Animal Stories - People Talking About Red-eared Slider


Animal-World Information about: Red-eared Slider

   The Red Eared Slider has been a favorite household pet for many years!
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Bridgett - 2011-02-20
I just bought a baby red-eared slider yesterday at a market place from a breeder. He gave me the turtle in a small tank with some water, pebbles, and some food and very few instructions. I need all the info I can get to take care of my baby turtle. I've always wanted one. What's best to have in the tank, like what kind of vegetation?

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  • momof2RES\'s - 2011-04-06
    You are going to need a larger tank for starters. Not too big as they will grow to the size of the tank. You will need a heat lamp and a rock or dock of some sort that allows the turtle to get out of the water to heat itself under the heat lamp. You will need a good filter unit, as they can get very sick/die if their water is dirty. They live, swim, eat, drink, and use the same water as a toilet. The water in the tank should be as deep as the turtle shell is long. They like their water a little warm, so you may need to place a turtle proof heater unit in the water, which MUST be treated with a dechlorinator. They can break the glass on a regular aquarium heater as they get bigger and stronger. (I found that out the hard way) Turtle chow/live water plants and you're good to go. I have 2 that I bought when they were 1 1/2 inches; long and are both 7 inches long now.
  • nnd.bonde@rediffmail.com - 2011-05-16
    * High water quality - Even with powerful filters, frequent water changes are needed. The water should be heated and maintained at approximately 78-82 degrees F(~26-28 degrees C). Room temperature water is not sufficient and can lead to disfigurement and respiratory ailments.
    * Ultraviolet B lighting is required for indoor turtles. While an ideal habitat provides real, unfiltered sunlight, UVB lighting is a necessity in habitats without. Glass or plastic between the bulb and the basking area will prohibit natural and artificial UVB light from entering the habitat.[5] The bulb should be placed above the turtles basking area.
    * Hibernation or brumation is not possible indoors at room temperature. Twelve hours of light per day helps prevent brumation.[5]
    * Mature female turtles not kept with males can lay infertile eggs. Females can also remain fertile for several years after a mating and lay fertile eggs. Mature females must have a desirable land area in which to lay eggs. Laying eggs in water is not healthy.[5]
    * Dystocia (egg binding), the inability to lay eggs due to tank confinement with insufficient or undesirable land areas, shell deformities or nutritional imbalances, is potentially fatal.[5]
    * Groups of turtles should have sex ratios of at least two females per male to avoid mating pressure, stress and injuries from overmating.[5]
    * Red-eared sliders in captivity (indoor) should be kept in large terrariums. A 10-20 gallon (40-80 liter) tank is sufficient for hatchling red-eared sliders, although they will quickly outgrow them. Much larger tanks are required for adult turtles. A commonly-used guideline is 10 gallons (40 l) of water per 1 inch (2.5 cm) of shell (example: a turtle of 5 inches (13 cm) and a turtle of 8 inches (20 cm) together need 130 gallons (500 l) of space).
    * Red-eared sliders should not be kept in a tank with gravel or decorations that the turtle can fit in its mouth, as this can lead to bowel impaction and death. Commonly and cheaply available 20-grit sand (pool filter sand) makes an ideal substrate.
    * Basking platforms or stabilized stacks of rocks should be provided so red-eared sliders can climb out of the water and dry off completely. The ideal basking surface temperature is 85-95 F.






    Red-eared sliders enjoy large areas where they are free to swim. These turtles also require a basking area, where they can completely leave the water and enjoy the light provided for them. UVB heat lamps are usually the best option and most common among those taking proper care of their turtles. However, UVB heat lamps have not been proven to have the same quality as direct, unfiltered UV rays from the sun. Turtles are recommended to be given time outdoors on days with more sun, even if this is only possible in the spring and summer.

    For the basking area, the best choice is a dirt or sand area, if at all possible. Since these turtles like to climb, flat rocks also make good basking areas, as well as provide areas for entertainment.

