$399.99
Introduction to Red Ear Slider Turtles
The Red Ear Slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a species of semi-aquatic turtles that are native to the southeastern United States. They are called Red Ear Sliders because of the distinctive red markings on the sides of their heads. These turtles are one of the most popular species of pet turtles due to their ease of care, hardiness, and affordability. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Red Ear Slider turtle and what you need to know before considering one as a pet.
Physical Characteristics
The Red Ear Slider turtle is a medium to large sized turtle, with the average adult reaching a length of 10-12 inches. The carapace (upper shell) is usually olive or brown in color and is oval in shape. The plastron (lower shell) is yellow or cream-colored with a dark edge. As the name suggests, the Red Ear Slider turtle has distinctive red markings on the sides of its head, which can sometimes extend to the neck and legs.
Habitat and Distribution
The natural habitat of the Red Ear Slider turtle is in the slow-moving, freshwater streams, rivers, and ponds of the southeastern United States. They are also found in man-made habitats such as canals, drainage ditches, and farm ponds. In the wild, Red Ear Sliders are omnivores and feed on a variety of plant and animal matter including aquatic vegetation, insects, mollusks, fish, and carrion.
Care and Maintenance
Red Ear Slider turtles are relatively easy to care for and make good pets for reptile enthusiasts of all experience levels. Here are some things to consider when setting up a habitat for your turtle:
Behavior and Temperament
Red Ear Slider turtles are generally peaceful and inactive during the day. They are most active at night and during the morning and evening hours. These turtles are strong swimmers and love to bask on rocks or logs in their tank. They are also known to be shy and can hide when they feel threatened or stressed.
Health Concerns
Red Ear Slider turtles are hardy and generally healthy, but like all reptiles, they are susceptible to certain health issues. Some of the most common health problems seen in Red Ear Sliders include:
Customer reviews
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.
Write a customer review