What makes a red eared slider a slider?
A patch of red behind each eye gives the Red-eared Slider its common name, although some sliders may be missing this color. Some turtles may also have a small patch of red on top of their heads. The Red-eared Slider has webbed feet and strong claws.
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.
How old do red ear slider turtles get?
Looking at the size and shape of the shell is another method that is limited mainly because you need to wait until your red-eared slider turtle reaches a certain maturity. This method is not applicable to baby red-eared sliders. In general, male red-eared slider turtles reach sexual maturity at age between 2 to 5 years old.
How big of a tank do I need for a red eared slider?
First of all, you need to know how big a red-eared slider can actually get and at what pace is growing in size. A good rule of thumb when choosing the turtle tank size is to have about 10 gallons per inch of shell turtle, so for a red-eared slider that’s about 3 inches long, you should ideally put him in an at least 30-gallon turtle tank.
Are red eared sliders good pets?
Red-eared sliders can make good pets, but keeping them healthy will require time and expense. The turtle, itself, may not be expensive, but remember that properly equipping the habitat, supplying quality food, and providing veterinary care will cost money.
How often do red eared sliders have to eat?
To summarize how often to feed a red-eared slider: You can feed your turtle daily. Hatchlings can be fed protein daily. Juveniles can fed protein every other day. Adult turtles should be fed once or twice a week, less as they age. In order to figure out how often to feed your turtle, you will need to determine how old it is. Pellets should make up the bulk of its protein sources.
What do you feed a 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.
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.
In addition to its red “ear”, the face and neck are marked with yellow stripes. The smooth, dark carapace (upper shell) of the Red-eared Slider commonly is decorated with darker lines and swirls, and patches of white, yellow or red. The plastron (shell covering the belly) is yellow, and can be marked with dark blotches.
What does a red ear slider turtle look like as an adult?
During the process of growing up to an adult, the color of the turtle starts to change to olive or yellow. The fine light patterns turn darker, while some part of the shell get hues of yellow, white or even red.
When do red eared sliders come out of the nest?
After between 60 and 70 days, one of two things happen. The hatchlings may emerge from the nest and head almost immediately for the water. Or, if they hatch later in the fall, the hatchlings may stay in the nest over winter, emerging the following spring.
Can a red eared slider open its eyes?
At first, an afflicted turtle may paw at its eyes but otherwise behave normally. In time, swelling will increase and the animal will be unable to open its eyes.
Why does my red eared slider turtle have swollen eyes?
Swollen or inflamed eyes may also be associated with traumatic injuries (bite wounds, poking eye on wood), debris under the lid and ear infections (particularly common in American Box Turtles, Terrapene spp.). Further Reading Rating Turtle Filters Water Quality in Turtle Aquariums
What kind of shell does a red ear slider have?
The smooth, dark carapace (upper shell) of the Red-eared Slider commonly is decorated with darker lines and swirls, and patches of white, yellow or red. The plastron (shell covering the belly) is yellow, and can be marked with dark blotches.
Is the red eared slider native to BC?
While Red-eared Sliders are fascinating animals, and an important part of their native ecosystems, they do not belong in B.C.’s wetlands. They are an introduced species, and one that could cause problems for many beloved local critters.
