your turtle unless you have to. You need to know this about baby red eared slider care. The redeared slider is named for the redline running behind its eyes and the sliding motion it makes as it slips from a rock into the water.
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