The red eared slider turtles - general characteristics
Red eared slider turtles are very popular as pets. Unfortunately, the lack of knowledge about properly taking care of them often causes their premature death. Once the optimal conditions for their development are created, red eared slider turtles can live up to 75 years, which means that their care is a long-term commitment.
Their shell is green (darker or lighter) with black stripes and yellow spots. On both sides of the head there are two red stripes - hence their name. The skin on the head, neck, limbs and tail is green with yellow stripes. Babies are more brightly colored than the adults, but the colors get darker in time.
Do not adopt a red eared slider turtle unless you can provide it with all the right conditions: adequate food, a luminous environment and quality water, filtered properly. Also be prepared to do a lot of cleaning for your pet. Red eared slider turtles need a lot of space. They will not survive in a small environment and nor in a large aquarium, if they share it with other turtles. They need space to swim and to relax.
Important things you should know about red eared slider turtles, to ensure their proper care
• Red eared slider turtles should be treated with care. Teach your kids to respect the well-being of the pets and do not allow them to keep the turtles in their hands all the time. Red eared slider turtles may also bear salmonella, which is another reason to not allow your kids to touch them with every occasion.
• Red eared slider turtles grow up quite a lot. A baby turtle is very small and cute, but in a few years it will grow to adult size, meaning they will become quite large, around 30 cm. Keep in mind that they need a large space, suitable for both swimming and relaxation.
• Red eared slider turtles cannot live in plastic boxes. Although some sellers will try to convince you that such turtles can be kept in a box, this environment will only “assure” them an agonizing death. Turtles need very complex living conditions: sunlight, shallow water for swimming and a dry environment to relax. As the turtle grows, it will need more space.
• Red eared slider turtles are not cheap and their care involves high expenses. If you cannot afford these expenses, do not buy a turtle.
• Turtles with red temples are messy and frequent cleaning of their environment is essential.
• You need to provide them a balanced diet. Turtles with red temples are omnivorous; they must eat various types of food in order to stay healthy. While they are still young, turtles with red temples need mostly a protein based diet, which involves eating mostly meat. Veterinarians recommend that they consume only 25% commercial food that can be found in pet stores, while the rest must include vegetables, worms, crickets, silk worms, water snails etc.
Keep the above in mind before getting a red eared slider turtle, to make sure it will have a long and happy life.
