Buzz
If you're considering having a turtle as a pet, a red-eared slider (commonly known as the red-eared turtle) is a great option. This species is highly adaptable and enjoys warm environments, though it can also thrive in spacious aquariums. The name 'red-eared slider' comes from the red markings behind its eyes and its ability to slide off rocks into the water. With proper care, red-eared turtles can live up to 30 years! If you're looking for a long-term companion, the red-eared turtle is a fantastic choice.
Steps
Consider if owning a red-eared turtle is suitable for you
Learn about red-eared turtles. If you know someone who owns a red-eared turtle, you could ask them about the benefits and challenges of having a turtle as a pet. Alternatively, you can visit a pet store and ask the staff for advice. It's a good idea to spend time interacting with a red-eared turtle at the store to understand what you would need to do if you decide to take one home and care for it.
Consider the commitment of time. The average lifespan of a red-eared turtle is around 20 to 30 years, and some can live even longer. Therefore, make sure you are able to adjust your lifestyle in the future to remain committed to your turtle companion for such a long period. If your intention is to have a turtle as a pet for your children, you should be aware that it will be a long-term family pet.
Think about preparing all the necessary equipment for turtle care. Like other creatures, red-eared turtles are small when they are young but will grow in size as they mature. A fully grown red-eared turtle needs to live in an aquarium with a surface area at least four times the size of its shell, so keep that in mind when purchasing a baby turtle.
- If you want to keep multiple turtles, you will need separate tanks for each. Male red-eared turtles can be very aggressive towards females, sometimes even causing them to stop eating. Therefore, it's best to keep them in separate enclosures.
Calculate the costs. The expenses include things like electricity for heating the tank, a thermostat to regulate the water temperature, an air pump, a suitable water filtration system, and most importantly, food. Although the initial cost of buying a red-eared turtle is relatively low, caring for one is not inexpensive.
- If you're concerned about the cost of owning a red-eared turtle, you can make a list of estimated necessary expenses before purchasing the turtle, then decide whether to invest in it.
Be cautious of the risk of salmonella infection from handling turtles. Turtles can carry the bacteria Salmonella without being affected by it, but they can still transmit it to humans. The only way to stay safe while owning a turtle is to practice good hygiene, washing your hands thoroughly before and after handling them.
- Due to the risk of salmonella transmission, you should have a dedicated set of cleaning supplies for caring for the turtle that are regularly cleaned, disinfected, and kept separate from other household items.
Consider the personality of the turtle. Red-eared turtles are not particularly social animals. Wild turtles caught from nature can be aggressive and difficult to approach. Although some captive animals may gradually become more accustomed to human interaction, don't expect your pet turtle to become extremely friendly.
Setting up a Turtle Tank
Purchase a tank. You’ll need a tank that holds roughly 38L of water for every 2.5 cm of your turtle’s shell length, plus an extra 15% of space for basking. In the first year, a 190L tank will suffice for a baby turtle, but after that, a tank with at least 455L capacity will be necessary. You can save money by buying a tank that fits just right. When selecting a tank, consider these key factors:
- Water depth: Turtles enjoy diving and hunting, so the water level needs to be deep enough for these activities.
- Space: Turtles are territorial creatures, so the tank must be spacious enough for them to have some personal space. Otherwise, separate tanks might be required for each turtle.
- Waste: Turtle waste is firmer than fish waste. They need more water to dilute it, or you may need a filtration system designed specifically for turtles.
Opt for a budget-friendly tank. While the ideal tank for turtles is a large glass aquarium, it can be quite expensive. You can instead use a more affordable standard storage tank. A 380L storage tank is reasonably priced, but avoid plastic tanks, as they are prone to scratching from the turtle's claws.
- If you live in a warm climate with an appropriate garden, you could dig a pond and line it with tarp to house your red-eared sliders. This option allows the turtles to live in a more natural environment, but controlling environmental factors may be harder, so you might need to bring the turtles indoors during harsh weather.
Buy a water filter. A filtration system is essential for preventing bacteria growth in the turtle’s tank. While you don’t necessarily need a filter if you’re willing to change the tank’s water regularly, using one designed specifically for turtles can save you significant effort. There are various types of water filters to choose from, depending on your needs and budget:
- Undergravel filter: This filter requires a large substrate and is ideal for one or two turtles. It is suitable for baby turtles or hatchlings. For larger turtles, consider adding an external pump.
