Everything you need to know about taking care of a red-eared slider

Red-eared sliders are a popular pet choice for many due to their adorable nature and their continued growth in size. However, they require lots of care and hygienic measures to ensure their health and safety. If you're interested in keeping one as a pet, there are a few things you need to know.

To start, it's important to note what a red-eared slider looks like. These turtles are mainly dark olive green with green/yellow stripes on their upper shell, face, and legs. As they grow older, the green color turns into black pigmentation. Male sliders are usually deep black with no visible markings and have longer and thicker tails than females. Females are a bit larger in size and have webbed feet for swimming.

When it comes to feeding your red-eared slider, they require a variety of foods. Their diet changes as they grow, so it's important to adjust accordingly. Young turtles should be fed carnivorous foods, while adult turtles should be fed small feeder fish, crickets, mealworms, earthworms, snails, and shrimp. Additionally, adult turtles need vegetation that's rich in protein, such as aquatic plants, collard greens, kale, carrot tops, and Bok Choy.

Red-eared sliders are more agile than other turtles and love to chase and swim freely. Giving them plenty of exercises is important for their health. You can let them roam freely outside of their enclosure, but make sure to keep an eye on them for safety.

If you're planning on breeding your red-eared slider, keep in mind that the incubation period depends on temperature and seasonal conditions, usually lasting 9 to 11 weeks. They lay a clutch of 3 to 11 eggs within this time.

It's important to note that red-eared sliders can encounter health problems, such as Salmonella bacteria and other bacterial infections. To avoid these infections, wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling your turtle. Make sure to purchase a turtle with clear alert eyes and bright peeling skin. If a turtle seems apathetic about eating and is lazy, they may be at risk for these infections. For more informations about red eared sliders you can check out taphibians