Housing for Red-Eared Slider

Before purchasing a turtle or tortoise of any kind, make certain you will be able to house it. A red-eared slider needs a tank of at least 20 gallons. It will grow from the five-inch length at purchase to nearly a foot. It needs both dry land and enough water enough to swim comfortably. As the turtle grows the tank will have to grow as well.

The best circumstance is an outdoor pond with sides high enough to keep the turtle from escaping. The temperature needs to be around 75 degrees. The animal needs sun or full-spectrum light. And above all, these turtles need a varied diet. Proper turtle nutrition is a delicate balance of animal and plant protein not to be taken lightly. You should also know a veterinarian that can diagnose and treat turtle illnesses.

If you do decide to have a red-eared slider as a pet, contact a local animal shelter or local chapter of a turtle and tortoise society. You are fairly guaranteed then to get a healthy animal and a great deal of advice on how to care for it. When buying from a pet shop avoid buying turtles that are living in crowded or unclean conditions. Make certain the animal has clear eyes and no discharges from the nose or mouth.

And make certain to wash your hands thoroughly after handling the turtles, both in the store and at home. As fascinating and beautiful as they are, these animals are not toys.