- Internal canister filter: Installed inside the tank, this filter is moderately priced and efficient. Choose one that’s easy to clean, such as those with a sponge filter.
- External canister filter: These filters are installed outside the tank. They’re more expensive but provide superior filtration, greatly reducing the frequency of water changes. Popular options among turtle owners include the Rena Filstar Xp3 or Xp4.
Decorate the tank. Decorations enrich the turtle’s living environment, making it more engaging. A substrate on the tank floor allows the turtles to easily move between the water and rocks for basking. You can add river rocks to the tank to create basking areas, or make a basking platform by attaching a flexible plastic sheet to the tank’s side. Ensure you use non-toxic adhesive.
- Avoid using gravel as a substrate, as it can be harmful to the turtle’s health––they may ingest it, causing digestive blockages. Also, be cautious about adding aquatic plants. While they help filter the water and enhance the tank's appearance, turtles may eat them. If you notice your turtle eating plants, remove them and clean the tank.
- Place a secure cover on top of the tank to prevent the turtle from escaping or eating any stray items that may fall into the tank.
Set the proper temperature. The water temperature should range from 26.5 - 27.5°C for hatchlings or sick turtles, and from 25.5 - 26.5°C for healthy turtles over a year old. The basking area (dry space) should be about 6°C warmer than the water temperature to allow the turtle to warm up. The air temperature in the tank should stay around 24 - 28°C.
Use appropriate lighting. Turtles rely on UVA and UVB light to absorb vitamins and stay warm. UV rays don’t pass through glass, so you must use a bulb that emits at least 5% UV. The bulb should be replaced every six months. The heating bulb should keep the basking area about 10°C warmer than the water temperature.
- Keep the turtle away from the bulb to prevent burns. Make sure to position the light beyond the turtle's reach, and avoid placing glass or plastic tanks directly under sunlight to prevent them from overheating quickly.
Bringing a Turtle Home
Purchase a turtle. It's not ethical to capture wild turtles to keep as pets, and in many places, it is illegal. If you still want to acquire one, you must obtain permission from the appropriate authorities. You can adopt a stray adult turtle as many are abandoned and need a new home. Contact adoption organizations, look for new owners, or consider rescuing turtles. Alternatively, you can purchase a turtle from reputable breeders.
- Be cautious with pet stores that house turtles in poor conditions. Many turtles are already sick before you even buy them. Visit the store and observe the turtles' behavior and living conditions. If the tank water smells, it indicates poor maintenance, and the turtles may be sick. Avoid buying turtles from mass breeding places, as these turtles often live in subpar conditions and lack proper veterinary care.
Give the turtle its own space. Your new turtle may be a bit shy at first. It might take a few days for the turtle to feel safe enough to come out of its shell and explore its new home. Allow the turtle time to acclimate and wait until it becomes more confident.
Determine the gender of your turtle. You won't be able to tell the sex of a turtle until it reaches maturity, typically around 2 to 4 years old. Male turtles will have longer claws and tails compared to females, while female turtles are generally larger in size.
Daily Care for Your Turtle
Feed your red-eared slider appropriately. The ideal diet for a red-eared slider (and other aquatic turtles) should consist of the following proportions: 50% vegetables and aquatic plants, 25% prepared food, and 25% live protein. Red-eared sliders enjoy both commercial turtle food and the food you prepare for them.
- Suitable vegetables include dandelions (which can be picked from your garden if pesticide-free), carrot tops, mustard greens, lettuce, carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini.
- Appropriate aquatic plants include anacharis (Brazilian waterweed), water hyacinth, lettuce, Japanese water fern, hornwort, and duckweed. These plants can be bought at pet stores for a high price, but they are easy to grow in tanks or ponds, and buying in bulk online can save money.
- In the wild, red-eared sliders typically do not consume fruit, so avoid feeding them fruit except as an occasional treat. Bananas can be used as a reward.
- For prepared foods, select options with low protein and fat content. Never feed your turtle dried shrimp. While turtles like the taste, dried shrimp lacks nutrients and might cause your turtle to reject other food for weeks.
Check for signs of health problems. Turtles can develop many health issues if the tank water is dirty, the food is of poor quality, or due to other causes. Some common health issues to look out for include:
- Eye infection: A turtle's eyes may become closed, swollen, bulging, or discharge mucus. You might notice crusty discharge from the turtle's eyes. This eye infection is caused by bacteria, and the turtle will need a veterinarian's attention, possibly requiring antibiotics, as well as an upgraded water filtration system for the tank.
