Owning a red - eared slider polo-neck can be quite fun and rewarding . However , observe one as a favorite may necessitate more than you may expect . They ask a spacious enclosure with both water and a dry basking area , and their tanks must also be cleaned regularly . Before choose a red - dog-eared slipper as a pet , consider all aspects of their care and the characteristics of the mintage .
Red-eared Sliders as Pets
mass who are away from home most of the day may prefer a turtle to a dog that requires frequent walks and several feedings a day . However , these pets still involve a great lot of cleaning and aid . If you ’re consideringpurchasing a red - eared slideras a dearie , you should first read what to look from these reptiles .
Personality
flushed - eared slidersare more intelligent than most people conceive ; they can learn to recognize their owners and may even come when call . However , sliders are n’t necessarily cuddly PET . These turtles are bonk to be mild - tempered , but they can play out and sting if provoked .
Each case-by-case ruby-red - dog-eared Pseudemys scripta has a unique personality , so while one may be extroverted and favorable , another may be more reserved or timid . Do n’t be horrify if your new turtleneck hide for a few daytime while adjusting to their new environment ; they should begin to feel comfortable and stake out for nutrient . Pet ruby-red - dog-eared sliders can become quite committed to their possessor , so fundamental interaction and enrichment are importantbonding activities .
Handling
Mostpet turtlestolerate being held or carried around , even if they do n’t necessarily enjoy it . This quality makes sliders such great folk pet . However , lowly children should be supervised carefully when handling the polo-neck , as it will twinge if it becomes panicked . It ’s also possible for a fry to injure a polo-neck with improper handling .
Children should be taught to :
Disease Transmission
After handling a red - dog-eared slider , it ’s important to thoroughly lap your hand . Thesereptiles may carry Salmonellaon their shell and cutis , which can be transmitted to humans . child , the aged , pregnant individual , and anyone with a compromised immune arrangement should be specially careful to use proper hygiene .
Cleaning and Care
Red - eared sliders are semi - aquatic . They spend a portion of their sentence in the body of water and the rest on rocks and logarithm , relish in the sun . For this reason , you must provide yourpet turtlewith water . You ’ll also have to realise that this water will become soiled with uneaten nutrient and waste ( turtles make a pile of faeces ) , so it must be maintained on a regular basis .
Many owners elect to house their sliders in anoutdoor pond . This is a way to head off having a messy armored combat vehicle in your plate , and sliders tend to do better outside when keep in the right surroundings . You will still need a powerful filtration system for an out-of-door pond and must observe and supercede the piddle to keep your turtles healthy .
Indoor turtleneck enclosures are more hard to keep up with . Turtlesmust be housed in a big tank that can provide them access to water system and a wry basking country . In plus to a inviolable filter to keep the H2O clean , you must also have specialize , mellow - quality lighting , and a piss bullet . hebdomadary body of water change are necessary , as well as a deep clean and jerk every two to three weeks .
away from maintaining their messy habitat , red - eared sliders are fairly modest - care . Owners should feed them an omnivorous diet ofcommercial turtleneck pelletsand fresh vegetables , and these turtles must be fed in the water . Always keep an heart out for anysigns of sickness .
Pros and Cons of Keeping Red-Eared Sliders
Reviewing the benefit ofred - eared Pseudemys scripta as pet , as well as the potential downsides , can help you decide whether this is the right pet for you .
Pros
Cons
Choosing a Red-Eared Slider Turtle as a Pet
Red - eared sliders are dearie that may experience for as recollective as 40 years or more . While they are interesting , they do require a life commitment and cleanup . If this still sounds like the pet for you , enjoy the laid - back nature of yournew pet slider .
