The red eared slider is invasive not only in the united states but also in many other parts of the world, including japan. List of vegetables and aquatic plants to feed to your turtles turnip greens kale water lettuce water lilly carrot romain red green leaf lettuce. Red eared slider diet red eared sliders are omnivores. In the wild, they feed on aquatic vegetation, small fish and decaying material such as dead fish and frogs, etc. There are many reasons to keep a redeared slider as a pet. If youre interested in a lifelong friend, a red eared slider turtle makes a wonderful pet. Their top shell carapace and skin are olive to brown in color with yellow stripes. The red eared slider trachemys scripta elegans has been the most popular turtle in the pet trade with more than 52 million individuals exported from the united states to foreign markets between 1989 and 1997. The lifespan of a red eared slider can exceed 20 years, and its shell can reach lengths of nearly 10 inches, or the size of a large dinner plate. The ideal water temperature for sliders to feed in is somewhere in the upper 70s 2426 degrees celsius. After introduction to a new habitat, the redeared slider can grow quickly and. Red eared slider turtle care red eared sliders are semiaquatic turtles that are very commonly kept as pets. Jul 02, 2007 either way, they can be taken care of like a red eared slider.
If you were a kid in the 1960s or early 1970s, you probably had a red eared slider as a pet or at least one of your friends did. Their bottom shell plastron is usually yellow, although sometimes brownish. The main predator of the red eared slider is the human. Red eared sliders are native to the eastern and central united states river valleys. Unfortunately, lack of understanding what they require means that many red eared sliders have died from improper care. If youre looking to get a pet turtle, consider a redeared slider turtle. Any good pet store will a red eared slider turtles care sheet kiosk, along with care sheets for other reptiles, near its reptile area. No amount of knowledge or preparation will prevent every illness or situation.
Jan 06, 2020 the red eared slider is named for the red line running behind its eyes and the sliding motion it makes as it slips from a rock into the water. We are dedicated to providing the best available information to keepers of red eared sliders res and similar turtles. They are strong swimmers but also like to spend most of the day basking in the sun. Pet turtles are either aquatic water turtles, like the red eared slider, or terrestrial land turtles, like box turtles. Care sheets for red eared sliders will do you just fine.
Trachemys scripta elegans in koi pond at hakone gardens. Although pretty and personable as pets, red eared sliders occupy a niche of dark history in herpetoculture, first as transmitters of salmonella bacteria to small children, second as an invasive species that have disturbed. Caring for your red eared slider requires more than just an aquarium, some water, and some mealworms. Red eared slider adults have a dark brown to olive colored carapace top shell, with a yellow, patterned plastron belly shell. When cared for properly, the red eared slider can live up to 30 years. Numerous studies provide evidence that redeared slider turtles can outcompete native turtles for food and nesting and basking sites. I am the proud owner of a happy, healthy red eared slider that is the greatest joy of my life. This easily adaptable pet prefers warm habitats, but can thrive in a large tank. Courtship occurs in the spring and fall and is described as highly stereotyped. The information here is to help you get started in the world of aquatic turtle. She has laid eggs in the past but hasnt in two years. They typically have prominent red or maroon stripes along the side of the head, to the side of each eye. The red eared slider is the most popular pet turtle in the world.
We offer a lively moderated forum where long time turtle keepers can help newcomers, and turtle keepers at all levels can share experiences and opinions. The red eared slider problems that arise during breeding can easily be solved by learning about them and being diligent. Explanation in the video plus what you need to know about res turtles. Most red eared sliders will try to eat substrate if it can fit in their mouth. Originating in north america, the redeared slider is named for the distinctive red streak on each side of its face. It gets its name from the broad red stripes present behind each eye. On this page i will show you some res morphs sorry if i forget one. Their nests are built along the banks above water or at a considerable distance from water. With the right setup, red eared sliders can be pretty easy to take care of. Turtle care redeared slider quick facts redeared sliders are native to the mississippi valley area of the usa.
Feral female redeared slider with green algae on carapace shell. Hi i just bought a red eared slider a month ago, and also a turtle starter aquarium 20 gal. This short article documents the arrival and spread of two species of. Redeared slider care sheet by vin ma red eared sliders come by their common name for two reasons. The ban was a result of salmonella infections linked to pet turtles. He takes good care of his turtle and this book helped him learn not only about them, but also how to care for them. Redeared sliders are ectothermic freshwater aquatic reptiles that spend their time foraging in densely vegetated ponds or basking on. Additionally, if you observe a red eared slider in the wild, please submit your sighting to ontario turtle tally so that their frequency can be documented and monitored.
In the us, sale of red eared sliders under 4 inches in length is banned. Juveniles require a higher proportion of animal protein, while adults consume more plant matter. Despite the vast worldwide occurrence of the sliders little is known of their impact on indigenous ecosystems, clearly research and. In order to properly maintain a red eared slider, you must do work. This care sheet will have instructions for feeding your turtle, making sure that it has water of the appropriate temperature and quality, and that it has the appropriate lighting, substrate, and tank temperature. Thats red eared slider turtles if ya dont already kno.
The biology of captive terrapins is the same as in the wild, so their care should reflect. As with all pets, they come with their own set of care needs. The red eared slider was irst introduced to japan as a. They are diurnal so they do need uv lights etc to help them process calcium. Pdf redeared slider trachemys scripta elegans management. Redeared sliders or redeared terrapins are one of the most commonly kept pet turtle species.
