It is the Red-Eared Slider is one of the most sought-after Turtles for pets all around.
Their tiny size, distinctive patterns, and gentle nature are the reasons they’re a good option. It’s nearly impossible to come across a pet that is equally attractive and inexpensive. The Red-Ears are also among the most active and fascinating turtles. They are a fantastic addition to any home that is willing to work hard.
Anyone thinking of a slider should be aware that they require a lot of attention. The slider can last for a long time and will grow much bigger than the tiny quarter-sized infant weight.
Does this turtle look like an interesting and fun pet?
Continue reading to discover the specifics of their care. This will help you determine if they are the turtle that is right for you…
Red-Eyed Slider Overview
The Red-Eared Sliders ( Trachemys scripta elegans) are an individual subspecies of the Common Slider (Trachemys scripta) which is among three North American Pond Sliders. Other subspecies of the Pond Slider include those with a the yellow bellied slider along with the Cumberland.
The most striking aspect of the turtle’s design is it’s look. Sliders are a beautiful species. Sliders are renowned for their distinctive red stripes that are visible behind each the ear. They range in shades of dark green to brown with yellowish ribbons that are all over their bodies, and also around the edges on their olive green dark shell.
This turtle is great for those who are just starting out because they are inexpensive and easy to breed and also small in dimensions.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Species
If that wasn’t enough, in 2018 Leonardo of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was officially recognized as the Red-Eared Slider. The result was that they gained more popularity with kids.
However, their popularity among unexperienced keepers has led to some to be released into the wild.
They are the most sought-after turtles in the world, for pet trading. From 1989 to 1997,, 52 million turtles were exported from in the United States. This is just exports out of the US!
A Turtle Isn’t Only For Christmas!
A number of red-eared sliders have been released from their home range in the form of abandoned pets and as part of rituals.
In the process, it is no wonder that the Red-Eared Slider has become one of the species that is most invading and is found all over the world, except Antarctica. Populations breeding have been observed in various emerging US states European nations, Asia, Australia, the Middle East in addition to Central America.
Its presence in non-native zones creates significant issues for wild turtle populations since they are easily able to outcompete native turtles and other indigenous species in the search for resources. This is why it is the case that in certain areas like Oregon it is necessary to obtain permission in order to protect one.
Based on the Global Invasive Species Database, they pose a serious danger, not only to the native turtle species but also to other wildlife species and humans too.
It’s crucial to know the level of care a Slider requires before deciding to purchase one.
As with most turtles that swim They require an aquarium that has plenty of space, décor and perches. The heat and UVB are essential therefore thermostats and fixtures are required to build an ideal habitat. It isn’t easy for novice keepers to establish and maintain an appropriate aquarium for turtles.
These tiny, gorgeous, and energetic turtles are incredibly enjoyable. But, consistent treatment is crucial to ensure their well-being.
Are Red-Eared Sliders a Good Pet?
Red-Eared Sliders can make entertaining and fascinating pets to observe. They need lots of space, and are preferred pets for skilled turtle owners. If a novice owner is able to provide enough space, they may be able to keep one. With the proper setup and appropriate care, they can be an excellent pet!
Pros
- Active during the day, and a simple diet.
- An interesting and caring persona with a lifespan that is 30+ years.
- A tiny, adorable dimensions of less twelve inches long.
Cons
- The rules and restrictions are different for each state.
- You need a tank that is large and has special lighting and heating.
- Tank requires a filtration system, as well as regular water changes.
How to Care For An Red-Eared Slider Turtle
Depending on your experience level, these turtles can be difficult to care for.
Red-Eared Sliders require plenty of space. Many survive for more than 20 years. The first time owners of turtles should conduct their research prior to purchasing this species. This species is best suited for those with familiarity with caring for and raising turtles. However, those who are well-informed can still take pleasure in the turtles.
In general, you’ll require special heat, UVB lights, decor clean water, adequate nutrition, as well as the areas for swimming and basking. That means installing and maintaining your enclosure will not be cheap but also laborious for the average user.
The amount of work needed can differ based on the overall layout the enclosure. But, with perseverance and perseverance, the majority of people are able to learn how to take care of these popular pets.
Red-Eared Slider Habitat
Semi-Aquatic Turtles or Aquatic Turtles
Semi-aquatic reptiles are found in the water, and a portion on land. Aquatic reptiles reside entirely in water except for being able to land on the shores in order to lay eggs.
