How to Care for Pet Red Eared Slider Turtles

About Red-Eared Sliders

Red-eared sliders require more work than many people think. A large tank, special reptile lighting, and an appropriate diet are just a few things you'll want to make sure you provide to your red-eared slider.

Choosing a Healthy Red-Eared Slider

Learn where to get a red-eared slider (including possibly rescuing one) and how to tell whether or not your turtle of choice is healthy.

Red-Eared Slider Behavior

Understanding normal red-eared slider behavior can help you provide optimal care for your turtle. Claw fluttering and a resistance to basking outside of the water are just two behaviors that may mean your turtle is trying to tell you something.

Housing Your Red-Eared Slider

Small aquariums are good for young turtles but as red-eared sliders mature they will require a tank that can hold well over 100 gallons of water.

Sexing Red-Eared Sliders and Reproduction

Some people don't find out they have a female until she starts laying eggs (females will lay infertile eggs without a male present). Casual breeding of ​red-eared sliders isn't recommended but it is important to provide a nesting area for egg-laying females.

Feeding Your Red-Eared Slider

Commercial turtle pellets can make up a good base for the diet but they should be supplemented with a variety of other items.

Red-Eared Slider Health

Improper environmental conditions and diet are among the most common culprits when it comes to health problems in red-eared sliders.

Red-Eared Sliders and Salmonella

The risks of salmonella from pet turtles is nothing new and can be managed quite easily.  A simple hand washing is all it takes to drastically reduce your risk of getting infected.

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