    Plant life, either fake or real, also increases red-eared slider quality of life, mimicking their natural environment. The real plants can also serve as a source of food.

    Turtles enjoy fresh, clean and clear water. A good filter can help accomplish this. Also, once every two weeks, about 25% of the water should be removed and replaced with new water, and the filter cleaned. It is also strongly recommended to keep fast freshwater fish if the tank is large enough and the water has the proper pH and temperature. In a large enough tank with areas for fish to hide, it is very unlikely they will be eaten. Meanwhile, the majority of freshwater fish will feed on the leftover turtle feed, which allows for a much cleaner environment for both the turtles and the fish. They do not fare well in confined quarters, especially when overcrowded with hatchlings. They have been known to be cannibalistic. Certain species of fresh-water fish are also useful in consuming mosquito larvae, which may appear in outdoor enclosures.
  • Esther - 2011-05-18
    Whatever you do dont sqeeze it! Someone squeezed mine and it's tummy got very red.
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Destiny(: - 2011-05-17
I have 2 yellow belly turtles. They will be a year in August. I got them on my Florida trip last summer then they rode all the way back to Texas in the car with me, my mom, my three little brothers, and my step dad. I had them in a plastic thing with a tree and some pebbles. In January I got them a 20 gal. tank. They are so messy! i have to clean the tank at least every 2 weeks. Over all I have spent about $400 on them. But hey it was worth it, they are cute!(:

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  • Charlie Roche - 2011-05-18
    All you can do is enjoy them. Little critters are fun to have around and they never tell secreets. Be happy and enjoy.
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natalie - 2011-05-12
My name is Natalie, and just a little over a week ago my family and I caught a red eared slider laying its eggs (3-4 we think) in our front yard. We have several stray cats and other wild animals in our neighborhood and the nearest pond is more than a third of a mile from our house. My sister and I fear for the eggs in that something might happen to them or that the babies might not live for long when they hatch. Our mom is considering letting us keep them when they hatch (so long as we take care of them and put a home together for them), so this website is very helpful in getting prepaired for the babies to hatch. That and we didn't know what kind of turtle it was until I found this site.

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  • Charlie Roche - 2011-05-12
    Sounds like you have an awesome mom. Good for you and I hope your little turtles do great. Let us know and if you can take pictures.
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Lucy - 2010-04-01
Today my family and I went down to the park/lake/track. This runner runs up to us and holds out his hand with a 2 in slider turtle and said he found it running, if we wanted it. My boys loved it. So how could I say no? I guess we'll be heading to the pet store tomorrow. I have him in a pail, with rocks and 3 in of water. He likes to be under the rock. and I have him under my lamp. I hope he doesn't die, he's not eating the lettuce I give him.

