Care for Red Ear Sliders

Red ear sliders -- also called red-eared sliders or red-eared terrapins -- originally inhabited the wetlands of southern American and Mexico. Now they are one of the most common pet turtles in the world. In America, it is illegal to sell baby turtles of any species fewer than 4 inches in diameter because they carry salmonella (USDA Part 1240). Adults grow to be about 12 inches long.

  1. Housing

    • Red ear sliders need to be kept in private ponds or very large aquariums. According to Redearslider.com, the smallest the tank should be is 90 gallons. Three-quarters of the tank needs to be filled with water and one-quarter with rock to give the turtle a basking area. Red ear sliders do best in temperatures between 75 and 86 degrees F. To keep the turtles warm enough, "reptile lamps", full-spectrum ultraviolet or incandescent lights need to be used. An aquarium water heater is needed to keep the water warm. A stick-on thermometer on the outside of the tank will help monitor temperature.

    Feeding

    • Because they are incapable of making saliva, red ear sliders need to eat under water. This fouls the water quickly, so frequent water changes are needed. Dirty, foul-smelling water will soon make the turtle sick. Hatchlings and immature red ear sliders need a meat-based diet. Once mature, the adults become omnivorous. Live insects may tempt a finicky eater. Never feed them wild plants, because they may be contaminated by pesticides. Commercial turtle food is available at pet supply stores. According to Holly Nash, DVM, the turtles also like bananas, tomatoes, peaches without the pits, berries, grapes and sweet potatoes.

    Handling

    • Redearslider.com urges owners of red ear sliders to wash their hands after handling their turtles or the tank water and to never take their turtles into the kitchen. This is because even adult turtles may carry salmonella. Each turtle has its own personality, but red ear sliders are initially shy creatures that will first hiss and then bite if threatened. They can feel surprisingly slippery, so use both to carry your turtle. Make sure any pet sitter knows about these rules.