How to Care for a Red-Eared Slider Aquatic Turtle

So you wanna own a red-eared slider? Where to keep it. What to feed it. How to care for it. These are all things the slider owner will wonder as they take home their new reptilian friend. In fact, these are things all potential owners should consider before making the purchase, as red-eared sliders, like any pet, require ongoing care.

The first thing you should know about caring for a red-eared slider is what you're getting into. A red-eared slider it is an aquatic turtle. If you're looking for one of those big, fat, round land turtles (or are the tortoises) you see people racing on TV or allowing to roam around their house - this is not the breed for you. An aquatic turtle needs to be in water. It doesn't eat unless its food is in the water, too. It is not a particularly friendly animal, so you won't be taking it out of the aquarium for fun and bonding. In fact, one way I've heard you can tell a turtle is healthy is if it hisses at you and struggles to evade your grasp. This happens to me on a routine basis with my turtle. Least I know he's doing okay. The main point here: a red-eared slider is like a really big fish - enjoyable to look at and name and talk to if you want, but not about to go for a jog with you or come running when you call. (Though, I will say, my turtle does respond when we shake a food canister around him...). Though, really, the fish comparison is not a good one. Yes, a red-eared slider is about as friendly and pettable as a fish, but it is a great deal more high-maintenance than your average guppy.

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