It is a native of the southern United States, but has become common in various areas of the world due to the pet trade. They are very popular turtle pets in the United States, the Netherlands, Canada, and England. Red Ear Slider turtle gets its name from the distinctive red mark around its ear. The Slider part of its name comes from its ability to slide off rocks and logs and into the water very quickly.

Turtle habitat
The Red-ear Slider turtle is native to the area around the Mississippi River down to the Gulf of Mexico. It thrives in warmer climates, particularly the Southeast quadrant of the United States. Such an area would be east of and below Colorado to Virginia down to Florida, naturally residing in areas with calm, fresh, warm water. This includes ponds, lakes, marshes, creeks, and streams. It prefers quiet areas with a basking area, such a large flat rock or a floating log, in full sunlight. It is common for the aquatic turtles to bask together and even on top of each other. There is also abundant vegetation, which is the main component of an adult slider's diet. Wild individuals will stay close to a water source unless they are in search of a new one. A female Red-ear Slider turtle will also leave the water to lay eggs.

The pet trade has its range around the world, often at the expense of native terrapins. Therefore, it is not difficult to locate these water turtles in some suitable habitat anywhere in the world.

Pet turtle should not be released into a wild habitat. They could carry organisms that the wild populations are not immune to and the pet turtle may not have the proper immune system that is required to live in a wild habitat. Disease could easily be spread by this practice. Pet turtle fed commercial diets also may not recognize natural foods and may associate humans with food which could endanger the turtle. Pet owners should contact a rescue organization if they no longer want their turtle.

Behavior
The female Red-ear Slider turtle grows to be 25-30 cm (10-12 in) in length and males 20-25 cm (8-10 in). They are almost entirely aquatic, but do leave the water to bask in the sun and lay eggs. These aquatic turtles are deceptively fast and are also excellent swimmers. They hunt for prey and will attempt to capture it when the opportunity presents itself. They are very aware of predators and people and generally shy away from them. In fact, the water turtles frantically slides off rocks and logs when approached - hence the name.

Red-ear slider turtle can be quite aggressive. If being kept as a pet, it is not recommended to keep it with another turtle, especially one that is smaller as it may injure or even kill its tankmate.

Pet turtle care - Feeding
The water turtles are omnivores and eat a variety of animal and plant materials in the wild including, but not limited to fish, crayfish, carrion, tadpoles, snails, crickets, wax worms, aquatic insects and numerous aquatic plant species. The captive diet for the turtle pets should closely match the natural diet and can also include other foods such as feeder fish, dead, thawed fuzzy mice, earthworms,small snakes , cooked egg with the crumbled shell included, hermit crab food, assorted fruits except mangos, and leafy greens. Commercial turtle foods should be used sparingly due to insufficient scientific research and vitamin and mineral imbalances. Calcium (for shell health) can be supplemented by adding pieces of cuttlebone to the diet. Younger turtles tend to be more carnivorous (eat more animal protein) than adults do. As they grow larger and older, they become increasingly herbivorous. Live foods are particularly enjoyed and add to the quality of life of captive turtles. Providing a wide variety of foods is the key to success with captive Red-ear Slider turtle.

Contrary to popular misconception, Red-ear Sliders do not have saliva, but--like most aquatic turtles--they have fixed tongues. This is the reason they must eat their food in water.

Turtles carry salmonella bacteria benignly in their digestive system. Humans may become sick if they do not thoroughly wash their hands after handling turtles or any equipment used with them.

Pet turtle care - Environment
The water turtles enjoy large areas where they are free to swim. They also require a basking area, where they can leave the water and enjoy the light you provide for them. UVB heat lamps are usually the best option and most common among those taking proper care of their pet turtle. However, UVB heat lamps have not been proven to have the same quality as direct, unfiltered UV rays from the sun. Therefore, it is recommended that on days with more sun you take your turtle pets out with you to enjoy it, even if this is only possible in the Spring/Summer. Note: Although not nearly ideal, Red-ear Slider have been known to remain healthy even with a regular light bulb or halogen light as their source of basking heat.

For the basking area, the best choice is an actual dirt or sand area, if this is at all possible. This is especially suggested if you have different sex turtles. The real land area will allow for an impregnated female to lay her eggs, or at least attempt to. Since these turtles like to climb, flat rocks also make good basking areas as well as provide areas for entertainment.

Plant life, either fake or real also increases Red-eared Slider quality of life, mimicking their natural environment. The real plants can also serve as a source of food.

Water turtles highly enjoy fresh, clean and clear water. A good filter can help accomplish this. Also, once every two weeks about 25% of the water should be removed and replaced with new water, and the filter cleaned. It is also strongly recommended that if you have a large enough tank, as well as the proper pH and water temperature, to keep fast freshwater fish. In a large enough tank with areas for fish to hide, it is very unlikely that they will be eaten. Meanwhile, the majority of freshwater fish will feed on the leftovers of what you feed your turtles, as well as the turtle's feces, both which allow for a much cleaner environment for both the turtles and the fish.

Check out my complete guide on Pet turtle care supplies.

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