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  • CHARLIE MUNIZ - 2010-04-10
    Feed him or her reptomin for baby or fishes, little ones from pet shop.
  • hko - 2010-05-01
    You have to give him earthworms from soil with no chemicals. We just found one, too and we have a UVB bulb and warming bulb. The uvb keeps his shell hard. He loves them. Also guppies are good. Repto-min baby pellets he also eat. Lettuce is not enough. Go to Austins Turtle website.
  • Anonymous - 2010-05-05
    You can buy turtle food at your local pet shop---even Wal-mart~~~~ Good Luck!
  • ronny doige - 2010-06-03
    Res slider turtles are omnivores but are more carnivorous while young they may eat a little lettuce but most likely meat and pellets, and as they get older they will start eating more fruits and vegetables.
  • Anonymous - 2010-06-09
    Do you still have the turtle they need to be in a tank full of water, need heat lamp and water heat so they well eat. They don't like cold water.
  • Eklavya - 2010-06-13
    No it won't, its just because of change of habitat, if it dosen't eat what you are giving it try feeding it some bugs.
  • motasm - 2010-08-06
    Well I have two a male and a female the male's name is tac and the females minmin and I have them for a year with no bulbs or nothing so if you live in a warm country like me you don't need any heat source well at winter feed them after every three days at summer daily and I use the food from the sera company so I wish this helps you and remember to always take care for them lucy so that's what I do......
  • tabitha - 2010-09-22
    If you want some help with how and or what you need for the turtle I'd be glad to help.
  • Anonymous - 2010-10-26
    You really shouldn't keep him. He could be going through shock. After all, he is a wild turtle. He's not used to being around people.
  • Annette - 2010-11-03
    The turtle food sold in the shops is a good supplement but he also needs variety in his diet. Just as we can't survive just by eating broccoli only the turtle needs more variety. I have a RES turtle that is 44 years old. I have had him since he was 2 inches. Clean water, heat source and light are really important. Diet is just as important! The Veterinarian I take him to told me canned dog food, lettuce, spinach, brine shrimp and small fruits such as bananas and strawberry pieces are all part of his diet. He has made it to 44 years old.
  • Millie - 2011-02-20
    My grandson gave me his red eared slider and the turtle is about a 3 year old female. She is a great pet. She loves sugar snap peas and crunchy lettuce. She loves meal worms. I also buy very small feeder fish for her but she eats more of those in the warmer months than colder. She actually eats a lot less in winter. She is a very curious one. She does approach me when I come up to the pond and waits for her food. She also catches bees that hang out around the water. She is about 8 inches long and 6 inches wide. I built a good size pond for her and the koi that I have. I just purchased a african side necked turtle and she seems to watch over him. She loves the pond because she has so much more room. You really have to aerate the water and use a water conditioner to remove chlorine and other things from the water. They are definitely a responsibility but one that I love. Enjoy your turtle and find out as much as you can to take care of them. They require more protein as they grow bigger.
  • josh - 2011-04-26
    My name is Josh. I have one red ear slider.
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resa - 2011-04-18
I've had my turtle for about six years now. I try to clean his tank every weekend. He is very greedy and eats a lot but he seems to be very happy. A also taking him out of his aquarium and let him walk around my yard every weekend. He loves it. He's the best turtle in the whole world. Soon, I would like to get a bigger aquarium for him as well as more plants and rocks in his aquarium.

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  • Charlie Roche - 2011-04-18
    Sounds like your turtle has a good owner. Enjoy
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Jordy - 2007-07-04
A few days ago i bought two baby red-eared sliders, they are about the size of a quarter and a fifty-cent piece. At first they didnt eat much (im asuming they were nervous), but now they eat most the food i give them. They are extremely fun to play with and they love going in the tub to swim around.

I named them rob and big lol. I love this site, and it helped me identify my turtles. Thanx for all the great information.

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  • Tyler Nick - 2011-04-10
    What do you have to feed the babies with?
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Christian Lloyd Loo - 2010-04-19
Last year,
I bought a red eared slider and fed it a lot because I didn't know it needed to eat few food because it was cold blooded and 2 weeks later it didn't eat at all so I tried to make it mad so I could feed it but it didn't eat and I used chlorinated water because I thought they could survive then it never ate at all and it started floating never going to the bottom. Then a month and a half later it died. Oh I live in the Philippines and I'm 11 years old my turtle was 2 inches long when I bought it and when it died.

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  • Dorion - 2010-04-30
    First, you feed the baby turtles krill, shrimp, mealworms, or bloodworms. You might have to cut the food for it to fit in the turtles mouth. It doesn't hurt to feed them vegetables, but give them more protein in their diet for the baby sliders. DO NOT give them chlorinated water. It is like a poison to them. Usually if you can drink it use that for the tank. Only feed the turtle 2 days a week, or small meals everyday. Make sure it gets enough UV(ultraviolet) radiation. You can buy a UV light for the tank. You will also need a basking rock for the turtle to you know bask.
  • jv - 2010-05-04
    I'm from philippines also. I have RES also, they are all female. Try to buy some RES that is very healthy.
  • Jared - 2011-04-08
    Read up how to care for it... I had RES since I was 10 and they are still healthy and alive after 16 yrs. Probably gonna out live me.
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jayvee - 2010-05-04
Hi, I'm jan jayvee from pangasinan, philippines. I have four(4) female RES. I got them from the petshops in dagupan. One is unhealthy, I don't know why. Her eyes are always closed. She is about in 1.9 inches. Hope you can say what is her disease. Thank you

