Red Eared Slider turtle info from Petco
Red Eared Slider Breed Sheet from Petco.com
Species name: Chrysemys scripta elegans
Known for:
Popularity; the most common of all pet turtles
Longevity; up to 40 years in captivity
A distinguishing red spot behind the eyes
Background
Red-eared sliders, found from the eastern United States to Mexico, are raised in large numbers for the pet trade. Previously, restrictions in the US, designed primarily to reduce Salmonella infection in children (who put the turtles in their mouths), prohibited sale of red-eared slider hatchlings in certain pet shops, discount stores, etc. Hatchlings, now available via mail order, from breeders and specialty stores, cost $25 to $40 (compared to four-inch turtles, which retail for about $10 to $15).
Physical Appearance
The most distinguishing feature is the bright red spot on the head, just behind the eyes. Young turtles have a light green carapace, which usually darkens with age, and a yellow underside. Adult red-eared sliders may reach 10 to 12 inches in length, with males being slightly smaller than females.
Character
Red-eared sliders are a bit shy in the wild, but tame easily in captivity. Once tamed, they may even accept hand feeding. The turtles are active during the day and may hibernate in cooler weather, particularly if they are kept outdoors.
Physical Needs
Habitat type: Red-eared sliders are semi-aquatic and need to swim, so the habitat should provide an ample water area with some vegetation. Fishbowls and 10-gallon aquariums are not adequate; the minimum container for several turtles is a long, 20-gallon tank. It should have a dry area for basking and some means for the turtles to move from one area to the other. Equip the basking area with a full-spectrum light to provide proper ultraviolet light; it should be turned on for several hours a day. The turtles may be kept outdoors when weather permits, but should be brought indoors during cold weather. Design the outdoor enclosure to prevent escape, in a place where it receives about two hours of sun a day, and a retreat area to allow the turtles to get out of the sun.
Temperature range: They do best when water temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees F, with an air temperature ranging from 70 to 80 degrees F and a basking temperature of 85 to 90 degrees F.
Humidity: The large water area of the habitat will provide the right humidity level.
Diet: Red-eared sliders are primarily carnivorous, but may develop health problems if fed a diet that is exclusively meat. Commercial turtle food, supplemented with guppies, feeder goldfish, crickets, or earthworms, is the best choice to provide balanced nutrition. Floating-type food sticks will help keep the aquarium clean for a longer period. You can supplement the diet with greens and fruit. Because they are semi-aquatic, these turtles will eat only when in the water.
Cleanliness: Equip the aquarium with a good filtration system and maintain it regularly. You should empty the aquarium and thoroughly clean and disinfect it once a month. Outdoors, spot-clean their enclosure as necessary and change the water whenever it begins to get fouled.
Health
Red-eared sliders may suffer from swollen eyes due to Vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency or inadequate lighting causes soft-shell. Observe your turtles carefully for any changes in appearance, behavior, or eating habits. Significant changes mean it's time for a visit to the vet.
Known for:
Popularity; the most common of all pet turtles
Longevity; up to 40 years in captivity
A distinguishing red spot behind the eyes
Background
Red-eared sliders, found from the eastern United States to Mexico, are raised in large numbers for the pet trade. Previously, restrictions in the US, designed primarily to reduce Salmonella infection in children (who put the turtles in their mouths), prohibited sale of red-eared slider hatchlings in certain pet shops, discount stores, etc. Hatchlings, now available via mail order, from breeders and specialty stores, cost $25 to $40 (compared to four-inch turtles, which retail for about $10 to $15).
Physical Appearance
The most distinguishing feature is the bright red spot on the head, just behind the eyes. Young turtles have a light green carapace, which usually darkens with age, and a yellow underside. Adult red-eared sliders may reach 10 to 12 inches in length, with males being slightly smaller than females.
Character
Red-eared sliders are a bit shy in the wild, but tame easily in captivity. Once tamed, they may even accept hand feeding. The turtles are active during the day and may hibernate in cooler weather, particularly if they are kept outdoors.
Physical Needs
Habitat type: Red-eared sliders are semi-aquatic and need to swim, so the habitat should provide an ample water area with some vegetation. Fishbowls and 10-gallon aquariums are not adequate; the minimum container for several turtles is a long, 20-gallon tank. It should have a dry area for basking and some means for the turtles to move from one area to the other. Equip the basking area with a full-spectrum light to provide proper ultraviolet light; it should be turned on for several hours a day. The turtles may be kept outdoors when weather permits, but should be brought indoors during cold weather. Design the outdoor enclosure to prevent escape, in a place where it receives about two hours of sun a day, and a retreat area to allow the turtles to get out of the sun.
Temperature range: They do best when water temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees F, with an air temperature ranging from 70 to 80 degrees F and a basking temperature of 85 to 90 degrees F.
Humidity: The large water area of the habitat will provide the right humidity level.
Diet: Red-eared sliders are primarily carnivorous, but may develop health problems if fed a diet that is exclusively meat. Commercial turtle food, supplemented with guppies, feeder goldfish, crickets, or earthworms, is the best choice to provide balanced nutrition. Floating-type food sticks will help keep the aquarium clean for a longer period. You can supplement the diet with greens and fruit. Because they are semi-aquatic, these turtles will eat only when in the water.
Cleanliness: Equip the aquarium with a good filtration system and maintain it regularly. You should empty the aquarium and thoroughly clean and disinfect it once a month. Outdoors, spot-clean their enclosure as necessary and change the water whenever it begins to get fouled.
Health
Red-eared sliders may suffer from swollen eyes due to Vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency or inadequate lighting causes soft-shell. Observe your turtles carefully for any changes in appearance, behavior, or eating habits. Significant changes mean it's time for a visit to the vet.
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