Red-Eared Slider

The following information and more can be found at http://www.redearslider.com/index.html.

*** PLEASE NOTE: THE SAMPLE DIET AT THE BOTTOM IS NOT A PROVEN DIET FOR YOUR RES, PLEASE CONSULT AN EXPERT FOR PROPER DIET RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR PET'S NEEDS! *** The Red-Eared Slider (RES) is a semi-aquatic turtle and is easily the most common reptile pet in the world. RES and other reptiles are often regarded as “exotic” animals and we will require the services of a herpetological (herp) veterinarian, if necessary. Captive RES suffer from high mortality rates, usually at the hands of inadequate habitats, lack of veterinary care and irresponsible keepers. RES are very recognizable. Their signature red (or orange - yellow) stripe starts at the end of their eyes and extends to cover their ear area. Their carapace (top shell) is nicely rounded and smooth and has a black and yellow line pattern. Their plastron (bottom shell) is also smooth and is yellow with a distinct and unique pattern. Hatchlings start with a very bright green carapace that is slightly pliable (soft) and adults have a dark green carapace. As RES age, the patterns become less visible when the carapace becomes darker and the red ear area likely fades. Their skin has a green and yellow stripe pattern. Females are physically larger than males. However, males have much longer claws/nails as well as a longer and thicker tail. Despite their sharpness and length, it should never be necessary to cut or trim claws.

In general, turtle care can be complicated, overwhelming, and expensive. This is especially true to new owners and is not recommended for younger members of our society. There are sudden and random expenses, unforeseen illnesses and countless other responsibilities on those who cannot be relied on. RES are not disposable pets that can be placed in a bowl or released into the wild. RES may be inexpensive to acquire or easily found, but they need to have specific conditions to remain healthy and thrive.

Red Ear Sliders are omnivores who can be fed a variety of foods. This variety is important as it enables you to provide a healthy diet. The range of food can include pellets, aquatic plants, vegetables, insects, fish and treats (shrimp, fruit, etc.) as well as the occasional supplement. While it is important to offer variety, it is also important to offer a balanced and nutritional diet that offers additional calcium and vitamins. As with many captive animals, there is a tendency to overfeed them, causing unnecessary and irreversible health risks. Younger RES are generally carnivorous. As they grow larger and older, they become increasingly herbivorous. Being carnivorous means a greater protein intake and young RES should take in a greater percentage of protein than older RES. Sliders of all ages will choose live prey or carrion if the opportunity exists, but it should only be provided occasionally. RES should also be supplied additional calcium to help harden the shell and accommodate growth. The primary diet of a RES should consist of a commercially made pellet, of which there are many types and varieties. With the addition of the appropriate vegetables and calcium, you can provide a balanced diet required for a healthy turtle. It is important to avoid foods that can block calcium absorption. Certain prey, vegetation and treats should be avoided. For example, spinach contains oxalic acid and mealworms have a bad calcium/phosphorus ratio. Either of these can interfere with absorption of calcium. A small portion would not be harmful, but regular and extend use will affect shell and bone development. RES need to be in water to swallow since they do not produce saliva. They may take food that's on land but will bring it into the water to consume it. Furthermore, feeding a RES in a separate container will create a cleaner tank that will require less frequent cleaning and water changes. Thus, if your turtle cooperates, it would be in a healthier environment and would require less cleaning maintenance.

A sample diet should look something like this:

4-5 times per week, your RES should consume no more than 15 teaspoons of food total (about three teaspoons per day). Because they will eat almost anything given to them, it is up to you to regulate their diet as strictly as possible. Staple foods for your RES are veggies like green leaf lettuce, red leaf lettuce, and turnip greens. These items will make up at least 50-60% of your RES intake The remainder of the diet can be supplemented with freeze-dried animal proteins like crickets and shrimps that you can buy from your local pet store.

When feeding, consider the following; one and a half teaspoons of the mixed veggies, one and a quarter teaspoon of crickets, and every other day a quarter teaspoon of shrimp.

These proportions are based on their need for even amounts of calcium and phosphorus (provided by the animal proteins), and their need for smaller amounts of protein, especially worms and shrimps. Avoid worms if possible (especially mealworms) and try to limit shrimp intake.

*** PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT A PROVEN DIET FOR YOUR RES, PLEASE CONSULT AN EXPERT FOR PROPER DIET RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR PET'S NEEDS!***