Comprehensive Care Guide for Red-Eared Slider Turtles

About Red-Eared Sliders

Red-eared slider turtles, known scientifically as Trachemys scripta elegans, are among the most popular pet reptiles worldwide. They are named for the distinctive red stripe behind each eye.

These semi-aquatic turtles originate from the Southern United States and have vibrant green shells. They can grow up to 12 inches long. Known for their adaptability, they thrive in various aquatic environments, such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams.

Red-eared sliders are omnivores, consuming both plants and small aquatic animals. Their appealing appearance and relatively easy care make them popular pets among reptile enthusiasts.

Choosing a Healthy Red-Eared Slider

Selecting a healthy turtle as a pet requires careful observation and consideration. Before you bring home a red-eared slider, learn where to get one, whether it is from a pet store or a rescue, and how to tell if your turtle of choice is healthy.

How to identify a healthy red-eared slider:

1. Examine the turtle's shell for any signs of damage, such as cracks or soft spots, which may indicate poor health or inadequate care.
2. Ensure that the eyes are clear, bright, and free from discharge.
3. Active movement and alertness are positive signs of vitality.
4. Check for any signs of respiratory issues, like wheezing or nasal discharge.
5. A healthy slider should have a firm, well-rounded body without any visible injuries or abnormalities.
6. Consult with a reputable breeder or veterinarian to confirm the turtle's health status before bringing it home.

Housing Your Red-Eared Slider

Small aquariums are good for young turtles, but as red-eared sliders mature, they require a tank that can hold well over 100 gallons of water. Creative turtle owners use all sorts of novel housing ideas to meet the roomy requirements of their red-eared sliders, such as pre-formed plastic pond liners to make homes more like indoor ponds.

If you have an outdoor pond and a securely fenced yard to keep your turtle in and predators out, you might consider putting your turtle outdoors for at least part of the year.

Water quality must be maintained no matter where you house your turtle, and both supplemental heat and UVB lighting should be provided. Setting all of this up is the hardest part, but once your tank or pond is established, the maintenance isn't all that bad.

Feeding Your Red-Eared Slider

Although red-eared sliders' tastes tend to change as they mature (shifting to a more herbivorous diet as they get older), turtles of all ages should be offered a wide variety of both animal and plant-based items. Commercial turtle pellets can make up a good base for the diet, but they should be supplemented with a variety of fresh food items.

Feeding your turtle outside of its home is a bit more work for you at feeding time, but it will make it easier to keep the tank clean and the overall water quality good in the long run (which is best for your turtle to avoid ear infections, shell problems, etc.).

Also, avoid overfeeding your turtle to prevent obesity and excessive waste matter.

Red-Eared Slider Behavior

Whether it is making sure red-eared sliders are free to perform natural behaviors that are necessary for their well-being or just trying to figure out what your turtle is doing, understanding normal red-eared slider behavior can help you provide optimal care for your turtle.

Common red-eared slider behaviors include:

• Basking: They often spend time basking under a heat lamp or in sunlight to regulate their body temperature and dry off.
• Swimming: Being semi-aquatic, they spend a considerable amount of time swimming in their aquatic habitat.
• Hiding: Sometimes they retreat into hiding spots, such as underwater caves or vegetation, especially when they feel stressed or threatened.
• Feeding: Red-eared sliders are active feeders and will eagerly consume a variety of foods, displaying excitement during feeding times.
• Burying: They may engage in burying behavior, particularly females, who may bury their eggs in suitable nesting sites.
• Vocalizations: While not as vocal as some animals, they may make noises like hissing or low grunting sounds, especially when feeling threatened or during mating behaviors.
• Territoriality: Male red-eared sliders may exhibit territorial behavior, especially during breeding season, which can include aggression towards other turtles or even objects in their environment.
• Claw fluttering: A common behavior in male turtles during mating seasons and is also known as scraping or flailing. It involves the male turtle extending and rapidly vibrating his front claws against the female's shell or nearby objects in the water. 
  

Red-Eared Slider Health

Improper environmental conditions and diet are among the most common culprits when it comes to health problems in red-eared sliders. Diseases such as metabolic bone disease (MBD) and vitamin A deficiency are seen in many kinds of reptiles including red-eared sliders.

Some behaviors may become concerning, and red-eared slider owners should take note of them if their pets display them.

• Lethargy: Unusual or prolonged periods of inactivity or reluctance to move may indicate underlying health issues such as infections or metabolic disorders.
• Loss of Appetite: A sudden decrease in appetite or refusal to eat can be a sign of illness, stress, or improper environmental conditions.
• Abnormal Breathing: Wheezing, gasping, or labored breathing may signal respiratory infections or other respiratory problems, requiring prompt veterinary attention.
• Shell Abnormalities: Any changes in the appearance or texture of the shell, such as soft spots, discoloration, or shell rot, should be monitored closely as they could indicate infections or nutritional deficiencies.
• Aggression or Excessive Hiding: Aggressive behavior towards tank mates or excessive hiding may indicate stress, overcrowding, or territorial issues, necessitating adjustments to the tank setup or social dynamics.
  

If any of these concerning behaviors are observed, schedule a veterinary evaluation to ensure the health and well-being of the red-eared slider pet.

Sexing Red-Eared Sliders and Reproduction

Red-eared sliders are not easy to sex until they reach sexual maturity. Adult male turtles have a long tail and long front claws, while adult female turtles have short front claws and short tails.

Some people don't find out they have a female until she starts laying eggs (females will lay infertile eggs without a male present). Casual breeding of ​red-eared sliders isn't recommended, but it is important to provide a nesting area for egg-laying females.

Although they will drop them in the water, this is not a red-eared slider's preferred way to lay eggs. Some females retain their eggs rather than dropping them in water if they do not have a nest and will become egg bound which can lead to serious health problems.

Red-Eared Sliders and Salmonella

Every so often, you will hear from the media about the risks of salmonella from pet turtles (and sometimes the warnings sound scary). However, the risks of salmonella from pet turtles is nothing new and can be managed quite easily.

Many kinds of pets (including all reptiles, amphibians, hedgehogs, and more) carry salmonella, and most people should have little reason to worry about contracting the bacteria. Simple hand washing is all it takes to drastically reduce your risk of getting infected.