Sliders are semi-aquatic turtles that inhabit fresh and brackish ecosystems of water. They spend most of their time in the water foraging for food or relaxing on logs and rocks.
They like shallow, muddy pools that have logs for relaxing in. When in the wild the turtles live in freshwater habitats with slow or still flowing water. They are often found in ponds streams, lakes or swamps. When the water gets dry and they are unable to find water, they may go on a search for more water.
It is essential to emulate the exact conditions as much as you can in the setting of their tank. They require swimming water as well as perches and logs to relax on, as well as an UVB bulb that can provide artificial light. It is essential to select the most appropriate design and materials to encourage natural behaviors and to prevent boredom.
Tank Size as well as Heating, Lighting and setting up
A red-eared Slider turtles are typically kept in acrylic or glass aquariums, but they can also be kept in stock tanks, or in outdoor ponds. If you are using a steel stock tank, you’ll require a pond liner in order to stop chemical leakage to the water.
These turtles need plenty of space to live in and swim.
An average-sized adult should have at minimum a 55-gallon tank. For each slider you add you must include at least 10 additional gallon. A turtle must have at the very least the size of two square feet. For every additional slider, you need to increase the square feet in surface space. If you have a big female, you need to increase the space required and get a 100-gallon tank.
A good general rule is that the tank needs to be five times the length of your turtle. It should also be 3 times as wide, and at least 2x tall.
Lighting and heating, are equally important for the health of your slider.
Because they are reptiles with cold blood indoor sliders require spots to relax. They’ll need an UVB lamp on the area where they are basking.
Indoor sliders require an UVB lamp above their preferred spot to bask. To avoid health problems the turtle should have the use of a tube complete-spectrum 10.0 UVB bulb. It is essential to ensure that the perches and logs are within the effective range of the lamp. This light should be in operation for 12 to 14 hours a day.
For your basking spot the best choice is something that the turtle can climb easily on without scratching itself, like cork or an even-grained rock. The basking area must be situated at the level of the water.
It is recommended to make sure to set the temperatures of the basking area at 85-95 degrees. The temperature of the ambient air towards the cooler side should be in the range of 75 and 80.
If the temperature of the room is higher than 75 degrees, the use of a UVB lamp above the basking area is enough to provide heat. If not, you can utilize the ceramic heat emitter or infrared heater with a power level that is suitable for the tank you have.
Generally, the temperature of the water is supposed to be in the range of 74 to 78 degrees Celsius.
If the temperature is lower than 75, you’ll need an under-water heater. The thermometer should be used to measure temperatures of water, and not rely solely on the heater’s settings.
Substrate in on the lower part of your tank isn’t essential, but it could help your aquarium appear more attractive. However, it makes the cleaning process more challenging, and many aquarium owners opt to not use the substrate of turtle tanks.
If you’d like to add a substrate the best choice is to use river pebbles. Be sure to ensure that they’re not too small to swallow, since they could harm the slider.
Decorate your home with less more. Your turtle should have ample space to run around and move around freely. The aquatic plants are a great option however, your turtle could consume them or even uproot them. Large pieces of driftwood or rocks can be utilized to create an lively swimming area. If you are using massive river stones, be sure that they’re not rough and don’t cause injury to your slider. It is possible to secure the rocks in your aquarium with a non-toxic sealant for your aquarium.
Last but not least, make sure to install an effective filter that can clean the aquarium. With the combination of food debris and waste from feces these tanks may become dirty quickly and cause health problems.
When purchasing your aquarium UVB lighting and fixtures as well as a heat lamp and fixture thermometers and thermostats decor, water heater and a top-quality filtration system can cost anywhere from $400 to $700. It may sound expensive but they are crucial for the health of your turtle.
How Long Will Sliders With Red Eyes Are able to last?
Red-Eared Sliders are able to live for years. Wild, the red sliders could be around 20 to 50 years. Pet turtles generally don’t last as long, however you can anticipate your pet turtle to be between 20 and 30 years provided they are treated with care.
It’s not uncommon for Sliders to become sick as a result of issues related to husbandry, such as skin ulcers, shell rot and respiratory ailments conjunctivitis, as well as metabolic bone diseases. Many reptile veterinarians treat red-eared Sliders who have diseases that could easily been avoided with the proper care.
Skin ulcers and shell rot typically result from poor maintenance of enclosures or absence of heat.
