How to Care for Baby Red Ear Sliders

Red-eared sliders, a subspecies of the common slider (Trachemys scripta), are easily recognized by their red ear patch. They are the most popular pet turtle, but are not an easy species to properly care for. Small babies that require little space grow into large adults (some over 12 inches long) needing a full-size pond to live in. An improper diet or lack of full-spectrum lighting (sunlight) results in a condition known as metabolic bone disease (MBD), causing poor bone and shell development as they grow.

Things You'll Need

  • Tank
  • 2 filters
  • Heater
  • Basking platform
  • UV light
  • Heat lamp
  • Turtle food
  • Reptile vitamin supplement
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use at least a 30-gallon tank for no more than three baby sliders. Calculate a tank size that is at least 10 gallons in size for each baby slider.

    • 2

      Use an under-gravel filter and a filter that hangs on the side of the tank. These turtles are messy and need exceptionally clean water.

    • 3

      Set up a basking area for the babies with a heat lamp above the basking spot. Keep the temperature in this area 85 to 95 degrees F during the day. Turn the heat lamp off at night. Basking platforms are sold at any pet retailer that sells reptile supplies.

    • 4

      Heat the water to a temperature of 78 to 80 degrees F using a standard aquarium heater. Put a heater guard (also available at reptile or aquarium supply stores) on the heater to keep the turtles from breaking it.

    • 5

      Use a full-spectrum light above the tank during the day. UV light is needed to properly process vitamin D and calcium.

    • 6

      Feed the turtles a varied diet that is high in protein. Baby sliders are mostly carnivorous. Their diet can include trout chow, soaked dog food, koi pellets, insects, snails, fish and vegetables. Feed turtles under the age of six months daily and remove uneaten food at the end of the day. Feed babies over the age of six months every other day. Sprinkle a reptile vitamin on their food three times a week.

    • 7

      Partially change the water weekly. Remove and replace 25 to 50 percent of the water as needed.

    • 8

      Move the turtles to an appropriate adult setup once they are about 6 inches or longer. A single adult slider needs a tank that is at least 75 to 90 gallons, but a pond is preferred.