The future owner of a red-eared turtle must understand that he is getting a little pet for almost his entire life. There are often cases when in captivity they calmly live to a very advanced age of 30-40 years or more . But this happens when people understand that the turtle is not a toy, and it requires proper daily attention. If you do not follow some rules, then your red-eared beauty will give up the ghost very soon, and even good genes will not help her.
Types of red-eared turtles, sizes and features
The red-eared slider includes three subspecies, which have their own morphological (appearance) characteristics.
The first representative of this species is
Trachemys scripta scripta . Its peculiarity lies in the yellow color of the stripes on the muzzle (transitioning into a large yellow postorbital spot), which connect on the neck. There are yellow stripes on the lateral (costal) scutes of the dorsal carapace (carapace), and yellow spots on the anterior scutes of the ventral carapace (plastron )
. In size it reaches up to 27 cm.
The second representative, more familiar to all of us, is
Trachemys scripta elegans . Its postorbital spots (resembling a bandage) are
red and quite wide.
On the costal scutes of the carapace there are transverse yellow stripes, and on the plastron there
is a large spot on each scute. Reaches up to 28 cm in size.
And the third representative, very similar in appearance to Trachemys scripta elegans, is
Trachemys scripta troostii . The differences are that in this subspecies the postorbital spot is narrower and has a yellow color (sometimes in combination with red). On the costal scutes of the carapace there are yellow transverse stripes, and on the plastron there is
a pattern of black spots similar to “eyes”, or simply small black spots. Reaches up to 21 cm in size.
As we can see, these turtles are far from “dwarf”, as sellers in pet stores may claim.
It is also a mistaken belief that red-eared turtles —
inhabitants of our regions and Russia as a whole. The homeland of red-eared turtles is North America, Central America and northern South America; they also live in Europe and Southeast Asia. The main habitat is small reservoirs, ponds and rivers with gentle currents or coastal areas.
How long do they live in nature?
In nature, red-eared turtles live on average 20-25 years. Rare individuals can live up to 50 years. In the wild, many turtles die shortly after hatching. They are often attacked by birds of prey and animals, and they are not yet able to defend themselves. Adults, in addition to predators, die from diseases and parasites.
Turtles have a slow metabolism. They can live for a long time without food. Red-eared turtles are omnivores; they have no shortage of food.
Common questions asked by red-eared turtle owners
How many years do red-eared turtles live?
The life expectancy of red-eared turtles at home with high-quality care and maintenance is 30-40 years. Therefore, you need to understand that you are making a friend almost for life.
How to distinguish a female from a male red-eared slider?
Determining the sex of a turtle is quite difficult. It is better to entrust this matter to a specialist. And for 100% determination, even research methods such as radiography with contrast and probing may be needed —
it will show the presence of hemipenis sacs. However, you can try to do this yourself. For example, the length of the claws on the forelimbs: in the male they are much longer and look like elongated bayonets. Or by the length of the tail: the male has a longer tail. The male also has a notch on the abdominal shell.
Do red-eared turtles hibernate?
Some scientists claim that red-eared turtles hibernate and that they need it. However, this process can only occur under certain conditions of detention, which initially prepare the turtle’s body for a state of suspended animation (hibernation): a gradual decrease in temperature, a decrease in the length of daylight hours and the amount of food.
The process of removing the animal from the state of suspended animation will also be difficult. It is quite difficult to imagine these processes at home. Therefore, it would be more logical not to create difficulties for yourself and not to cause unnecessary harm to the health of the turtle.
How to extend the life of a turtle
It is not difficult to increase the time that a turtle spends next to its owner - just take care of the pet and protect it from adversity and disease. This requires very little effort:
- Spacious and roomy terrarium, equipped with a sushi island and a UV lamp.
- Regular examination of the animal to check the well-being and injuries on the body.
- Quarantine for newly arrived pets, control over the quality of food and new decorations, plants and equipment.
- Maintaining parameters of the aquatic environment, humidity and temperature in the terrarium.
- Correct and regular feeding, consisting of natural products.
Having fulfilled these requirements, you don’t have to worry that your turtle friend will soon leave the owner. Red-eared turtles are charming and funny creatures that can stay close to their owners for a long time, bringing peace and tranquility.
However, the life of pets can be cut short at any time due to the fault of the owner, so it is important to properly organize the conditions for turtles in captivity, showing care and respect for the silent friend
Conditions for keeping red-eared turtles
All three subspecies of turtles —
representatives of a semi-aquatic lifestyle. In addition, they are all carnivores and begin to eat plant foods only in adulthood.
They also require certain temperature conditions, lighting conditions and ultraviolet irradiation.