If they don’t have regular water changes and cleans the turtles, they are at an greater chance of developing smelly and rotting, sores on their bodies and the skin. Shell Rot is an infection caused by fungal or bacterial bacteria that is often visible as spots of light-colored color in the skin. This condition can also be spread to other areas of your turtle’s body. Therefore, it’s crucial to treat it immediately.
To ensure healthy water, make use of filters that can clean tanks five times as large as the one you currently use to accommodate the increase in food and fecal waste in an aquarium for turtles. Water changes that are partial and require water testing are also necessary however, they are take a long time.
Similar to other reptiles for pets Red-Ears, too, need Ultraviolet B (UVB) lighting in addition to calcium supplements for proper growth and development. If they’re outside, they’ll receive UVB sunlight however if they are housed indoors, they should install the use of a UVB lamp.
If they do not receive UVB light, they can form deformities, soft bones or soft shells.
In the end, if the Red-Eared Slider is unable to soak and attain a suitable temp, the body may suffer from digestive issues and may lose appetite. Some turtles swim unbalanced because congestion can affect their balance.
All of these health problems are easily preventable with proper food and nutrition.
What Should You Feed A Red-Eared Slider
The Red-Eared Sliders are omnivores and come with many foods.
In the wild, these tiny turtles are found spending the majority of their time eating plants, invertebrates, tadpoles and fish. Sliders possess a sharp, with a ridged mouth to cut down vegetation and utilize their well-developed vision to locate the prey.
Juvenile turtles have a predominantly carnivore diet, however adults consume algae and plant matter. This is easily replicated in captivity by adjusting the diet of your turtle as it grows older.
Make sure to give your young turtles a diet that contains 70% protein, five times a week. In order to ensure that they are eating a healthy diet, ensure that you provide them with greens to nibble on. Adults must be fed an optimum diet that contains 20% protein. This means feeding prey once every week. Greens should be served daily.
Good foods comprise:
| Leafy Greens | Vegetables | Fruits | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kale Spinach Mustard Greens Dandelion Greens Romaine lettuce Collard greens | Carrots Sweet potato Green beans Broccoli Squash | Apples Pears Berries Melon | Frozen bloodworms Mealworms Earthworms Crickets Boiled meat or poultry (chicken, beef and shrimp) Pinkie mice Shrimp Feeder fish Krill |
But, you should not feed your slider with the following:
- Meats processed or raw
- Chocolate
- Fireflies
- Avocados
- Onions
If you plan to feed your fish be sure to avoid fish that are fat, like goldfish. Always feed fresh, captive-bred, fresh fish. Fish frozen in the freezer can sometimes produce harmful levels of enzymes and wild prey could be a host for parasites.
Be careful with fruits and use them only for treats as they could cause diarrhea in reptiles.
It is important to supplement their intake with a multivitamin supplement to ensure your turtle gets an adequate diet. A multivitamin that contains calcium, as well as Vitamin D3 is a good addition to meals every two days. It is also possible to offer nutritious pellets of high-quality, but it should not be more than 25% of the food intake.
The Red-Eared Slider Turtle Facts
| Table of Facts | |
|---|---|
| Common Name (s) | A red-eared turtle with red sliders red-eared turtle, red-eared terrapin |
| Scientific Name | Trachemys scripta elegans |
| Family Name | Emydidae |
| Genus Name | Trachemys |
| Native Range | South-central United States |
| Adult Size | Between 8 and 13 inches |
| Lifespan | 20-30 years |
| Price | From $20 to $50 |
| Similar Species | Yellow-Bellied Slider Eastern Box Turtle and Three-Toed Turtle |
The Guide to Buying
Red-Eared Sliders can be found in all parts of the world. It is crucial to study your local law regarding wildlife to find out if you are able to legally buy one in your state. Their nature of invasiveness also makes finding a reliable breeder difficult.
You can buy an Slider at pet shops, breeders, big-scale retailers, as well as rescue groups. In general, breeders are the most knowledgeable about their turtles’ history. If anyone is offering to sell hatchlings that are less than four inches and you are not able to purchase from them. Selling turtles shorter than four inches long is prohibited in the U.S.
If you’re trying to find an breeder, think about adopting a Red-Eared slider from an animal rescue center or a facility that helps to remove invasives.