The information on this red eared slider care sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. Basic aquatic turtle care sheet basic aquatic turtle care sheet slider, cooter, redbelly, painted, map, and chicken turtles by katrina smith do you have a red eared slider or other aquatic turtle, or are you thinking of getting one. Here we discuss the care of one particularly popular, amusing, and intriguing breed. I just adopted a red eared slider because the owners werent taking good care of her. Redeared sliders, especially juveniles, can be difficult to sex. Files122salmonellosis%20in%20reptiles%20in%20australia%205%20feb. The red eared slider is primarily aquatic and will emerge from the water for basking. Care of red eared slider this turtle species is from north america and are one of the most common aquatic turtle species sold as pets.
Males have longer foreclaws, a longer tail length, a longer distance from the body to the vent opening and a tail that is thicker at the base. A friend gave me a 25 gallon tank so i moved her there about an hour ago, but i feel. It is the most popular pet turtle in the united states and is also popular as a. How to care for a red eared slider turtle with pictures. The redeared slider is a hardy freshwater turtle that is popular as an aquarium pet in the united states. Native and invasive range united states distribution. A fullgrown red eared slider can reach 12 inches in length measured as the carapace, or top shell, length. Turtles can grow to be over 30 cm long and live for over 50 years. For longterm care of healthy adults, feed more plant material to control calorie intake. List of vegetables and aquatic plants to feed to your turtles turnip greens kale water lettuce water lilly carrot romainredgreen leaf lettuce. The redeared slider is a mediumsized turtle with olive to brown. The attractively patterned red eared slider is the most extensively bred and distributed pet turtle species. I own a red eared slider your book showed me just how much i did not know. Ive never seen this happen before so im really worried.
The redeared terrapin or slider, trachemys scripta elegans wied is. Pay attention when your sliders are breeding and keep a watchful eye on your femaleshe needs all the help she can get. Mar 31, 2012 after feeding, i picked her up to put her back in the tank and notice that a black blob was sticking out of her cloaca. The redeared slider is a hardy freshwater turtle that is popular as an aquarium pet in. Its popularity in the pet trade has helped account for its numerous introductions worldwide. I thought i was taking proper care of him, but once i read red eared slider secrets, i realized that i was making a number of mistakes. Invasive species fact sheet redeared slider, trachemys. Many keepers believe that the turtles curious nature is a sign of intelligence, and pets eagerness to get an approaching keepers attention in hopes of receiving a treat proves a petowner relationship.
Ask an associate about petcos selection of books on redeared sliders and the variety of petco brand products available for the care and happiness of your. Jul 10, 2019 red eared slider turtles can make fantastic pets and live for a very long time under the proper care and indoor tank conditions. My son wanted a red eared slider for his birthday so i got this book for him to read. Will reach adult size in 12 to 18 months under ideal conditions. Redeared slider turtles are considered a significant threat to native turtle species they mature more quickly, grow larger, produce more offspring and are more aggressive. Once housed properly they are quite easy to care for, and with the proper care these turtles can live 75 years or more, so turtle ow nership is not a commitment to be taken lightly. The redeared slider is primarily aquatic and will emerge from the water for basking. Turtles can be fun but you need to take good care of them to keep. Red eared slider photo by anna ewing, cdfw red eared slider, trachemys scripta elegans general description.
Tiny turtles stage a comeback health pet health nbc news. Still, it is important to remember that this breed has some specific diet and tank requirements that must be met in order for it to thrive. The redeared terrapin or slider, trachemys scripta elegans wied is native to. They gave us this pathetic little aquarium, probably about 10 gallons, so i was keeping her in the bathtub. It is important to understand how to care for your turtle properly. It is important that you vary your redeared sliders diet, feeding it a mix of vegetables, insects, meat, fish, and.
The following tips will help you keep your red eared slider safe and healthy. They can be hilarious to watch and make very lowmaintenance pets. Sliders have a strong, sturdy and jagged beak that they use to eat plant matter and smaller aquatic animals. Care sheet on red eared turtle red eared slider ultimate. These means they eat both plants and animal protein. Red eared slider secrets the red eared slider secret manual. Female red eared sliders are typically larger than males. Please, if you cannot take care of a turtle, or have parentsguardians unwilling to let you take a sick turtle to get proper medical care, then you really should rethink turtle keeping. Red eared slider care sheet by vin ma red eared sliders come by their common name for two reasons. They are hardy turtles that do will in an artificial environment.
The redeared slider trachemys scripta elegans, also known as the redeared terrapin. They also need clean water, so expect to change their water and clean their filters roughly once a week. He read it and wanted a red eared slider even more. Two examples of the sundeck turtle trap designed to capture pond turtles17. Redeared sliders are hearty omnivores, but they have to be nice and warm in order to feed. Pdf this plan outlines actions required for the management of pest redeared. With an ecosystem similar to that of the paciic northwest, japan deals with many of the same invasive plant and animal species. Originating in north america, the red eared slider is named for the distinctive red streak on each side of its face. Pet red eared sliders will feed on just about anything you give them, but i recommend feeding them a commercial turtle food or pellet to benefit proper growth and health.
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