Red-Eared Slider

General Information

 * Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta elegans
 * Lifespan: 20+ years
 * Length: 12 inches
 * Omnivore
 * Diurnal
 * Aquatic

Geographic Range and Habitat
The native area of the Red-Eared Slider is from Southeast Colorado to Virgina and Florida. They inhabit areas of still, warm water, such as ponds, lakes, swamps, creeks, or slow-moving rivers.

Availability
Red-Eared Sliders are one of the most common turtles in the reptile-keeping hobby and are available at most reptile stores and some pet stores.

Behaviour and Handling
Red-Eared Sliders in captivity can be very personable and will swim up to your hand and beg for food. If they feel threatened they can nip, hide in their shell, or scratch.

Housing
Red-Eared Sliders generally need a large amount of room to swim. The general rule of thumb for housing these turtles is that for each inch of length, 10 gallons of water should be provided. Red-Eared Sliders can be housed in an aquarium, large bin, or turtle pond. The enclosure should have a water filtration system, water heater, and a spot to get out of the wat

er to bask and walk around. The basking spot should be some sort of stable log, rock, or turtle dock. Plants, pieces of wood, and rocks too large to consume can be added to the enclosure.

Water and Heating
It is recommended to purchase a water filter that is rated double the amount of water that is in the enclosure for optimal cleanliness. A water heater should warm the water temperature to 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. A water heater guard should be used, so the turtle doesn't break it. The basking spot in the enclosure should be 85-90 degrees, with UVB lighting also.

Diet
Red-Eared Sliders are voracious eaters and should be fed leafy greens, freeze-dried shrimp or krill, crickets, superworms, rosy red minnows and pinkies. Insects and leafy greens should be dusted with calcium and vitamin D3 on occasion. In the wild, they feed on aquatic vegetation, small fish, and decaying matter such as dead fish, frogs, etc...

Sites Used

 * http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/
 * http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-red_ear_slider.htm
 * https://www.jacobsreptileinfo.com/HowToCareForARedEaredSlider.html