Cumberland Slider Turtles: Water Habitat Explored

do cumberland slider turtles live in water

The Cumberland slider (Trachemys scripta troostii) is a semi-aquatic turtle species native to the Southeastern United States. They are a popular choice for pet owners due to their attractive appearance and engaging behaviour. In the wild, these turtles are found in quiet waters with muddy bottoms, such as ponds, lakes, and streams, where they can easily access basking spots.

Cumberland sliders spend a significant amount of time in the water, feeding, sleeping, and seeking safety from predators. They are named sliders for their ability to swiftly slide into the water when they sense danger while basking. Providing a suitable habitat for these turtles in captivity requires a large water body for swimming and a basking area that is easily accessible.

In addition to their time in the water, Cumberland sliders also require a well-lit, heated, and dry area to bask multiple times a day. This behaviour is crucial for their physical and mental well-being.

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Do Cumberland slider turtles need a basking area?

Cumberland slider turtles are a subspecies of pond slider turtles, which means they are semi-aquatic and need a basking area. In the wild, they bask on protrusions out of the water, sometimes in stacks or with other species. They are communal baskers and are active from April to October.

If you are keeping a Cumberland slider turtle as a pet, it is important to provide it with a basking area. The basking area should be large enough for the turtle to climb out of the water completely and dry off its shell and plastron. It should also be big enough for the turtle to stretch out and relax. The water temperature should be set at 70-75°F, and the basking area should be set to 90°F. A cooler area should be on the opposite end of the basking area of the tank.

Cumberland sliders can be kept outdoors, but additional protection from predators and the elements is necessary.

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What is the ideal water temperature for Cumberland slider turtles?

Cumberland slider turtles are semi-aquatic turtles, meaning they spend a good deal of their time in the water but also need to spend time on land to bask in the sun. As cold-blooded animals, turtles rely on external sources of heat to regulate essential body processes such as digestion, metabolism, and immune function.

The ideal water temperature for Cumberland slider turtles is between 75°F and 84°F (24°C and 29°C). The basking spot temperature should be set at 90°F (32°C). The daytime ambient air temperature in the tank should be between 75°F and 80°F (24°C and 27°C), with a basking spot between 90°F and 95°F (32°C and 35°C). At night, temperatures can drop to around 65°F (18°C), with a good daytime ambient temperature ranging from the upper 70s to lower 80s.

The water temperature for Cumberland slider turtles varies depending on their life stage. For hatchlings, the water temperature should be between 78°F and 82°F (26°C and 28°C). For juveniles, the water temperature should be between 74°F and 76°F (23°C and 24°C). Adult turtles can tolerate a wider range of water temperatures, with the water temperature ranging from 70°F to 88°F (21°C to 31°C).

It is important to note that the water temperature should be measured with a digital probe aquarium thermometer to ensure it is within a safe and healthy range. Additionally, a submersible aquarium water heater can be used to maintain the ideal water temperature if necessary.

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What do Cumberland slider turtles eat?

Cumberland slider turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and meat. In the wild, they eat algae, fish, tadpoles, crayfish, seeds, plants, aquatic vegetation, insects, worms, and mollusks. Juvenile turtles are primarily carnivorous, while adults are mostly herbivorous.

Cumberland sliders that are kept as pets can be fed a combination of commercial pelleted turtle food, mealworms, crickets, and leafy green vegetables, such as collard greens, turnip greens, and romaine. They can also be fed small fish, tadpoles, insects, or worms, which they would eat in the wild.

Baby Cumberland sliders are fed turtle pellets and small cut-up fish and worms. They are fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.

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How often should you feed Cumberland slider turtles?

Cumberland Slider Turtles are semi-aquatic turtles that are native to the Tennessee and Mississippi River drainage areas and the southeast of North America. They are a popular choice for pets due to their friendly nature and ease of care.

Feeding Schedule for Juvenile Cumberland Slider Turtles

When Cumberland Slider Turtles are less than six months old, they should be fed once every day. Their diet should consist of commercial pellets or meaty worms, crickets, or small fish. It is important to ensure that they are fed enough to satisfy their appetite without overfeeding.

