How deep should a red eared slider water be?
6-8 inches
Fill the Tank With Water Red-eared sliders need an adequate amount of water in which to swim. At a minimum, the water should be about twice as deep as your turtle is long—a 4-inch turtle should have a minimum water depth of 6-8 inches.
How long does it take to adopt a red ear slider?
They are the turtle species most often turned in to rescues, and the species LEAST adopted from rescue. This leaves reptile rescues with a major problem. It can take months or years to find a suitable home for a large water turtle such as a red eared slider!
What to do with a red eared slider turtle?
You can also check alternate reptile rescue options. If you absolutely cannot keep your turtle at this time, and cannot find a qualified home, consider humane euthanasia at the office of a qualified veterinarian. Although this might seem harsh, it’s a humane alternative.
Why are red eared sliders bad for the environment?
Turtles in the wild always remain close to water unless they are searching for a new habitat or when females leave the water to lay their eggs. Owing to their popularity as pets, red-eared sliders have been released or escaped into the wild in many parts of the world. This turtle is considered one of the world’s worst invasive species.
What should I Feed my red ear slider?
You can stock your pond with feeder minnows or goldfish as one source of food, and grow various edible plants, as well as feeding commercially available turtle food. The initial labor of installing a turtle pond is well worth the end result, and may add value to your home.
How do you care for a red eared slider?
Caring for your red-eared slider requires more than just an aquarium, some water, and some mealworms. It’s important to take into account the unique diet, tank specifications, lighting requirements, and health issues associated with this breed.
What should I Feed my red eared slider?
Remember that adult red eared sliders are quite herbivorous so if your turtle seems overly hungry, try feeding more leafy greens and plant material rather than aquatic turtle pellets or prey food items. The amount of food you feed depends a bit on your individual turtle.
Do Red Eared Sliders need a basking area?
Other important requirements for basking areas inside the tanks of red-eared sliders include: Heat source – To encourage basking, the spot should be about 10 degrees warmer than the temperature of the water in the tank. A basking temperature that is too hot may increase your pet’s risk of hyperthermia .
Do Red Eared Sliders need a companion?
Well, the answer is yes! Painted turtle and red-eared sliders may live together. This is because they have a lot more similarities in terms of their lifestyle, need, want and demand. When you are about to select companions or tank mates you should make sure that both are comfortable.