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  • Laura - 2010-05-25
    Eye disease in RES turtles can be from respiratory infection or vitamin deficiency. It's important to treat, because a blind turtle will probably not eat. Can you bring her to a vet? If not, try keeping her dry, under a heating light (80-85 degrees F) separate from her tankmates. Just put her in an inch of warm water once or twice a day to eat and poop, and not having to compete with her healthier friends. You can also try putting Vit A drops on her food or even in her eyes. One of my two baby turtles had this months ago and seemed close to death, but a vet disgnosed a resp. infection, and after antibiotic shots he was fine and is now the dominant turtle in the tank!
  • James - 2010-06-13
    Hi jayvee,
    Although I can't tell you what disease she has I can tell you one of mine had the same thing. I express the word HAD very greatly. She is now very healthy and well. All I did was provide the right filter(homemade), lighting, and heat and she became well. Suggest you raise the temperature in the water and the air. In a few weeks she should be all better.
  • motasm - 2010-08-06
    I have the same thing it's from cloromine in the normal water that's why.
  • \'\'cemaj\'\' - 2010-11-12
    She might have oddorenson.
  • Michael - 2011-03-21
    You need turtle eye drop, from pet store.
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Tony Dai - 2009-11-11
I had a red eared slider for 5 years. We've been through alot. First I purchased him he was 2 inches and he was placed in a tiny plastic container with no heating source, I only put him by the window for natural sunlight. The tank only had 1 cm of water and one small rock. It was a very poor habitat and I kept him there for a few months and he survived. Then I put him in a 9 gallon aquarium with 1 cm of water and the same rock. Still no heat source. He was fed pellets and shrimp. After a few years I went on the Internet and searched information on how to take care of them, and I found out they need a very large tank, a basking area, UVB basking bulbs, very clean water and a very strong filter, and lots more. Then I realized the mistake. I quickly told my parents how to take proper care of them. I always try to tell them how to take proper care of red eared sliders but they think its unnessecary. So I still had him in a poor habitat. But the past few months I tried my hardest to give him a proper habitat by myself. Right now he's still in a 9 gallon, but he has a turtle dock, a water depth of 4 inches, and a desk lamp for basking (I put him under the window on warm days for UVB). He is currently 5 inches and although he was in a terrible habitat for such a long time, he survived and for some weird reason shows no sign of illness. Now I'm going to give him a very large tank with a large basking area, a UBV basking light, a filter and water changes. I just wish my parents could be more considerate and put more effort into taking care of pets as they are a huge commitment. I'm only 11.

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  • Allyson - 2010-07-20
    WAY TO BE Tony! I hope your slider is doing well. I too, had a poorly cared for pet as a child. It was a collie named Mikey. I felt so sad. I loved that dog so much, but I was too young to do anything about it. Unfortunately, he died before I was old enough to take care of him. I now make up for his loss by taking the best possible care of the pets that I love now. I hope he forgives me.
  • A. N RAO - 2010-08-17
    I also have 3 red eared but I am confusing about how to design a comfortable tank for them. If you have any idea on it give me details I arrange it asap "A N RAO"
  • Diana - 2010-11-22
    I think, you are trying to do the right thing, but you should try to tell your parents that you will work around the house to pay for a better tank, tell them that even that it's not important for them, it is important for you that your turtle is happy. I have one for three years now, and I just upgraded her tank, to a 75 gallon one and she is very happy. Try to buy a used one on craig list with a good filter, and you can clean it every month. Good luck
  • murray brown - 2011-03-15
    Sounds like your turtle is very lucky to have you as his/her human--good job!
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jone - 2010-12-05
I wonder how to take care of turtles properly?

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