SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

Trachemys Scripta Elegans

COMMON NAME

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.

SIZE

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.

LIFE SPAN

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.

AGING

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.

 

 

HABITAT

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 75 - 120 gallons (280 - 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 26-28 degrees C (80-82 degrees F) for hatchlings or a sick turtle, and 23-26 degrees C (77-80 degrees F) for a healthy turtle over a year old. The basking area (land area) should be 10 degrees warmer than the water to entice basking.

FEEDING

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).

BREEDING

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 skilled professionals. It is NOT a job for a beginner.

HANDLING

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.

SALMONELLA

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.

IDENTIFYING THE GENDER

You cannot conclusively determine the sex of a turtle by visual signs until they are about 4 inches SCL (Straight Carapace Length).

Female aquatic turtles reach sexual maturity between 3-5 years of age.

*Characteristics of a female turtle:*

•Flat Plastron (bottom of the shell)

•Shorter and thinner tail

•Shorter nails

•The opening on the tail (cloaca) is closer to the body

•They tend to get big (up to 14 inches)

•They tend to be more aggressive

Male aquatic turtles reach sexual maturity between 2-4 years of age.

*Characteristics of a male turtle:*

•Slightly concave Plastron (bottom of shell is curved inwards)

•Long, fat tail

•Very long nails

•The opening on the tail (cloaca) is closer to the tip of the tail

 

GLOSSERY

Scute

The "scales" that comprise the turtle's shell... It is keratin based (similar to a human's fingernails) but DO have nerve endings. A turtle can feel when something touches its shell. The scutes are shed periodically and tend to come off in very thin sheets, much like if you chipped a fingernail. Your turtle will be rather "itchy" during shedding and may scratch on anything handy or want to be GENTLY scratched with a very soft toothbrush.

Carapace

The turtle's top shell (covering the back)... The carapace is made up of bony plates covered by scutes and is attached to the ribs and backbone of the turtle. Remember, there are nerves running throughout that carapace! A turtle feels anything that touches its shell.

Plastron

The belly of the turtle... The plastron is also made up of bony plates covered by scutes. Some turtles have a hinge in the plastron (an eastern box turtle, for instance) while others, such as a red eared slider) do not.

Cloaca

The Cloaca is the opening common to the digestive, urinary and reproductive tracts.