How to Take Care of a Red-Eared Slider? A Comprehensive Guide

Eared slider turtles are popular pets in the United States. These turtles are easy to keep and maintain, making them a great choice for beginners. If you’re thinking about getting one for yourself, you may wonder how you should take care of a red-eared slider.

The proper way to care for a red-eared slider is to create an aquarium filled with at least 10 gallons of water. Offer your turtle food pellets and various leafy greens every day. Be sure to increase the temperature of your tank once it gets colder.

You’ll learn tips on how to care for a red-eared slider, what conditions they need to thrive, and how to house them properly. You’ll also discover how to handle some of the most common issues that can affect this turtle. Continue reading to learn more.

How to Provide Care of a Red-Eared Slider?

Red-eared sliders (RES) are pretty low-maintenance pets—but they do need some care. The most important thing is that they need a proper enclosure. They can’t be kept in an aquarium since they’re amphibians and always need access to water.

Caring for one of these turtles requires providing the right environment, diet, and regular veterinary care.

Environment

RES turtles need a large tank or pond with a basking area where they can climb out of the water and dry off. The water should be deep enough for them to swim comfortably but not so deep that they can’t touch the bottom. A water filter is necessary to keep the water clean and healthy. The tank should also have a heat lamp or ceramic heater to maintain a consistent temperature between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Diet

These turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal material. A good diet for them includes commercial turtle pellets, fresh vegetables such as lettuce, carrots, and squash, as well as small amounts of live or frozen foods such as worms, insects, and small fish. Another thing to remember is that these turtles don’t really “hunt” for food—so you have to feed them properly.

Veterinary Care

Regular veterinary check-ups are important to ensure your turtle is healthy. This may include a fecal examination to check for parasites, a blood test to check organ function, and a physical examination to check for any signs of illness.

Additional Care

Clean the tank or pond regularly and change the water regularly. Check the water temperature and adjust it accordingly. Ensure the basking area is clean and the heat lamp is working properly. Don’t forget to give them the necessary vitamins and nutrients they can’t get from food—vitamin and mineral supplements.

What to Feed Your Red-Eared Slider?

Diet is a crucial aspect of taking care of a Red-Eared Slider (RES) turtle. Proper nutrition is essential for the turtle’s growth, health, and overall well-being. While feeding your turtle, do not feed foods that are high in protein, such as meat, as this can cause health issues.

Feeding them a varied diet that includes commercial turtle pellets, fresh vegetables, and small amounts of live or frozen foods will ensure that your turtle receives a balanced and nutritious diet.

I am sharing a guide below on what food you should offer and how you should feed them.

Types of Food

Commercial Turtle Pellets: These pellets are specifically formulated to provide a balanced diet for RES turtles. They are a convenient and easy way to provide essential nutrients to your turtle.
Fresh Vegetables: These turtles are omnivores, which means they eat both plant and animal material. Fresh vegetables such as lettuce, carrots, and squash provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Live or Frozen Foods: Foods such as worms, insects, and small fish are a good source of protein for your turtle.
Pre-Mixed Reptile Food: These are great for turtles that aren’t used to eating a variety of foods or for turtles that have specific dietary needs. These foods can be purchased at your local pet store or online.

Frequency of Feeding

Juvenile Turtles: They should be fed daily, as they are still growing and need a consistent supply of nutrition.

Adult Turtles: Adult turtles should be fed every other day or 3 times a week. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems.

Quantity of Feeding

Juvenile Turtles: Juvenile should be fed an amount equal to the size of their head.

Adult Turtles: Adult should be fed an amount equal to the size of their head, once every other day or 3 times a week.

Supplements

Calcium: Calcium is essential for the turtle’s shell growth and overall health. A calcium supplement can be added to their diet to ensure they are getting enough.

Vitamin D3: Vitamin D3 helps the turtle absorb calcium and is essential for overall health. A vitamin D3 supplement can be added to their diet to ensure they are getting enough.

How to Care for My Red-Eared Sliders During Winters?

As we said before, Red-eared Sliders are amphibians and can live in cold climates—in fact, they do best at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months.

However, since they cannot produce their own body heat like other animals, they need an insulated tank with a thick layer of bedding and a heater to keep them warm and comfortable. Also, provide them with a low-light environment to avoid stressing them out during these months.

Monitor their food intake—since they cannot bask in the sun or swim in the water to stay warm, they will stay active for shorter periods and consume less food during the winter than in other seasons.

Overall, providing a good diet and a stable environment for your Red-Eared Slider will help them stay healthy and active through the winter months.

