How to care for a Red Ear Slider

One of the most commonly kept pet turtles is the Red Ear Slider. If cared for properly they can be a very rewarding pet. Here is what you should know about them before bringing one home.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Large Tank
• Filter rated for 3x the tank size
• UVB basking light & heat light
• Basking area
• Tap Water Conditioner
• Commercial Turtle Food
• Fresh Fruit and Veggies

1. 
    
   Basking Area

   Your new pet turtle will need a proper place to live. Adult red ear sliders (RES) range in size from 7 to 12 inches in length. It is recommended that you provide 1 gallon of water per inch of body length per turtle. So that means if you have one 12 inch long turtle, it will need a 120 gallon aquarium. Turtle's are messy creatures, so inevitably you will need a high powered filter. It is recommended to have a filter that is rated for 3 times your tank size. Red Ear Sliders are semi-aquatic, they need to come out of the water to dry off and bask. This helps prevent shell rot. You will need a basking platform, that allows the turtle to completely come out of the water and dry off. Above the basking area needs to be a UVB/UVA bulb. UVA exposure is crucial for normal behavior including activity, feeding and mating. UVB rays are important for your turtle's health and development. If your bulb does not produce heat as well, you will need a second bulb (it can be a standard household bulb) to produce heat. The lighting should be kept on for approximately 12 hours a day. The basking area temperature should be between 90-95 degrees.

2. 
    

   All turtles need to eat, it is important to feed a nutritionally balanced diet. Red Eared Sliders are omnivore, which means they can eat a wide variety of food. The majority of your turtles diet should consist of a commercially prepared turtle food. It is important to supplement your turtles diet with fresh vegetables and calcium.
   
   Highly recommended veggie's to feed are:
   - Dandelion leaves
   - Green Leaf lettuce
   - Red Leaf lettuce
   - Turnip greens (leaves only)

3. 
    
   Use caution while handling your pet turtle.

   Handle your turtle with care. Remember your turtle will be slippery when wet, and may also bite or scratch you. Dropping a turtle may cause severe harm or death. Always make sure you have a firm grip on the turtle. All turtles can potentially carry salmonella, it is important to always thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial soap after handling your pet.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the lights are firmly attached to the tank, a light that falls in water could leave deadly consequences!
• Do not over feed your RES. They are notorious beggars, and will continue to beg for food, even if they don't need it!
• Always wash your hands with antibacterial soap after handling your pet turtle!

[Toelken]

on 4/23/2009 That's a very good article on taking care of your pet turtle.

[Toelken]

on 4/23/2009 That's a very good article on taking care of your pet turtle.