Red Eared Slider Turtle
One of the most popular turtles to be kept as a pet is the Red Eared Slider turtle. There are many features this turtle possesses that make it so.
A semi-aquatic reptile, the Red Eared Slider turtle enjoys areas containing calm, warm waters and flat dry areas on which the turtle can bask in the sunlight. If more than one of these colorful creatures is in the same habitat, it is common for multiple turtles to pile on top of each other to sunbathe. In the water, the Slider is an accomplished swimmer and is faster than most people would expect them to be.
When choosing a Red Eared Slider turtle for your pet, you will need to establish a natural environment for its habitat. You will need to have an aquarium that is large enough for the turtle to roam, and that will house all of the features that nature would supply. The water source should be at least as deep as the turtle’s shell is wide, although keeping in mind that the Slider’s swimming skills are high could merit deeper water. Add a few areas of level terrain for the creature to crawl upon to rest and laze around under the warm sun’s rays. The sun is an important feature to include in the Red Eared Slider turtle’s home to ensure a healthy pet. If the actual sun is not able to provide the UV rays the slider will need, you can incorporate an artificial UV-B light source that will do quite nicely as a substitute.
Feeding your Red Eared Slider turtle will be like providing it a buffet. Since these types of turtles are omnivores, they will need to have balanced amounts of aquatic plants, vegetables, fruits as well as insects and fish. As they age, the Slider will become more of an herbivore, ingesting more plant life than meat. The Red Eared Slider turtle will only eat when submerged in the water, as the fluid helps them to swallow the food. Making sure to remove any uneaten food from the water will help to keep the turtle’s environment clean.
Overfeeding is common among turtles in captivity, as turtles will always eat when food is offered. In the wild, turtles eat as food becomes available, not knowing when the next meal may come along. It is important to learn the appropriate amount of food to give your pet to avoid overfeeding.
The Red Eared Slider turtle is an excellent choice as a pet. Relatively easy to care for, passive pets, and generally inexpensive once the initial investment has been made makes this pet great for anyone. The turtle can provide hours of entertainment, and if cared for properly will be an interesting companion for many years.