Care Sheet for TurtlesAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 0 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 09/29/2010 |
Main Category: | Aquatic/Land |
Sub Category: | Turtles |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Atlas 2010 |
Years Experience: | 5 to 10 Years |
Species: | Red-Eared Slider (Baby) |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | Any Baby Aquatic Turtle, Though Care May Vary |
Sexing and Characteristics: | Red-Eared Sliders are the most common reptile pet in all the world. This is because they are very hardy, easy to maintain, and are found in almost all of North America. In fact, almost half of today’s pet sliders are wild animals.
These aquatic turtles can grow very large, though captive animals are generally smaller than the wild kind. Red-eared sliders cannot be sexed accurately sexed until they reach 5 inches plus. Males have longer hand claws and have a longer tail. Their vent is also out of the shell when their tail is out. |
Mostly Active During: | Day |
Substrate and Water Needs: | These turtles are not digging turtles, so gravel or river rock will be just fine. You put sand if you want, but it’s a lot harder to clean. Red-eared sliders are commonly found in shallow ponds, so they have to be rained to swim a bit as babies. Start with just enough water so that they submerge themselves completely but still breathe while on the bottom of the tank. Gradually add 2 inches every 3 weeks until the water level reaches 3 inches. At this time, you only need to add one more inch, but you can make the water level what you desire. Just make sure they don’t drown! |
Lighting and UVB: | Sliders are baskers, and spend most of the day out in the sun. UVB is a MUST. However, if you can’t fit a UVB bulb into your lamp, then make sure that sunlight can reach their cage. Make sure it’s not direct sunlight or the tank will overheat. Make sure they have a basking platform below the light where they can dry off COMPLETELY. |
Temperatures and Humidity: | Temps should range between 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit on the basking are and from 75-80 Fahrenheit for the water. Humidity is not needed as they spend a lot of their time in the water. |
Heating and Equipment: | These guys will be all right with just a basking platform and a source of UVB. |
Caging Provided: | A ten-gallon tank with deep water will house 4 turtles comfortably. If you have a larger collection of animals or just bigger turtles, then provide a 20-30 gallon. |
Diet: | Omnivorous |
Description of Diet: | While these critters will eat anything that falls in the water, they’re defined as omnivorous. I use Tetra-Fauna Repti-Min turtle sticks, as well as baby shrimp and mini krill (Freeze dried). Make sure you feed them some lettuce at least once a week. |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | Vitamins and calcium are not essential, for the Repto-Min turtle sticks already come with everything. |
Maintenance: | I recommend getting a small turtle filter. If you don’t have one of these, change the water every week. If you do this, you’ll only have to clean their gravel once a month. if you don’t, you’ll have to do it every two weeks. |
Some Words on this Species: | Red-Eared Sliders are great companions for you and your children. They’re very hardy and don’t require much maintenance. Please keep in mind that these are shelled-animals, and are best not handled. As long as you follow all my guidelines, you can expect your turtle to live 30-40 years. Good luck! |
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