How to Care for Red Eared Slider Turtles

Red-eared sliders are common turtles in North America. Usually mild-mannered and adaptable, red-eared sliders make great pets if taken care of properly. Turtles are reptiles, which means they are cold-blooded, so they require slightly more attention than warm-blooded pets. Red-eared sliders eat a wide array of foods that are commonly available. Red-eared sliders usually don't get any larger than 12 inches in length and do not require large amounts of space for their habitat.

Things You'll Need

  • Water heater
  • Rocks or basking platform
  • Aquarium
  • Full-spectrum heating lamp
  • Thermometer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your turtle in a large glass aquarium. For a full-grown adult, you'll need at least a 55-gallon aquarium. The aquarium needs a spot for the turtle to feed and bask, as well as a large area of water. Use rocks or a block of wood for the turtle to easily get out of the water.

    • 2

      Keep part of the aquarium filled with clean, room temperature water. The water should be deep enough for the turtle to submerge. Pet Education states that the area of water in an aquarium should be at least four times as long as the turtle and twice as wide to ensure that it has plenty of space. So, if your turtle is 4-inches long, you need a section of water that is 8 by 16 inches. The water should be roughly 80 degrees Fahrenheit. You can buy a water heater to keep it consistent.

    • 3

      Make a basking area where the red-eared slider can warm itself. You need a bright warming light that is full-spectrum so the turtle gets all its vitamins. The light should be 16 to 24 inches from the turtle. Keep the temperature in the tank at around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Use additional lamps or lights to modify the temperature.

    • 4

      Feed the red-eared slider nutritious and varying dishes to ensure its health and longevity. The bulk of its diet should consist of greens, fruits and vegetables. Supplement this with meat, protein and commercial foods. Fish, turtle and dog food provide your turtle with roughage and nutrients. You should also feed your turtle worms, raw ground beef, cooked chicken, small mice and crickets.

    • 5

      Handle your turtle carefully. Avoid poking its soft body or touching it too often. Watch out for its mouth as it may nip at you. Inspect its body on occasion for signs of injuries or wounds. Bring your turtle to a veterinarian if it quits eating or won't come out of its shell.