How Long Do Red-Eared Sliders Live as Pets?

Red-eared sliders have an average life span of 10-15 years when kept as pets. In captivity, they can live up to 20 years—but it’s important to note that their lifespans in captivity are typically shorter than those in the wild.

The main reasons for this difference are diet and healthcare. In the wild, they have access to natural foods that are more balanced and have fewer chances of developing health issues.

In captivity, you must monitor their diet and ensure that they are properly cared for by a vet—ensuring that they live a healthy and happy life for as long as possible.

But as with all pets, it is essential to choose one that is healthy and has been bred to prevent genetic health issues.

How to Tell if Your Red-Eared Slider Is Sick?

The most common health problems in Red eared sliders—such as infection, parasites, and malnutrition—are usually characterized by non-specific symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, and changes in behavior.

If your slider is sick, you may also see symptoms such as inflammation around the eyes (especially if it’s infected), mucus or an unclean shell, and diarrhea. Sometimes, a sick turtle may not eat at all and become lethargic or inactive—leaving them susceptible to other diseases or infections.

If your suspect your slider turtle is sick, you should take them to the vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What Are the Common Health Problems for Red-Eared Slider Turtles?

Red-eared slider turtles are generally healthy, but they can suffer from the same health issues as other pet reptiles. Some of these issues may include, problems with their mouth or teeth, parasites, and bacterial or viral infections.

But overall, these turtles are pretty hardy and have a low chance of having any major health issues as long as they are properly cared for by their owners. Like all reptiles, they need regular check-ups with a veterinarian to ensure they’re in good health.

The reasons and symptoms of these diseases are given below:

Respiratory Infections

These infections can be caused by poor water quality, high humidity, or a lack of basking area. Symptoms include nasal discharge, open-mouthed breathing, and lethargy.

Shell Infections

These infections caused by poor water quality, improper diet, or injury. Symptoms include a soft or discolored shell, foul odor, and bleeding.

Parasites

Turtles can be infected with various parasites such as flagellates, ciliates, and nematodes. Symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy.

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

A diet lacking essential vitamins and minerals can lead to shell deformities, bone disorders, and metabolic bone disease.

Obesity

Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can cause health problems such as shell problems, heart disease, and liver disease.

Do Red-Eared Sliders Prefer Land or Water?

Red-eared sliders are primarily aquatic creatures but enjoy time on land. They may bask in the sun for a few hours, but they’ll typically spend most of the day swimming around in their tank.

They have strong front legs and can “walk” around on land. But they won’t exactly run or move quickly.

If you provide a land area for your slider, it should be shallow enough that they can still swim in and deep enough that they can still move around on land without getting stuck. Besides, you should provide hiding spots in the water and on land, such as a hide or plant that they can hide under if they feel threatened.

And if your slider is an adult, they may also enjoy some aquatic vegetation (such as water lettuce) to snack on.

How to Create the Perfect Habitat for Your Red-Eared Slider?

Creating the perfect habitat for your red-eared slider—including the right tank size and substrate, proper UVB lighting, and the right temperature will help your pet thrive.

Our badass amphibian friend can grow up to 12 inches in length, and they need an aquarium that’s at least 20 gallons in size—larger is better. A substrate that provides some traction for the little guy to walk on—like smooth-coated aquarium gravel—will help him move around better.

UVB light will also ensure he gets the proper amount of UVB for proper growth and health. A proper temperature—between 75 and 80 degrees—will keep him cozy and comfortable. Proper care and a stable environment will help prevent any health problems from arising.

What Should I Do If My Red-Eared Slider Needs to Be Out of Water for an Extended Period of Time?

If your red-eared slider needs to be out of water for an extended period of time, it is important to follow a comprehensive guide to maintaining red-eared slider’s health. First, ensure a spacious and safe environment with proper temperature and humidity levels. Offer regular access to water for swimming and provide a basking area for them to dry off. Ensure a nutrient-rich diet and monitor their overall well-being. Consulting a veterinarian is advisable for any concerns or questions.

Conclusion

Taking care of a red-eared slider can be a rewarding experience. These turtles are active and interactive, providing plenty of entertainment and companionship.

Beginner reptile owners should be sure to research and think carefully before caring for a slider, as these turtles require a certain level of commitment. With proper care and habitat that meets their needs, these fascinating creatures can make an excellent addition to any home.

If you keep these things in mind, you shouldn’t have any issues with your turtle, but if you do, you should be able to identify and treat the problem. If you found this article helpful, share it with others and leave a comment. Thanks for reading!