Care for a Red Eared Slider Turtle

If you're looking to get a pet turtle, consider a red-eared slider turtle. This easily adaptable pet prefers warm habitats, but can thrive in a large tank. The red-eared slider is named for the red-line running behind its eyes and the sliding motion it makes as it slips from a rock into the water. When cared for properly, the red-eared slider can live up to 30 years! If you're interested in a lifelong friend, a red-eared slider turtle makes a wonderful pet.

Steps

Deciding if a Red-Eared Slider Turtle is for You

  1. Learn about red-eared sliders. Ask around to see if any friends have sliders. You can ask them about the advantages of having a pet turtle, as well as the challenges. If you don't know anyone with a red slider, go to the pet store and speak to employees that are familiar with the turtles. Better yet, spend a little time interacting with a red-eared slider at the store. Make sure you're aware of what goes into caring for a turtle.
  2. Consider the time commitment. The average lifespan is around 20 - 30 years, with some sliders living even longer than this. Be sure your future lifestyle can adapt to include a long term turtle companion. If you're simply getting a turtle so your child can have a pet, realize that the turtle will be your pet for a long time.
  3. Think about providing all the necessary equipment and supplies. Just like any living creature, red-eared sliders start out small but grow in size as they mature. A fully grown slider needs a tank with a usable floor space at least four times the area of the adult's hard shell, so take this into account when purchasing a young turtle.
    • If you are getting more than one turtle, be sure you have enough tanks to separate the turtles as necessary. Male red-eared sliders tend to pester the females. This can be so extreme that the females stop eating. For this reason males and females are best kept separately.
  4. Keep costs in mind. This includes such things as electricity to heat the aquarium, a thermostat to monitor water temperature, water pumps for aeration, a water filter designed to cope with turtle waste, and last but not least food. Even though the price of the turtle is low, they are not necessarily a cheap pet to keep.
    • If you're concerned about the expense of a red-eared slider, it may help to create a rough estimate of the ongoing costs before you buy the turtle. This may help you decide if you're willing to invest in the pet.
  5. Consider the risk of salmonella when handling turtles. Be aware that the turtle may harbor salmonella and not be ill itself, while still posing a risk of infection to people. The only safe way of keeping a turtle is to assume he carries salmonella and to exercise scrupulous personal hygiene before and after handling. Hand washing is essential.
    • Because of the risk of salmonella infection, you need to have a separate set of utensils for anything related to the turtle, which are kept washed and disinfected away from other household items.
  6. Think about the turtle's personality. Red-eared sliders are not naturally sociable creatures. Wild-caught turtles can be snappy and aggressive. While some captive bred animals may learn to tolerate handling, don't assume your pet turtle will be overly friendly.

