Common to the eastern United States, red-eared slider turtles are cold-blooded reptiles that, as a group, have been around more than 200 million years, according to Animal Planet's Reptile Guide of Interesting Turtle Facts. In the wild they are often seen basking for warmth on rocks or logs in freshwater ponds, lakes or marshes, but this turtle is a strong swimmer. Although they can grow to be a foot long, hatchlings are about 1-inch in diameter, says a report by Holly Nash, DVM, MS, with the Veterinary Services Department. Red-eared sliders are a popular choice for first-time turtle keepers.
- Skill level:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things you need
- Turtle
- Enclosure with cover
- Filter (optional but recommended)
- Heat Light
- UVA/UVB fluorescent light
- Basking platform
- Water
- Water dechlorinator
- Turtle food
- Soap
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1
Design a habitat that copies the turtle's natural environment. Glass aquariums are good choices. A 20-gallon tank fits a 4-inch slider while a full-grown one needs a 120-gallon enclosure. Position a basking site so it is completely above the water with easy access. Use a piece of driftwood, a flat rock or slope aquarium gravel to form a high spot. Avoid plants because the turtle is likely to eat them.
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2
Decide if you will use a water filter and pump, or not. A filter helps keep the water cleaner; generally requiring weekly water changes. Without a filter, water needs frequent changing. Water quality is crucial to your turtle's health; uneaten food and turtle waste encourage bacteria growth. Monitor the water temperature when replacing water -- it should range from 75 to 85 degrees F. Add a dechlorinating agent.
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3
Set up lights. Your turtle needs a 75-watt light (or lower) above its basking area to achieve a temperature between 85 to 90 degrees F. Maintain other areas of the aquarium at a steady 75 degrees F. A separate UVA/UVB fluorescent light kept 18 to 24 inches above the turtle helps it produce Vitamin D3. Put the light on a timer to follow a typical day-night cycle.
Habitat
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1
Figure out your turtle's diet. Young red-eared sliders are mainly carnivorous (meat eaters) while adults are omnivorous (plant eaters). Feed juvenile turtles daily. Adults can eat every other day. Turtles are messy eaters and some owners use a separate tank for eating. Commercial turtle pellets and protein sources like lean, raw beef or earthworms should each be less than 25 percent of your turtle's diet. Vegetation such as shredded carrot and apple should be half of your slider's diet.
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2
Maintain your turtle's health. Clean water and a balanced diet will prevent most illnesses. If you suspect your turtle is sick, initially increase its tank temperature by 5 to 10 degrees to boost the turtle's immune-system activity. Metabolic bone disease or soft-shell syndrome can be prevented with a good diet plus Vitamin D3 or calcium supplements.
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3
Get to know your turtle. Red-eared sliders may hide for a few days in a new environment. They will learn to come out at feeding time. Always pick up a turtle with two hands and be aware that if it feels threatened, it will struggle, scratch or even bite. Dropping a turtle can cause injury or death.
Diet, Health and Handling
Tips and warnings
- In the United States it is illegal to sell turtles with shells less than 4 inches in diameter; therefore, the care guidelines in this article assume this is the minimum size of your turtle.
- Purchase turtles from a reputable pet store.
- Good turtle care can be harder than you might think. An adult should be involved in maintaining a turtle's habitat and diet.
- According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, salmonella can be transmitted to humans from turtles. Do NOT keep turtles or clean their enclosures in food preparation areas. Disinfect areas where you clean your turtle's tank and wash your hands before and after handling your turtle to help prevent salmonella.
- Children younger than five should not handle turtles.
