Trachemys Scripta Elegans

Red Eared Slider, RES, or Florida Turtle
While Red-eared Sliders are native to the southern United States, they have been introduced throughout much of the world by people who bought them as pets and then released the turtle when it got too big or was just no longer wanted. The RES adapted to the new habitat and are increasing in numbers, threatening the survival of other, native turtle species. You should never, EVER release a captive turtle into the wild! Even if the turtle survives, he can introduce foreign parasites and bacteria into the native population and take over their habitat.

A male slider typically grows to 8 - 10 inches (20 - 25 centimeters) and a female will grow to between 10 - 12 inches (25 - 31 centimeters). Of course, depending much on habitat an individual turtle may be slightly smaller or larger. To measure a turtle, only measure the shell lengthwise, not including the curvature.

In the wild, a slider will live about 30 years. In captivity, with proper husbandry, they may live longer. There have been reports of RES living 40 - 50 years. Acquiring a turtle is a lifelong commitment! In fact, the turtle may outlive you.

In a proper habitat, a turtle should be 4 inches by the time they are one year old. An improper habitat can cause turtles to grow more slowly. This does more than stunt their growth; it also causes severe internal damage. A turtle should be full sized (the size of a dinner plate!), by the time they are a few years old.

In nature, RES are found in ponds, streams, rivers and lakes. They require fresh water and prefer calm waters with enough mud at the bottom for the turtle to hibernate. (18 inches of mud below the frostline). They are usually found where there is dense vegetation for food.

If you keep your turtle indoors, he will need a freshwater aquarium with a powerful filter and a dry area for basking. A full grown RES will need a tank size of at least 80 - 120 gallons (302 - 455 liters) of water, depending of his length (minimum of 10 gallons of water per inch of turtle plus 15 - 20% additional space for decor and basking area). Of course, the larger tank you can get, the happier your turtle will be.

The water should be 80 - 82 degrees (F) for hatchlings or a sick turtle, and 77 - 80 degrees (F) for a healthy turtle over a year old. The basking area (land area) should be 10 degrees (F) warmer than the water to entice basking.

Turtles, especially younger ones, prefer protein. However too much protein can lead to various health issues. Your turtle's diet should be comprised of 50% veggies, 25% pellets and 25% live foods (see the section on feeding for specifics).

Please do NOT breed your turtles, especially if they are sliders, cooters, maps, or painteds. Red eared sliders in particular are overpopulated. They have invaded into habitats all over the world, and they are bred in profuse numbers by turtle farms. Please do not add to the problem. If you have a rare or exotic turtle, you may want to contact a rehabilitation center that specializes in the breed. They may be able to use your turtle for breeding purposes and then return the babies to their native environments. Breeding exotic and/or endangered turtles should be handled by a skilled professionals. It is NOT a job for a beginner.

Turtles do not like to be handled, especially out of the water. Be especially careful about children around turtles since they do not always understand that not ALL animals love to be cuddled! An adult turtle can bite hard enough to break the skin.

Assume that all turtles have salmonella. It is not possible to guarantee a turtle salmonella free since a turtle can become infected at any time. They live with it in their system. Do not be fooled by anyone who claims that a turtle is "salmonella free". After handling your turtle or any of your turtle's accessories, ALWAYS wash your hands in HOT, SOAPY water. If you have young children or elderly people in your home, also use antibacterial soap.