Setting Up Housing for Your Turtle

  1. Purchase a tank. One guide suggests having 10 gallons of capacity per inch of turtle length, plus an additional 15 percent space for a basking area. For the first year, you can get by with a 50 gallon tank for a baby, but after that you need at least 120 gallons.[1] Save money by getting a tank large enough to begin with. Take into account:
    • Water depth: Turtles love to dive and chase food, so make sure the water is plenty deep enough to allow this.
    • Space: Turtles are territorial so make sure they have plenty of space to keep away from one another, or you may need to separate them into individual tanks.
    • Waste: Turtle waste is more solid than fish waste. This needs to be kept well diluted by providing a large volume of water, and /or the use of filter system designed for turtles.
  2. Look for a cheaper tank alternative. The ideal container is a large glass aquarium but these can be expensive. A cheaper alternative is a stock tank. A 100 gallon stock tank can be purchased relatively inexpensively. Avoid purchasing acrylic tanks, which are cheaper, but easily scratched by turtle claws.[1]
    • If you live in a warm climate and have a suitable backyard, you can dig out a pond and use a liner to provide a suitable home for a slider. While this will provide a more natural environment for your turtle, you will have less control over environmental conditions and may need to bring your turtle inside during inclement weather.
  3. Buy a filter system. The filter keep help prevent bacteria from flourishing in your slider's tank. You don't necessarily have to buy a filter system. You can change the water regularly, which is a highly labor intensive task, or use a filter system designed for turtles. There are different types of filter, depending on your current needs and budget:
    • Under-gravel filter: This needs a large surface area. It's only useful where you have one or two turtles. If it's air pump powered, it will only be useful for small turtles or hatchlings. Use a powerhead if using the filter with turtles older than hatchlings.
    • Internal canister filter: This filter sits inside the tank. The larger the better. This can be both affordable and effective. Look for one that allows for easy cleaning, such as the foam type.
    • External canister filter: This one sits outside of the tank. They tend to be expensive, but they are excellent at filtering, which reduces the number of times you need to change water. One canister filter recommended by many turtle owners is the Rena Filstar Xp3 or Xp4.
  4. Decorate the tank. Decorations can add diversity and interest to your turtle's habitat. Substrate, the material that lines the bottom of the tank, offers a way for the turtle to move between water and basking rocks with ease. River rocks provide a space for your turtle to bask. You could also make a basking spot from a plexiglass shelf glued to the side of the tank. Check that the glue is non-toxic.[1]
    • Avoid fish tank gravel as it presents a health risk––it could fatally block your turtle's intestines if swallowed. Also, carefully consider using water plants. While they can make the tank look nice and help with filtration, your turtle may be tempted to eat them. If you notice this happening, remove the plants and wash the tank.
    • Place a well-fitting screen over the top of the tank to prevent a daredevil escape and to catch anything accidentally dropped from above.
  5. Set the correct temperatures. The water should be 80 - 82 degrees Fahrenheit ( 26.5 - 27.5 Celsius) for a hatchling or a sick turtle, and 77 - 80 degrees F (25.5 - 26.5 C) for a healthy turtle over a year old. The basking (dry land) area should be 10 degrees F (6 degrees C ) warmer than the water to entice the turtle to warm up by basking. The air temperature in the tank needs to be around 75 - 82 degrees Fahrenheit (24 - 28 degrees Celsius).[2]
  6. Use the right kinds of lights. Turtles rely on UVA and UVB lights for vitamins, as well as a heat light. UV light does not travel through glass, so it is very important that you get a 5% or more UV lamp. The bulbs should be replaced about every 6 months. The heat light keeps the basking area temperature 10 degrees higher than your water temperature.[1]
    • Your turtle shouldn't be able to reach the lighting, since the bulbs can burn. Screw the lights tightly out of the way of the turtle. Also, never leave a glass or plastic tank in full sunlight as it will quickly overheat.

Obtaining Your Turtle

  1. Purchase your turtle. Never take a turtle from the wild. Not only is this cruel and unfair to the turtle, it is also illegal in most states. The kindest thing you can do is to get an adult turtle that is no longer wanted, and there are a lot of abandoned turtles that need homes.[3] Check out availability at adoption, rehoming or turtle rescue organizations. You can also try reputable breeders to get your turtle.[4]
    • Beware of pet stores that keep turtles in poor conditions. A number of turtles are ill before you buy them. Look around and take note of the turtle's behavior, as well as the conditions the turtles are kept in. The water in the tank should not smell. If it does this is a sign the turtles have not been cleaned out regularly and are more likely to become sick.
  2. Give your new turtle some space. Your turtle will probably be a little shy when you bring it home. It may take a few days before your turtle feels safe enough to venture forth from the shelter of its shell.[5] Leave it in peace to settle down and wait for it to feel more confident.
  3. Determine the sex of your turtle. You will not be able to determine the sex until a turtle is a mature adult, from 2 to 4 years old. Males will have longer nails and tails than females. Females will also be larger in general.[5]

Caring for Your Turtle Daily

  1. Feed your red-eared turtle the right food. A proper diet for red-eared turtles (and similar aquatic turtle species) should have the following proportions: vegetables and water plants 50 percent, commercial foods 25 percent, and live protein 25 percent. Red eared turtles are happy to store-bought food turtle food, as well as food you've foraged for them.
    • Good vegetable choices include: dandelions (the ones in your yard are good if you don't use pesticides), carrot tops, mustard greens, romaine lettuce, carrots, bell pepper, and squash.
    • The best greens are water plants like anacharis, water hyacinth, water lettuce, Frogbit, hornwort, and duckweed. While expensive in a pet store, these are easy to grow in a separate tank or pond, and they are cheap if you buy in bulk online.
    • Red eared turtles don't usually eat fruit in the wild, so avoid it except for an absolute treat. If giving a treat, bananas are a good choice.
    • For commercial food, look for something that has low protein and low fat. Dried shrimp are an absolute no-no! While turtles love the taste of dried shrimp, they offer no nutrients and turtles may refuse other foods for weeks.
  2. Check your turtle for signs of health problems. There are various conditions and diseases that can occur if the tank water is dirty, if the turtle's diet is poor or for other reasons. Some more common problems to watch for include:[4]
    • Eye infections: The eyes will appear closed, swollen, puffed up or discharging. You may see pieces of tissue coming off. Eye infections are caused by bacteria. The turtle should be seen by a vet and probably needs a topical antibiotic plus upgrading the tank's filtration system.
    • Soft shell: If your turtle's shell is softer than it's supposed to be, your slider may not be getting enough light from your overhead light. If this happens, the turtle's dock may be too small, the water may be too deep, or the turtle is too weak to get on the dock. If this happens, contact your vet or a pet store. It can also mean that it has metabolic bone disease.
    • Furry mouth and refusal to eat: Your turtle has a bacterial infection and should be seen by immediately by the vet for an antibiotic treatment.
    • Weak, wheezing, lethargic and holding head at an unusual angle: This may be a respiratory infection, such as pneumonia. Immediately take your turtle to the vet.
    • Wounds: Check the tank for sharp objects or a fighting mate. Remove the cause, treat the wound with povidone-iodine solution, and keep it clean. See your vet for more advice.
  3. Take your turtle outside sometimes for direct sun. You must supervise outside time, to prevent overheating. One approach is to get a kiddie pool, fill it with some water, and provide something for the turtle to bask on. Make sure to offer some shade for your turtle so it won't overheat.
  4. Spend time with your turtle. This is your pet and you'll form a bond, as with any pet, if you spend time together. Handle with care––not all turtles like being held or touched.
    • Some turtles love to have their shells gently scratched, just like a backscratch, or scratching behind a dog's ear. However, be careful, as not all of them enjoy it and may try to bite. Note that their shells have nerve endings in them and they can feel everything. Be gentle.

