What Do Red Eared Sliders Need?

Gather a few supplies to set up a tank for your red-eared slider:

• A 20-gallon aquarium or plastic container (minimum size for a young turtle, adults may need 40 gallons or larger)
• Basking area supplies such as rocks, stones, or a plastic floating shelf.
• Heat light and ultraviolet light.
• Good quality aquarium water filter.

What do red eared turtles need?

Supplies

• Appropriately sized habitat.
• Commercial red-eared slider food.
• Treats.
• Substrate.
• Heat fixture.
• Basking bulb.
• Basking area.
• Thermometers (submersible and air)

Do red-eared sliders need to be in water all the time?

Red-eared sliders are aquatic turtles, or to be more precise semi-aquatic turtles. It means that they spend most of their lives both in the water and on the land. To answer the question above, no, they don’t need to be in the water all the time.

Do red-eared sliders need to be in pairs?

Red-eared sliders are a solitary species, but they do “socialize” during mating season. Most turtles do not venture too far from their established fresh water habitat unless searching for a mate or nest site.

What do red eared slider turtles like to play with?

Toys

• Shells – Turtles love playing with empty shells.
• Rafts – Your turtle will also love it if you put a small raft or other floating objects in their tank.
• Small kid toys – Any brightly colored kid’s toy can be a fun turtle toy, as long as there aren’t any parts that can come off easily.

Why is it illegal to have a red eared slider?

Since 1975, however, selling baby turtles that are less than 4 inches long has been illegal in the U.S., because some reptiles—red-eared sliders included—can harbor salmonella on their skin.

How long do red-eared sliders live in a tank?

Most red-eared sliders in captivity will live for about 20 years, with some making it to 30. The shorter lives in captivity are usually due to poor care and improper conditions.

Do you leave the heat lamp on at night for turtles?

Many turtle owners wonder if they need to keep the light on in their turtle’s tank at night. Luckily, the answer to that is no. Your turtle will be just fine if the light is turned off during night time hours. It is actually recommended that they are exposed to a natural amount of light and darkness each day.

Can I let my red eared slider walk around?

Yes, you should look to let your turtle walk around. This will provide them exercise, provide mental stimulation and will meet their natural inclination to explore. You can let your turtle walk around both inside and outside; so long as you prepare the area in advance and ensure it is safe.

Do turtles need to bask?

Basking is essential for the turtle’s health. It allows the turtle to completely dry out and warm up. This makes it more difficult for fungal infections to develop because fungus needs moisture to grow.

Can 2 red eared sliders live together?

Multiple Species As long as the enclosure is large enough, you can house a red-eared slider with other species who share the same housing requirements. But a red-eared slider may outcompete and outgrow the other species. If you want to house multiple species, it’s best to house them in a large outdoor environment.

What is the lifespan of a red eared slider?

Red-eared sliders can live a long life in captivity. When cared for correctly, they can easily live longer than 20 years.

What fish can live with a red eared slider?

Fish. Red ear sliders will try to eat most fish kept with them. In a large habitat, fish like koi may survive with red ear sliders, though the turtles may nip their fins. Very small, agile fish like guppies may be able to survive with turtles, though they may overpopulate the tank.

Do turtles get lonely?

Do pet turtles get lonely if they don’t have a companion? No! The fact is that turtles will be totally fine on their own. They don’t need to share a tank with another turtle to be happy and content, and you don’t need to worry about turtle loneliness!

How often should I feed my red eared slider?

How often should I feed my red-eared slider? The frequency of feeding depends on the age and size of your red-eared slider. Smaller or juvenile turtles will eat heartily every day. As they get older, adult turtles may be offered a good -sized portion of food every two or three days.