Feeding Schedule for Juvenile Cumberland Slider Turtles Over Six Months Old

For juvenile turtles over six months old, the same diet should be continued, with the addition of green leafy vegetables like lettuce. However, at this age, their feeding frequency should be reduced to alternate days. Overeating should be avoided as it can lead to health issues and shell deformities.

Feeding Schedule for Adult Cumberland Slider Turtles

Once Cumberland Slider Turtles have reached adulthood, their food intake decreases compared to when they were younger. At this stage, they can be fed two to three times a week or simply enough to satisfy their appetite.

Diet Composition for Juvenile and Adult Cumberland Slider Turtles

The diet of Cumberland Slider Turtles should consist of a mix of animal and plant materials. Juvenile turtles have a more carnivorous diet, while adults are predominantly herbivorous.

Animal Proteins

Animal proteins that can be fed to Cumberland Slider Turtles include krill, shrimp, bloodworm, fish, water snails, locusts, crickets, and earthworms. It is important to avoid freeze-dried crickets and shrimp as they have low nutritional value, and seafood and feeder fish may contain parasites and other contaminants.

Vegetables

Vegetables that are suitable for Cumberland Slider Turtles include hyacinth, romaine lettuce, duckweed, elodea, dandelion leaves, shredded carrots, spinach, collard greens, and aquatic plants.

Commercially Produced Turtle Food

Commercially produced turtle food, such as pellets or food sticks, can be fed to Cumberland Slider Turtles as a convenient and nutritious option. However, it is recommended to supplement their diet with additional calcium and vitamins.

Health Considerations

It is important to monitor the shell of Cumberland Slider Turtles as an indicator of their health. Concentric rings on the shell or a thick and bumpy appearance may be a sign of overeating, especially if the diet is high in protein. Reducing protein intake can help prevent the development of a permanent pyramided shell.

General Care Tips

In addition to a proper feeding schedule and diet, it is important to provide Cumberland Slider Turtles with a suitable habitat, including a large tank with a pump, filtration system, and heating to maintain the water temperature between 75-84 degrees Fahrenheit. A basking spot with a temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit should also be provided, along with a substrate of reptile sand or fine pea gravel.

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What is the average lifespan of a Cumberland slider turtle?

The Cumberland slider turtle, also known as Troost's turtle, is a semi-aquatic turtle species indigenous to the Southeastern United States. These turtles are known for their distinctive yellow markings and their habit of sliding into deep water when alarmed. In the wild, Cumberland slider turtles have an average lifespan of around 30 years. However, they can live significantly longer—up to 50 years—when kept in captivity and provided with proper care.

Cumberland sliders are relatively long-lived animals, similar to their tortoise cousins. While they won't reach the age of 100 years, their maximum lifespan of 30 years is still quite considerable. This means that a Cumberland slider turtle can become a significant part of your life, staying with you for several decades.

It is important to note that a turtle's lifespan is heavily dependent on the care it receives. Proper living conditions, food, and veterinary care are crucial for a turtle to reach its maximum lifespan. Cumberland sliders require specific living conditions, including water temperature, housing, and diet, to thrive as pets.

In the wild, Cumberland slider turtles face various challenges and threats that can impact their lifespan. They are often victims of road accidents and frequently fall prey to predators such as raccoons, coyotes, foxes, snakes, birds, and large fish. Therefore, captive turtles that receive proper care and protection from these dangers can typically live longer than their wild counterparts.

Additionally, the size of the turtle can also influence its lifespan. Larger turtles tend to have longer lifespans than smaller ones. Male Cumberland sliders are generally smaller than females, with carapace lengths of about 7 inches compared to 10 inches for females.

In summary, the average lifespan of a Cumberland slider turtle is around 30 years in the wild, but they can live up to 50 years in captivity with proper care. These turtles are long-lived animals that can become a significant part of your life, and providing them with the necessary care and attention is essential for maximizing their lifespan.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Cumberland slider turtles are semi-aquatic and spend a good amount of time in the water. They are named "sliders" for their ability to swiftly slide into the water. They also eat and sleep underwater.

The ideal water temperature for a Cumberland slider turtle is between 70-80°F (23-26°C).

The basking area should be maintained between 85-95°F (29-35°C).

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