Tips

  • When one turtle is unhealthy, assume any other turtles may have been exposed to something contagious. Have the vet see them, as they may need to be treated too.
  • Turtles love crickets for a treat.
  • Whenever you go on a vacation, never leave your slider unattended. Leave it with someone you trust and teach him or her how to take care of a Red Eared Slider.
  • These turtles like roly polies (pillbugs).
  • It's a good idea to stick to one turtle until you are experienced. You may decide you don't want any more turtles or you may find one turtle is a handful!
  • Red-eared turtles tend to favor protein foods, which can be a trick for the beginner owner who might be lulled into feeding too much protein. Don't––it can cause shell deformation, organ harm and can shorten the turtle's lifespan. Note that juvenile turtles tend to be more carnivorous, while adult turtles turn omnivorous.
  • Some red eared owners like to feed the turtle in a separate tank. While this keeps the water clean, you do have to be present to shift the turtle when it has finished eating.
  • If you don't have a water filtration system, you'll need to change the water in a 10 gallon aquarium two to three times a week, or a 50 gallon tank needs changing once a week. It's advised to purchase a filtration system.
  • To keep the nitrates levels in your tank down, undertake 10% water changes weekly or 20% every other week.
  • In the event that you lose your slider, do not panic. Secure all other pets. Then, place a bowl filled with water and another with food in a conspicuous location. your slider may get attracted to the food. Once you have found your slider, check for any injuries. Then, clean your slider under running water. If necessary, your slider can be taken to the veterinarian's.
  • Don't hold your turtle immediately so it can acclimate to its environment. Hold it after three weeks, instead.
  • It is mentioned above that you should wait three weeks to hold a slider, but if you leave your slider without contact for so long, it won't be used to being handled. Wait one week at most, or your terrapin might bite when you first handle it.
  • The water in the tank should not smell. If it does this is a sign the turtles have not been cleaned out regularly and are more likely to become sick.

Warnings

  • Red-eared sliders should not be cared for by any child 10 years old and under, without a parent helping at all times. It is too risky for your child, as well as your turtle. Turtle claws are very sharp and might hurt the child, causing your kid to drop the turtle.
  • Lift your slider only when necessary. When lifting, place the slider onto your hand so that it won't be frightened.
  • If you have other pets, do not let them get into contact with the turtle. Turtles can carry salmonella and may spread it to other animals, as well as humans.
  • Never dump or abandon a pet. If you are having difficulties maintaining and caring for your red-eared slider turtle, talk to your local animal protection society to find your pet a new, safe home. Dumping pets is not only cruel, but it can quickly spread disease. Feral populations that have arisen from pets being released into the wild can cause significant damage to the natural ecosystem.[4]
  • Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling your turtle. Also, if you have touched door handles or other surfaces whilst handling your pet, use a spray disinfectant to sterilize these areas. Avoid touching your hair or clothes while you're handling the turtle.[1]

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Reptile Medicine and Surgery. Mader. Publisher: Saunders & Elsevier. 2nd edition.
  2. ↑ Reptile Medicine and Surgery. Mader. Publisher: Saunders & Elsevier. 2nd edition
  3. ↑ http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/res.html
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 BSAVA Manual of Exotic Pets. Meredit. BSAVA Publications. 5th edition
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=17+1797&aid=2613
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