Red-eared slider

The Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), called the Red-eared Terrapin in the U.K., is native to the southern United States; and has become common in the United Kingdom. It is part of the turtle family.

It is a medium-sized aquatic animal, ranging in size from 0.8 in (2 cm) when born to 11 in (28 cm) as an adult, and is recognised by a red stripe down each side of the head. They are almost totally aquatic, but leave the water to bask on hot sunny days almost constantly and slide frantically off the logs when approached - hence the name. The Red-Eared Sliders hibernate over the winter at the bottom of ponds or shallow lakes where they enter a state of torpor. Red-eared sliders are omnivores, feeding on vegetation, insects and small fish. They eat more fish and insects when young, switching to more plants as they age. They are very widespread in the US, especially the south and midwest. They are becoming common as feral pets in the UK, being more active during hot weather. They will tolerate other small animals in their habitat, but will quickly dive underwater when approached by potential predators, making them difficult to catch.

Red-eared terrapins are not native to the British Isles; but have become common in most areas due to widespread release of imported pets by the public. They are not thought to be breeding in the UK, as the mean summer temperature is too low; however, there is some possibility they might on an especially warm summer. Note: Recent news (2001) from a reptile specialist in the South (near Southampton) is that red-eared slider nests and eggs were found last year, but no hatchlings were found.

It is not always easy to determine the sex of an individual until the turtles are over a year old. Even then it varies based on how fast your turtle is growing. This is dependent upon the food and nourishment they receive. There are some common things to look for once a turtle is grown. Males have longer front claws and a longer, thicker tail. Males also tend to have a concave ventral shell as compared to that of females. When full grown, females are also significantly larger than males.

There is a European turtle species, Emys orbicularis, the European Pond Turtle, similar in shape, size, and habit to the Red-eared Terrapin; but with a more rounded head. This species is not native to the UK, but is common in central and southern Europe. Red-eared terrapins are members of the order Testudines, which contains nearly 250 species. In the United States, members of this order are usually referred to as turtles, with tortoise used for the exclusively land species; however, in the UK they are split into Turtles (aquatic), Tortoises (land), and Terrapins (semi-aquatic).

Husbandry

The red-eared slider, like all aquatic turtles, must be cared for properly to thrive in captivity. The turtle has a reputation as a "disposable" pet, but early mortality can usually be accounted for by poor diet and improper enclosure. Signs of poor diet include shell abnormalities, stunted growth, and lethargy. Poor water quality can lead to skin infection, eye infection, ear cysts, and respiratory ailments.

The red-eared slider is an omnivore, and must be fed a varied diet. Greens, meat, live fish, worms, and fruit should all be offered. Calcium is often a problem in captivity, and can be supplemented with any of the commercially available calcium dusts or, if the turtle shows interest, with cuttlefish bone. A wide-spectrum ultraviolet lamp is essential to ensure proper calcium uptake.

The turtle must be kept in an aquarium or other enclosure in keeping with its size. The small portable containers often sold along with a baby red-eared slider are completely inadequate even for the smallest specimen. Water at least as deep as the shell is long should be provided, along with a basking area on which the turtle can dry out. A heat lamp may also be used. The water should be kept at a constant temperature of 75-85 degrees Farenheit; colder water temperatures can cause the turtle to attempt to hibernate, which is impossible in captivity, and the turtle will thus drown. Water quality with any aquatic turtle can be a serious problem. Turtle feces can accumulate quickly, and the resulting ammonia and bacterial build-up can be seriously detrimental to the animal's health. A good aquarium filter can help alleviate this problem, as can a separate feeding tank, but frequent water replacement will be needed to ensure good health.

Female red-eared sliders may become gravid even in the absence of a mate. Loss of appetite and excessive activity are often early warning signs that the turtle needs to lay eggs. This must be attended to in short order; red-eared sliders that do not or cannot lay within 48 hours may become egg-bound, a potentially fatal condition requiring surgery.

As a pet the red-eared slider has much in common with other turtles. It is generally alert and curious, though it can display the same pugnacious personality as other species. With frequent handling red-eared sliders can become quite tame, and will tolerate being held. Some may even seek out human contact, though it is questionable whether the turtle is intelligent enough to recognize individuals. Most pet sliders, whether handled or not, will beg for food when they see movement near their enclosure. A well-cared-for red-eared slider can live for 35 years.

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Turtles

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Husbandry

References

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