- Soft shell: If the turtle's shell feels softer than usual, it's likely due to insufficient exposure to overhead light. This may occur if the basking area is too small, the water is too deep, or the turtle is too weak to climb to the basking spot. Contact a vet or pet store for advice if this happens. Sometimes, turtles may also develop metabolic bone disease.
- Mouth rot and loss of appetite: These symptoms indicate a bacterial infection, and the turtle should see a vet immediately for antibiotic treatment.
- Weakness, wheezing, lethargy, and abnormal head tilting: These signs might indicate a respiratory infection, such as pneumonia. Take your turtle to the vet as soon as possible.
- Injury: Check for sharp objects in the tank or if the turtles are fighting. Remove any hazards, clean wounds with povidone-iodine solution, and keep them clean. You may want to consult with a veterinarian for further care.
Occasionally let your turtle bask in the sun. Keep an eye on your turtle while it is outside to ensure it doesn't overheat. You can buy a small inflatable kiddie pool, fill it with water, and place something inside for the turtle to climb up and bask. Additionally, provide a shaded area to ensure the turtle doesn't get too hot.
Spend time with your turtle. Now that your turtle is your pet, just like any other animal companion, a bond will form between you both as you spend time together. However, be cautious when handling your turtle––not all of them enjoy being picked up or touched.
- Some turtles enjoy gentle scratching on their shells, similar to how you would scratch a dog's back or ears. However, be mindful that not all turtles like this, and they may bite in response. Remember, a turtle's shell contains nerve endings, so they can feel touch. Be gentle!
Advice
- If one turtle gets sick, it's possible that all the turtles in the tank have been infected. You should have a veterinarian check all of them, as they may require treatment too.
- Turtles love crickets as a treat.
- If you're going away, don't leave your turtles alone. Arrange for someone you trust to look after them and teach them how to care for red-eared sliders.
- Red-eared sliders enjoy eating woodlice.
- It's best to start by keeping just one turtle. You may find that one is enough, or it could get too busy with more than one.
- Red-eared sliders tend to favor high-protein foods, which leads many new owners to overfeed them with protein. Avoid this, as too much protein can cause shell deformities, internal organ damage, and a reduced lifespan. Baby turtles usually crave meat, while adult turtles are more omnivorous.
- Many red-eared slider owners prefer feeding them in a separate tank. This keeps the water clean, but you’ll need to move the turtles back to their regular tank once they’re done eating.
- If you don't have a water filter, change the water in a 38L tank two to three times a week, and in a 190L tank, once a week. It's still advisable to invest in a good water filtration system.
- To reduce nitrate levels in the tank, change 10% of the water weekly or 20% every two weeks.
- If a turtle escapes from the tank, don’t panic. Secure the remaining turtles, then place a bowl of water and food in an easily visible spot to attract the escaped turtle. Once you find it, check for injuries, rinse the turtle with clean water, and take it to the vet if necessary.
- Don’t immediately pick up your turtle when you first get it, as it needs to acclimate to its new environment. Wait a week before handling it.
- The water in the tank should never smell. If it does, it means you haven't been cleaning it regularly, and the turtle might get sick.
- Try not to startle your turtle. It will not only be frightened, but its shell could become soft as well.
Warnings
- Children under 10 should not be tasked with caring for a red-eared slider without adult supervision. This can be dangerous for both the child and the turtle. Turtles have sharp claws that could injure a small child, and they might drop the turtle in the process.
- Only pick up your turtle when necessary, and always cradle it in the palm of your hand to avoid frightening it.
- If you have other pets, do not let them come into contact with your turtle. Turtles may carry salmonella bacteria, which can be transmitted to other animals and humans.
- Never abandon your pet. If you find yourself unable to continue caring for your red-eared slider, contact a local animal shelter to find a safe new home for it. Abandoning a pet is not only cruel but can also spread harmful diseases. Releasing a pet into the wild could turn it into an invasive species and cause significant damage to the local ecosystem.
- Always wash your hands with soap after handling your turtle. If you touch a door handle or anything else after handling the turtle, use a disinfectant spray to sanitize those areas. Avoid touching your hair or clothing after picking up your turtle.
