Care Sheet for TurtlesAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 0 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 01/04/2012 |
Main Category: | Aquatic/Land |
Sub Category: | Turtles |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Atlas 2010 |
Years Experience: | 5 to 10 Years |
Species: | Red Eared Slider |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | Similarly sized aquatic turtles |
Sexing and Characteristics: | Red eared sliders are commonly known as beginner pets; this is true as hatchlings. However, that cute baby you buy at 1 inch in carapace length may very well grow to 10 inches in carapace length. Many keepers fail to overlook that the red eared slider requires a large enclosure, sometimes larger than some keepers are able to provide. Before purchasing one make sure to accept the fact that soon your turtle will need a 55 gallon tank or an outdoor pen.
Sexing red eared sliders cannot be done until they reach about 5 inches in length. Males have longer claws, and also a larger tail, with the vent positioned further out than the plastaron. |
Mostly Active During: | Day |
Substrate and Water Needs: | Gravel, river rock, sand, and just plain nothing are good substrates to use with red eared sliders (keep in mind that babies may ingest substrate while feeding). Gravel and sand provide a natural look to your cage, but must be cleaned frequently. River rock is easy to clean, and gives your vivarium a more elegant look. Plain nothing is not the best display option, but it facilitates cleaning, and your turtle doesn’t mind much.
Water should be ten inches or deeper for adults. Babies should have fairly shallow water, around 3-4 inches deep. Make sure that your turtle doesn’t drown; if you see signs of struggling to reach the surface, reduce the water level. |
Lighting and UVB: | Like all (or most) turtles, red eared sliders require UVB lighting for proper shell development and calcium intake. They are notorious baskers, often climbing on one another and competing to get precious sun rays. Provide a 5.0 UVB output or higher bulb. |
Temperatures and Humidity: | Air temperatures should range between 83-88 F. Water temperatures should be in the 78 zone. |
Heating and Equipment: | An undertank heater can help heat up the water, but usually room temperature is an adequate temperature. Air temperature is usually raised by the UVB bulb, but provide another 50 or 25 watt bulb if necessary. During colder months, it is advised to provide an underwater heater. |
Caging Provided: | A ten gallon aquarium will house 2 hatchlings, Increase the size by five gallons for every inch the hatchling grows. Adults need at least a 55 gallon tank or more. For adults, it is advised to make an outdoor pen with dimensions of 8’x8’ and placing a pool to take up most of the space in the center. Cover the remaining are with dirt, and you may plant foliage or grass if you wish. Be sure to make the pen escape proof, and also predator proof (adding a wire mesh ceiling is advised, but be sure to make a door!). During winter and summer months, make sure the temperatures are not to hot or cold.
Be sure to provide a basking platform where the turtle can completely dry off underneath the UVB bulb. Plants and logs can be added to enhance the environment and provide turtles with places to hide (avoid sharp or rough surfaces as these can damage the shell). |
Diet: | Omnivorous |
Description of Diet: | Red eared sliders will eat or try just about anything that falls into their home. However, not everything may be edible! Commercially bought aquatic turtle food (such as Repto-Min) usually supplies all necessary vitamins and nutrients turtles need to survive. However, it is best to feed them a varied diet, consisting mostly of animal matter. Earthworms, mealworms, crickets, waxworms, grubs, small pieces of boiled chicken and steak, silkworms, small feeder fish, freeze-dried shrimp or krill, and snails are all good options. Plant matter can consist of leafy greens, lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries, banana, grapes, carrots, and squash. Feed only as much as your turtle will consume in 10 minutes. Overfeeding can lead to health problems and low water quality. |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | Supplements are not required if turtle food is fed either regularly or occasionally. |
Maintenance: | Red eared sliders need clean water just as we do to survive. Therefore, a filtration system is mandatory. Many canister and pump filters on the market are especially made for turtle enclosures. In the case of sliders, the more expensive the better. An adult turtle tank may require two filters to maintain water quality. In any case, make a full water change once a month, as well as clean the substrate. Outdoor pens may require custom made filters. Clean plants or any other accessories also once a month (I recommend using Zoo Med Wipe Out 1 and 2). |
Some Words on this Species: | Red eared sliders make great companions. Keep in mind, however, that as adults these turtles require a lot of space, water, and a high quality filtration system. Before purchasing a cute little baby, be sure that you will be able to provide the housing and maintenance in the future. Turtles do take a long time to grow to large sizes, so for some time they may seem like beginner pets; however, those tiny babies will soon need a lot of space! As with most turtles, handling should be kept to a bare minimum (though a bit of exercise outside once a week wouldn’t hurt). If you follow proper husbandry and maintenance guidelines, your turtle will keep you company for around 50 years. Good luck, and happy herping! |
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