How did the red eared slider get its name?
This freshwater turtle was named for the thick red stripe behind each ear. Red-Eared Sliders ( Trachemys scripta elegans) are a subspecies of the Common Slider (Trachemys scripta) which is one of three North American Pond Sliders. Some other subspecies of the pond slider include the yellow-bellied slider and the Cumberland.
What to do with a red eared slider?
Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. Caring for a red eared slider properly requires more than just a bowl with a little bit of water and a rock. Aquatic turtles, including red eared sliders, need much more in the way of housing and lighting.
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.
Is the red eared slider turtle an invasive species?
Red-Eared Slider Turtle. The Red-Eared Slider, also called the red-eared terrapin, is an American breed of turtles widely spread across the USA, and is quickly becoming an invasive species in many parts of the world. It is also the most popular breed of pet turtle in the US and is widely kept as pet around the world.
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.
Red-Eared Slider Turtle. The Red-Eared Slider, also called the red-eared terrapin, is an American breed of turtles widely spread across the USA, and is quickly becoming an invasive species in many parts of the world. It is also the most popular breed of pet turtle in the US and is widely kept as pet around the world.
What kind of shell does a red eared slider turtle have?
Other than having the general adaptations of most other types of turtles, like having hard shells or the ability to retract themselves inside their shells, the body and shell color of the red-eared sliders is brown, black and/or dull green, the color common to the waters and areas where these turtles dwell.
Is it illegal to sell red eared slider in Florida?
Now, it is illegal in Florida to sell any wild-type red-eared slider, as they interbreed with the local yellow-bellied slider population, T. s. scripta, which is another subspecies of pond sliders, and hybrids typically combine the markings of the two subspecies.
Red-Eared Sliders don’t actually have ears, well, at least not in the way we’re accustomed to! With no outer ear, these turtles rely solely on a middler inner ear structure for their auditory needs. They simply received their name due to the common red mark that sits right about where one might imagine an outer ear should be.
Is it fun to own a red eared slider?
Owning a turtle, such as a red-eared slider, can be a fun and rewarding experience. Many seasoned owners thoroughly enjoy the bond and level of interaction that they achieve with their pet turtle.
Why are red eared slider turtles bad for the environment?
Because red-eared slider turtles eat plants as well as animals, they could also have a negative impact on a range of native aquatic species, including rare frogs. Also, a significant risk exists that red-eared slider turtles can transfer diseases and parasites to native reptile species.
How is the sex of a red eared slider determined?
The sex of red-eared sliders is determined by the incubation temperature during critical phases of the embryos’ development. Only males are produced when eggs are incubated at temperatures of 22–27 °C (72–81 °F), whereas females develop at warmer temperatures. [34]
Where did the red eared slider get its name?
Red-Eared Slider. Originating in North America, the red-eared slider is named for the distinctive red streak on each side of its face. The Red-Eared Slider is primarily aquatic and will emerge from the water for basking.
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.
Substrate – Slate, rock or gravel that is too large to eat is optional; water for swimming area; some aquatic turtles require a shallow area they can rest in the water with their head sticking out. Red-eared sliders require a turtle dock area to bask out of the water; create basking areas for easy entry and exit to water.
When does a red eared slider become an adult?
The Red-Eared Slider is primarily aquatic and will emerge from the water for basking. Will reach adult size in 12 to 18 months under ideal conditions; upgrade habitat size as your turtle grows.
Can a red eared slider be a pet?
A red eared slider is a fun, unique, and interesting pet. They are one of the most popular pet turtles in the world. Baby red eared sliders are one of the cutest reptiles, it is tempting to get one as a pet. But before you do, take time to consider the care and feeding needs of these tiny turtles.
How big do baby red eared sliders get?
Baby red eared sliders are one of the cutest reptiles, it is tempting to get one as a pet. But before you do, take time to consider the care and feeding needs of these tiny turtles. Hatchlings start life no bigger than the size of a quarter!
Why does my red eared slider turtle have shell rot?
If you have more than one red-eared slider in the tank, they could be fighting, which can cause wounds and shell rot. Turtles’ fighting can cause shell damage and damage to other body parts, these cuts can turn into shell rot if ignored.
Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. Caring for a red eared slider properly requires more than just a bowl with a little bit of water and a rock. Aquatic turtles, including red eared sliders, need much more in the way of housing and lighting.
The Red-eared Slider is a freshwater terrapin that is native to the Mississippi River Basin of North America. This species gets its name from the red stripe behind its eye, and its habit of sliding off rocks or logs into the water when it is startled.
How big does a red eared slider get?
