![]() Some people don't find out they have a female until she starts laying eggs (females will lay infertile eggs without a male present). Adult male turtles will have a long tail and long front claws while adult female turtles will have short front claws and short tails. Red eared sliders are not easy to sex until they reach sexual maturity. Diseases such as metabolic bone disease (MBD) and vitamin A deficiency are seen in many kinds of reptiles including red eared sliders. Improper environmental conditions and diet are among the most common culprits when it comes to health problems in red eared sliders. Claw fluttering and not wanting to bask outside of the water are just two behaviors that may mean your turtle is trying to tell you something. Whether it is making sure red eared sliders are free to perform behaviors that are necessary for their well-being (such as basking and swimming) or just trying to figure out what your turtle is doing, understanding normal red eared slider behavior can help you provide optimal care for your turtle. Also, avoid overfeeding your turtle to prevent obesity and excessive waste matter. Feeding your turtle outside of their home is a bit more work for you at feeding time but it will make it easier to keep the tank clean and the overall water quality good in the long run (which is best for your turtle to avoid ear infections, shell problems, etc.). There are a few basic things you can do to ensure easy clean up and a healthy turtle. Commercial turtle pellets can make up a good base for the diet but they should be supplemented with a variety of other items. Though red eared slider's tastes tend to change as they mature, (shifting to a more herbivorous diet as they get older) turtles of all ages should be offered a wide variety of both animal and plant based items. Setting all of this up is the hardest part but once your tank or pond is established the maintenance isn't all that bad. Water quality must be maintained no matter where you house your turtle and both supplemental heat and UVB lighting should be provided. And, if you have an outdoor pond, and a securely fenced yard to keep your turtle in and predators out, you might consider putting your turtle outdoors for at least part of the year. Creative turtle owners use all sorts of novel housing ideas to meet the roomy requirements of their red eared sliders using things like pre-formed plastic pond liners to make homes more like indoor ponds. Small aquariums are good for young turtles but as red eared sliders mature they will require a tank that can hold well over 100 gallons of water. There are some key indicators to help you determine whether or not a red eared slider is healthy. Look at their eyes, shell, how they swim, and whether or not they seem very active. Learn where to get a red eared slider (including possibly rescuing one) and how to tell whether or not your turtle of choice is healthy. ![]() Choosing a healthy oneīefore you bring home a red eared slider there are a few things to check out to increase the odds that you are bringing home a healthy turtle. A large tank, special reptile lighting, and an appropriate diet are just a few things you'll want to make sure you provide to your red eared slider. They also get much larger and need more room than is often implied by pet stores and other vendors. ![]() Red eared sliders require more work than many people think. Take a look at what you need before acquiring a turtle and your new pet slider will be sure to thank you About Red Ear Slider Aquatic turtles, including red eared sliders, need much more in the way of housing and lighting. Caring for a red eared slider properly requires more than just a bowl with a little bit of water and a rock. ![]()
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