Finding Your Red-Eared Slider: Tips And Tricks

Red-eared slider turtles are one of the most popular pet reptiles in the world. They are native to the Southern United States and are characterised by their distinctive red stripe behind each eye. They can grow up to 12 inches in length and live for 20-30 years.

If your red-eared slider turtle has gone missing, there are a few steps you can take to try and find it. Firstly, check with your local pet stores, veterinary offices, animal control agencies, and humane societies to see if anyone has brought in a found turtle. You can also try posting ads in community publications or on Craigslist, and screening potential adopters carefully. Additionally, check with friends who have backyard ponds, as red-eared sliders are often found in these environments. If you suspect that your turtle may have been stolen, you can contact the regional FDA office, the county or city health department, or your state wildlife or game agency to lodge a consumer complaint.

It is important to act quickly if your turtle is missing, as red-eared sliders can become stressed and develop health problems if they do not have access to proper care and living conditions.

What do red-eared slider turtles eat?

Red-eared slider turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat a mixture of both animal and plant materials. Their diet should be varied, consisting of protein and plants.

Young Turtles

Young red-eared slider turtles are more carnivorous, so their diet should be predominantly animal protein. However, it is still a good idea to offer vegetation to young turtles, as they will be more likely to eat it as they get older. A good diet for young turtles is 50% protein and 50% vegetables, with daily vegetable food and turtle pellets every other day.

Adult Turtles

Adult red-eared slider turtles tend to be mostly herbivorous, so their diet should be around 25% protein and 75% vegetables, with protein food 1-2 times per week, and daily vegetable food.

What to Feed Them

Prey/Protein

• Crickets
• Waxworms
• Silkworms
• Aquatic snails
• Bloodworms
• Daphnia
• Shrimp
• Krill
• Mealworms
• Earthworms
• Tadpoles
• Feeder fish (although these may carry parasites and some are too fatty)
• Live prey is stimulating and allows turtles to exercise their hunting skills

Leafy Greens

• Collard greens
• Mustard greens
• Dandelion greens
• Kale
• Romaine lettuce (sparingly)
• Bok choy
• Iceberg lettuce should be avoided as it is not nutritious enough

Aquatic Plants

• Anacharis
• Water hyacinth
• Water lettuce
• Duckweed
• Azolla (fairy moss)
• Frog-bit

Other Vegetables

• Carrots
• Squash
• Spinach
• Green beans
• Fruits such as berries can be given as a treat, but only once a week or less

What to Avoid

• Raw meat
• Cooked meat, such as beef or chicken, should only be given occasionally and can be messy
• Iceberg lettuce, as it is not nutritious enough
• Goldfish and other fatty feeder fish, as these can cause weight gain
• Frozen fish, as freezing increases levels of an enzyme that destroys vitamin B1
• Commercial pellets should be limited to about 25% of the diet, as a varied diet of fresh food is more nutritious and stimulating

How long do red-eared slider turtles live?

Red-eared slider turtles, or red-eared terrapins, are one of the most commonly kept pet turtle species. They are native to the southern and south-central regions of the United States, but have become established in other places due to their popularity as pets. In the wild, red-eared sliders usually live for around 20 to 30 years, while those in captivity can live for over 40 years.

Several factors influence the lifespan of these turtles. Firstly, their living environment plays a crucial role in their longevity. Red-eared sliders in captivity require a carefully maintained habitat, including a suitable enclosure, proper nutrition, and specific temperature and lighting conditions. The quality of their care will impact their overall health and lifespan.

Additionally, the size of the turtle can be a factor. Captive turtles' growth is influenced by factors such as the amount of food and space available to them. A turtle with ample space and a nutritious diet can reach lengths of 12 inches or more as an adult, with females typically larger than males.

It is worth noting that red-eared sliders are considered invasive in many areas due to their release or escape into the wild. They can outcompete native species, transmit diseases, and disrupt local ecosystems. Therefore, it is essential to be committed to providing lifelong care for these turtles as pets and to never release them into the wild.

What do red-eared slider turtles look like?

Red-eared slider turtles are native to North America and are the most popular pet turtles in the United States and the world. They are also one of the most invasive turtle species globally. They are a subspecies of the common slider, or pond slider, and are known for their distinctive red markings and quick ability to "slide" into their native ponds.

