How Often to Feed Red-Eared Slider? Learn With Feeding Schedule
Owning a red-eared slider (RES) turtle is a rewarding experience, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. One of the most important aspects of responsible pet ownership is knowing how to properly feed your pet. Regarding RES turtles, the frequency of feeding is especially important to understand.
Red-eared slider turtles should be fed every 1-2 days, provided they are young and growing rapidly, or if they are adult turtles, every other day. It is important not to overfeed as this can lead to health problems. It is important that they don’t overeat, as they will continue to digest food after they stop eating.
All turtles have different dietary requirements. You will need to learn what the optimal diet for red-eared sliders is. Underfeeding or overfeeding can lead to nutritional deficiencies or obesity, which can have serious consequences on your turtle’s health.
Feeding Schedule for Red-Eared Slider Turtles
Most pet owners feed their red-eared slider turtles pellets—which provide all the nutrients they need, along with a variety of vegetables and fruits. A well-rounded diet for a slider turtle should include both commercial turtle food pellets and a variety of fresh vegetables and live or frozen protein sources.
For young and rapidly growing turtles, it is recommended to feed them every 1-2 days. Adult turtles should be fed every other day. It is important to avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to health problems such as obesity, digestive issues, and shell problems.
A good feeding schedule for red-eared slider turtles might include:
- Daily feeding of commercial turtle pellets. Offer as much as the turtle can eat in 5-10 minutes, once
- Twice weekly feeding of fresh vegetables such as leafy greens, carrots, squash, and green beans. Vegetables should make up approximately 25% of the turtle’s diet.
- Twice weekly feeding of live or frozen protein sources such as worms, crickets, or shrimp. Protein should make up approximately 50% of the turtle’s diet.
What Do Red-Eared Slider Turtles Eat in the Wild?
In the wild, red-eared slider turtles feed opportunistically, taking advantage of what is available in their environment. They have been known to change their diet based on the season and availability of food sources.
They are turtles are omnivores—meaning they eat a variety of different things—including plants, insects, crustaceans, carrion, small mammals and reptiles, worms, and snails.
Animal-Based diet
Small fish, tadpoles, and aquatic insects such as crickets, flies, and beetles are a major source of protein for red-eared slider turtles. They also feed on snails, clams, and other mollusks, as well as carrion (dead animals) when available.
Plant-Based diet
Along with fishes and insects these turtles feed on aquatic vegetation such as algae, duckweed, water hyacinths, and lily pads. They also consume fruits and seeds from overhanging trees and shrubs.
What Is the Best Food to Feed Red-Eared Slider Turtles?
If you are planning to get a red-eared slider turtle, you should know that they are omnivores and you should vary the diet to provide a well-rounded and nutritious meal plan for the turtle. Over time, you will learn what your turtle likes to eat and what it needs to stay healthy.
Commercial Turtle Pellets
These are a balanced and convenient source of nutrition for these turtles. They should form the basis of the turtle’s diet, providing essential vitamins and minerals, as well as protein and carbohydrates. Pellets are available in different sizes, and choosing the right size for your turtle is important.
Fresh Vegetables
Leafy greens, carrots, squash, and green beans are a great source of vitamins and minerals for red-eared slider turtles. Vegetables should make up approximately 25% of the turtle’s diet.
Protein Sources
Protein is essential for turtles, and a well-rounded diet should include both live and frozen protein sources such as worms, crickets, or shrimp. Protein should make up approximately 50% of the turtle’s diet.
Calcium
Every breed of turtles need calcium for healthy shell growth. This can be provided through a cuttlebone, or by adding a calcium supplement to the turtle’s food.
How Much to Feed Red-Eared Slider Turtles?
The feeding requirements of red-eared slider turtles vary depending on their age and species. Baby sliders need to be fed two times per day with a small amount of food—such as bloodworm or brine shrimp in each meal.
Once the baby slider has reached a certain age, it can eat the same amount of food as an adult slider per meal. However, they should still be fed two times a day.
Adult sliders need to be fed once daily or every 2-3 days with a larger amount of food per meal. They can also be provided with some leafy greens in their tank—such as water lettuce or swamp cabbage along with the regular diet.
In general, a good rule of thumb is to offer the turtle food that is about the size of its head. If the turtle does not consume all the food within 10-13 minutes, remove the uneaten food to prevent overfeeding and water quality issues.
Can You Overfeed a Turtle?
Yes, you can overfeed a turtle—but it’s not too likely. Generally speaking, a turtle will stop eating once it’s full. As long as you’re providing a species-appropriate diet, you’ll unlikely end up overfeeding your pet.
However, if you have a particularly greedy turtle or are new to turtle ownership—it’s important to monitor their food intake and avoid overfeeding.
If you notice that your turtle is consistently overeating or seems hungry, it may be a good idea to consult with a vet or experienced turtle owner for advice.
What Are the Signs That Indicate If You Are Overfeeding Your Turtle?
If you’re overfeeding your turtle, you’ll likely start to notice some weight gain. Don’t be surprised if your turtle is less active and appears sluggish—like most animals; turtles don’t do well with excess weight.
If you’re still unsure and want to err on the side of caution, it’s best to consult a veterinarian or a turtle expert for their advice.
If you notice any health changes in your turtle, such as an increase in lethargy or breathing problems—it may be time to re-evaluate how much you feed your turtle.
Is It Safe to Handle Red-Eared Slider Turtles While Feeding Them?
Handling red-eared slider turtles safely while feeding them is crucial to ensure both your safety and theirs. These turtles may bite or scratch if they feel threatened, so it’s important to approach them gently and avoid sudden movements. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly to prevent any potential transmission of bacteria or diseases.
Conclusion
The red-eared slider is a very easy pet to take care of as long as you follow the correct feeding procedures. You should feed your slider a varied diet, with different types of food available at each feeding.
You should also feed your turtle small portions twice a day and make sure to remove any uneaten food to prevent overfeeding and water pollution. Following these simple feeding guidelines ensures your turtle lives a long, healthy, and happy life.
I hope you have learned a lot about the optimal diet for red-eared sliders. Remember to feed them a wide variety of food items, including aquatic plants, wild prey, and commercial food. Avoid feeding them too much food at once.
Let us know in the comments if you liked the article. Has it helped you provide a better diet for your red-eared slider?
