Do you have to be in the water with a red ear slider?
Red-eared sliders are aquatic turtles, or to be more precise semi-aquatic turtles. It means that they spend most of their lives both in the water and on the land. To answer the question above, no, they don’t need to be in the water all the time.
Can you keep a red ear slider turtle as a pet?
Red-eared sliders are incredible pets to keep. Assuming that you provide them the optimal living conditions, they’ll live for a very long time. Red-eared sliders need an aquatic environment. They need a tank with plenty of water and land where they can bask under the lights. A healthy red-eared slider turtle is a hardy and strong animal.
Why is my red ear slider tank too cold?
In short, if your red-eared slider is basking too much it’s either that your water temperature in the tank is too cold for him or he is feeling ill. Another cause is that your turtle might be gravid (pregnant). Maintain Suitable and Stable Water Temperature
What kind of shell does a red eared slider have?
Unlike any other pond turtle species, Red-Eared Sliders have a defining maroon-red stripe behind each ear. This feature separates them from all other species and makes them very easy to spot. Red-Eared Sliders have olive green-brown carapaces, or “top shells”, that are divided into plate-like sections called “scutes.”
What do you need to know about red ear sliders?
Finally, red-eared sliders are reptiles, so you will also need to provide them with basking lights, and possibly water heaters, to keep them warm. For many slider keepers, setting up your slider’s housing is one of the most satisfying, and creative, aspects of being a turtle owner.
How long do red ear slider turtles stay in the water?
Position the light above your turtles basking area, and keep it on for 12 to 14 hours a day. If nighttime temperatures fall below 65 °F, leave the light on at night. Use an aquarium thermometer to monitor the temperature of the water and the basking site.
Why does my red eared slider have bladder stones?
Aquatic turtles such as the red-eared slider have several unique problems. Understanding these problems will allow you to better care for your pet and minimize future health care issues. Commonly called bladder stones, these occur when minerals from the diet form crystals, which then form stones. This usually results from improper nutrition.
Can a red ear slider turtle be treated for Salmonella?
Since most turtles that carry Salmonella are not ill, they usually require no treatment. If given the opportunity, most wild red-eared sliders will attempt to hibernate, depending on the subspecies and its native locale.