Red-eared sliders are brightly marked and look similar to the painted turtle. The carapace (top shell) of the red-eared slider is higher domed than that of the western painted turtle and is weakly keeled. The shell is olive or brown with yellow and black longitudinal bands and stripes. The scutes (large, separate scales on the carapace and plastron) along the outside edge of the carapace are outlined in yellow. The plastron (bottom shell) is yellow with a dark, rounded blotch in each scute. The head, neck, legs, and tail are greenish with yellow stripes. The whole shell is covered in stripes and markings that aid in camouflaging the turtle. The red-eared slider gets its name from the small, red stripe around its ears, or where its ears would be, located just behind the eyes. The stripes may lose their colour over time and may be difficult to see in older turtles.

There is some sexual dimorphism in red-eared sliders. Males are slightly smaller than females and have longer claws on their front feet, which they use to hold onto females during mating. The males' tails are thicker and longer, and their cloacal opening occurs beyond the edge of the carapace, while the female's opening is at or under the rear edge. The male's plastron is slightly concave, while the female's is completely flat. Older males may have an excess of black pigment that obscures the yellow stripes on the shell and skin and the red stripe behind the eye. This condition is known as melanism and is associated with old males.

What is the ideal tank setup for red-eared slider turtles?

Setting up a tank for a red-eared slider turtle is one of the most important steps in owning one. The size of the tank, temperature settings, UVB lighting, basking platform, and decorations are all factors that will ensure your turtle is healthy and happy.

The size of the tank will depend on the size of the turtle. A good rule of thumb is to provide about 10 gallons of water per inch of the turtle's shell length. For hatchlings, a 20-gallon tank is the minimum size, while juveniles can be kept in a 20- to 50-gallon tank. Adults, however, will need a larger tank, with a minimum size of 40 gallons and up to 100 gallons for larger turtles. It's important to plan for the adult size of the turtle to avoid having to upgrade later.

The water in the tank should be deep enough for the turtle to swim comfortably and flip over if it ends up on its back. The depth of the water should be at least the length of the turtle's shell, with a minimum water depth of twice the length of the turtle. For example, a 4-inch turtle should have a minimum water depth of 6 to 8 inches.

Red-eared sliders also need a basking area for health reasons. In the wild, they spend a significant amount of time basking in the sun. In captivity, they need an area where they can dry off and enjoy the sun. The basking area should be completely dry and large enough for the turtle to stretch out fully. It should also be positioned at a safe distance from the basking light so that the turtle doesn't get burned. You can create a basking area by stacking smooth rocks or using wood, plastic shelves, or a "turtle dock".

The water temperature in the tank should be maintained between 74 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with the basking area significantly warmer at 85 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a submersible aquarium heater to keep the water warm, but be sure to protect it so the turtles can't bump into it. A reptile heat lamp over the basking area will also help keep your turtle warm when it gets out of the water.

In addition to the basking light, it is essential to provide a full-spectrum reptile Ultraviolet (UVA/UVB) light. Exposure to UVA/UVB is necessary for proper calcium metabolism and overall health. UVB light bulbs need to be changed every six months.

A good filtration system is also crucial to keeping the water clean. Turtles produce a lot of waste, so choose a filter rated for a tank with greater capacity than yours. For example, for a 50-gallon aquarium, the filter should be rated for a 100-gallon tank.

When it comes to decorations, it's best to keep the tank uncluttered and easy to clean. Turtles can knock things over and push things around. While plants can add a natural aesthetic, turtles will likely feed on them or uproot them. Fake plants may also be dug up, so they are best avoided. The best decorations for a red-eared slider tank are larger rocks, stones, and driftwood.

How to identify a healthy red-eared slider turtle?

Red-eared slider turtles are a long-term commitment, with a lifespan of up to 20-30 years. When choosing a healthy red-eared slider, there are several factors to consider.

Appearance

Red-eared sliders are semi-aquatic turtles with vibrant green shells that dull as they age. Their distinctive red stripes are found behind each eye, and they can grow up to 12 inches in length.

Behaviour

Red-eared sliders are social and active swimmers. They are generally friendly and can be quite sociable with their owners. However, they may bite when frightened, so it's best to respect their space.

Health

When choosing a healthy red-eared slider, look for the following signs:

• Active movement and alertness
• Clear, bright eyes with no discharge
• Healthy, hard shell with no lesions or retained scutes
• Healthy skin with no sores

What to Avoid

Avoid turtles with the following signs:

• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Abnormal breathing
• Shell abnormalities
• Aggression or excessive hiding

Frequently asked questions