When you choose your turtle, you should look for indications that you are a healthy turtle. The Slider must be active and possess quick reaction when approached or prodded. If you tug on the legs of one (gently) you will get a strong reaction. If they’re approached, they will slide down towards the sea.
The shell must be soft, smooth and free of spots that are light or dark. The shell must not be damaged by scratches or other damages..
Be sure that your eyes aren’t cloudy and look over the skin and shell for any growths or sores. If your turtle appears healthy, active and clean, take it to your home!
Appearance
Sliders are stunningly designed the pond turtles. Different from any other species of pond turtles that have red-eared sliders, they sport distinct maroon-red stripe on the ear of each. This feature separates them from other species, making them very easy to recognize.
Red-Eared Sliders are olive green with brown carapaces, also known as “top shells”, that are divided into plates that are referred to as “scutes.” As they age, the shells may change color, turning almost black. The scutes that run along the edges of the shell have been marked with bright yellow. The plastron, which is also known as “bottom shell”, is bright yellow and has one dark, round small blotch that is on each belly scute. The shells of the plastron are more dome-shaped than flat-shelled turtles..
Their heads, legs and tails are a dark green color, with yellow stripes.
Certain turtles are available with albino and pastel colors but these colorings aren’t often observed in the wild.
The pastel version has similar markings as that of Red-Eared Slider but is paler in the color. The albino variety appears mostly white, with the exception in the areas of the black stripes that surround the eyes.
Size
Hatchling Red-Eared Sliders look adorable. They’re just a fraction larger than one quarter, making it more amazing to find out that an average adult measures 5 to 12 inches wide across the shell.
As they leave their eggs young hatchlings can be extremely tiny around one inch long. Females grow to approximately 10-12 inches long. males are typically at the lower end on the scale, with few exceeding eight inches in length.
Females are sexually mature at 6-8 inches in length of the carapace and between 5 and 7 years of age. Male sliders with red eyes reach sexual maturity in the range of 3-4 inches in length, and between 3 and 5 years old the age range of 3 to 5 years.
Females and males are evident by their the appearance. Males have a larger shorter tail, a thinner one, and larger fingernails on their front legs. Females have smaller nails to dig nests.
Adult Red-Eared Sliders may be sexually assaulted principally by the difference in size between the fully grown genders of male and female. The hatchlings aren’t easily sexed.
Normal Behaviour
The Red-Eared Sliders can be active turtles who are most often found at sea, foraging and taking a bath. They are normally located in large groups, and interact with each other by using vibration and touch.
While basking, turtles watch out for predators and are able to dive into the water at moment’s need. If they are in the land they could take their legs and arms to shield themselves.
The wild Sliders are fierce and competitive especially when they feed. They are competitive both in their particular species as well as with other species of turtles. If two turtles try to eat the same fooditem, they’ll use gaps, bites and push. The use of open-mouthed or gaping gestures particularly if directed at the other turtles, is an indication of aggression. But pet turtles are generally more relaxed.
As pets you can expect them to spend a lot of the day time reclining on a perch right under the heat source for their basking. If you observe that your pet is not basking it could indicate problems.
Apart from the sun, they be able to dive into the water frequently to explore. Healthy Sliders are active, curious, and curious.
Moving A Slider With Red Eyes
Red-Eared Sliders are safe to handle however, some aren’t tolerant of repeated handling.
If they are afraid, they might hide in their shells and bite you. If your turtle responds this manner, it’s recommended to avoid handling them. However, certain Sliders may be comfortable when handled.
If you are picking up your turtle, put your hands behind them, and hold the bottom and top of their shells directly parallel to their tail. As you would the meatball. If you find that your Slider is scratching your skin put them back into the enclosure. Try handling once more after your turtle is calmed down.
After handling, and before you do it, you are advised to consider your health.
Red-Eared Sliders have been found as salmonella carriers Hand-washing prior to and after a hold is important to avoid spreading the disease.
Summary
The owners love these turtles due to their activity levels that are high as well as their beautiful green, yellow and red shades. Their beautiful Redhead marks make these turtles adorable pets.
They adapt well to the lifestyle of pets. With proper maintenance, your turtle will last from between 20 and 30 years old.
Since they are common pets, they are able to be purchased. But, you must be sure to do your research and ensure you’re buying from a trusted source and abide by local laws.
Before buying, think about the time and effort required to ensure they are healthy throughout their lives. The huge acceptance of turtles has led to their becoming wild animals, placing stress on ecosystems across the globe.
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