Red-eared Sliders can grow up to 20 cm (8 inches) long. Red-eared Sliders are commonly kept as pets, which is how they arrived in Bermuda. Through irresponsible pet ownership, these terrapins can now be found in every freshwater or brackish pond in Bermuda. They have even been spotted in the heavily polluted Pembroke canal.
Additionally, turtles raised in captivity can develop diseases that are unfamiliar to wild turtles. Upon release, these red-eared sliders can introduce diseases that can seriously harm native populations. Methods of control: Controlling red-eared sliders can be costly (and a pain in the ass).
Which is the best tank for a red eared slider?
Getting to select the best red-eared slider tank will help tremendously with the overall well being of your pet. Turtles, especially the aquatic ones, will spend most of their lives in the tank, so giving them enough size for them to move and swim will ensure a long and healthy life throughout its days spent with you.
They are named “sliders” because of their propensity to ‘slide’ into the water at the slightest hint of danger when out basking. The red-eared slider, or red-eared terrapin, also goes by another name in the United States; the dime-store turtle.
How big does a red ear slider need to be?
Red-eared sliders make great pets but they don’t stay teeny-tiny and they need more than just a little dish to live in. Red-eared sliders can grow up to 12 inches in length. This means a small plastic enclosure will not provide enough room for a full-grown slider.
Why are my red eared sliders turning yellow?
The former problem is the result of husbandry and marketing practices of large-scale commercial producers; the latter due to illegal release of unwanted pets. Young red-eared sliders are bright green with yellow markings and a red stripe just behind the eyes. Colors dull with age.
Is it illegal to keep red eared slider in Australia?
In Australia, it is illegal for members of the public to import, keep, trade, or release red-eared sliders, as they are regarded as an invasive species —see below. Their import has been banned by the European Union as well as specific EU member countries.
How big should a red eared slider be?
To take the right measurement for your red eared slider, you stretch a line between the front of the shell and the back, ignoring the curve of the carapace. Hatchlings are roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length and after the first year, he should be around 2-3.5” inches long.
The former problem is the result of husbandry and marketing practices of large-scale commercial producers; the latter due to illegal release of unwanted pets. Young red-eared sliders are bright green with yellow markings and a red stripe just behind the eyes. Colors dull with age.
How to take care of a red eared slider turtle?
The red-eared slider turtle can look like an easy pet to take care of, and most pet shop sellers will probably suggest you to just place the turtle into a 10-gallon aquarium with a light source, give him some pellets, and their good to go.
When does a red eared slider become sexually mature?
Males reach sexual maturity about the time their carapace (upper shell) length reaches 4 inches (10 cm), which tends to be anywhere from 2-5 years. Females become sexually mature about the time the carapace reaches 6-7 in (15-18 cm) in length, which can take up to 5-7 years.
What to do if you see a red eared slider?
Red-eared slider owners looking for an alternative to releasing their pet to a local lake, pond, or waterway should contact Sara Stahlman or Mark Lethaby for more information on options to re-home their pet. If you see a red-eared slider in Presque Isle State Park, report it!
When was red eared slider removed from Presque Isle?
In the fall of 2018 and spring 2019, Pennsylvania Sea Grant captured, removed, cataloged, and eradicated red-eared sliders at Presque Isle State Park, at locations where they had been reported. These efforts help native turtles – there are seven known native species – and other aquatic species live and thrive.
How old does a red eared slider live?
Not only can the adult red-eared slider reach twelve inches in length – it may also live to be twenty years of age, and over. It is not unusual for a red-eared slider to live to be 30, 40, even 50 years.
Red-Eared Slider Care: Habitat, Diet, Lifespan, Tank… Red-eared sliders are an extremely popular pet turtle that have become a staple in the reptile-keeping community. They have a high activity level and pretty colors, making them a great choice for a wide range of owners.
Is it illegal to have a red ear slider turtle?
We have a pet turtle – red-eared slider – She showing a few signs of illness like closing her eyes, a few gray spots under her shell, and what appears to be hiccuping. Are these things we should be co … read more Hello, About a month ago my little sister bought me a baby red ear slider. I did not know that it was illegal for them to be purchased.
Why does my red eared slider have dark spots?
The dark spots on the shell are probably shell rot. Your turtle may also have something called Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). The lack of appetite only complicates things. It may mean she/he has a respiratory or other infection in addition to the other problems. Shell rot and MBD don’t show up in a matter of days.
How much pellets should I give my Red Ear slider?
Try to limit pellets to 25% to 50% of your pet’s total intake. It’s also a good idea to freeze commercial pellets that your turtle won’t eat within the next three to four weeks. Live prey items are an ESSENTIAL source of protein, enrichment, and exercise for your pet.