Aquaterrarium for the red-eared turtle
What is a terrarium?
This is a specially equipped place created for keeping reptiles. In this case, we are dealing with an aquaterrarium, since the red-eared turtle needs both land and water. Keeping them in boxes, basins, and buckets is absolutely not suitable for them! In addition, we must remember that our turtles should live only in their “house” and under no circumstances “walk” around the apartment. They can only be handled for a very short amount of time: during transplantation for feeding or cleaning.
The future size of our turtles indicates that they need enough space to fully grow and develop. But this does not mean at all that you can immediately release small turtles into a large aquaterrarium. Every age —
your own “house”, according to size.
The terrarium for the red-eared turtle should be horizontal (rectangular in length). Adult pets require “houses” with a volume of at least 150 liters, and children —
about 50 l. Ordinary small turtles, which are sold in pet stores, can also be suitable for very small children.
As for the location of the aquaterrarium in the apartment, a more suitable place is in the back of the room. During the autumn-winter period, it is better not to open the windows in the room where your turtle is kept to avoid a cold draft. Yes, it is deadly for your cold-blooded pets, since a “cold” can cause a disease such as pneumonia, which becomes clearly visible when the turtle is already fully ill.
Aquaterrarium equipment
What should be required in every aquaterrarium: a thermometer to control the water temperature, a shore, a water heater and a water filter.
The presence of algae and stones is not necessary and is sometimes contraindicated. Some types of algae are toxic, and stones can be swallowed and cause a blockage in the esophagus or intestines; In addition, they make cleaning more difficult. But if you still decide to decorate your terrarium in this way, then remember that the size of the stones should not be smaller than the turtle’s head, the stones themselves should not crumble and be multi-colored (they can release toxic substances when heated). It is better to select algae after preliminary consultation with a specialist.
Coastal part of the aquaterrarium
Why does an aquaterrarium need a shore? Turtles —
cold-blooded animals that are not capable of creating heat with their own bodies, as we mammals do. In nature, turtles crawl ashore to warm up and take a break from swimming; the same should be done for them at home.
Land should not occupy more than 1/3 of the aquaterrarium. The angle of rise out of the water should not be too obtuse or straight. It must be sharp and motionless so that the exit from the water does not “run away” from the turtle. The shore itself must be made of a sufficiently durable material, without easily peeling paint and odorless.
Lighting
Lighting will be required of two types: one for heating, the other —
ultraviolet.
These two types of irradiation have only the following in common:
- Both lamps must be installed above the shore.
- The distance to the shore should not be less than 30 cm.
- Both lamps should burn for about 12 hours.
Now let's talk about each type separately.
Ultraviolet lamp for red-eared turtles
In the case of reptiles, only special lamps are used that are suitable only for them. Each such lamp has its own percentage of ultraviolet light (UVB) emitted: 2% (2.0), 5% (5.0) and 10% (10.0). 5% (5.0) lamps are suitable for turtles.
What is it for, you ask? If you do not go into the specific physiology of reptile metabolism, then without ultraviolet light calcium will not be fully absorbed and the gastrointestinal tract will not function, which will lead to quite dangerous and serious diseases in both adults and small turtles.
Thermal lighting
Conventional 60 W incandescent lamps are suitable for this type of lighting. This type is required so that your turtles do not freeze while out of water and can warm up normally for the full functioning of their body.
Water in the aquaterrarium
This is one of those points that should not be ignored under any circumstances, since it is in this environment that healthy turtles spend most of their time.
For our pets, filtered water or water that has been standing for at least a day is suitable. If the water was first filtered and then settled —
you are a very good host. In this case, we are engaged in the prevention of many diseases of the shell and skin.
Water temperature in an aquarium for red-eared turtles
To create comfortable living conditions for our reptiles, we will need to maintain certain temperature conditions!
The water temperature should be between 22-25 0C. It can be maintained either with the help of special heating mats (provided that the size of the aquaterrarium is small enough) or with water heaters, which can be used to set the appropriate temperature. To constantly monitor the temperature, you will need a special thermometer, which must be installed in the water. In addition, it needs to be protected from the curiosity of our pets, as they can damage it, which will lead to hazardous substances getting into the water and poisoning the body.
We maintain the shore temperature using a heating lamp. You can control it by adjusting the height of the lamp. Normally, the shore temperature should be in the range of 30-32 0C.
Reproduction
How ready an individual is for reproduction is determined by its size. The length of the carapace of a sexually mature male is 10 cm (it is typical for individuals 2-4 years old), females - 12-13 cm (age 2-5 years).
Mating games in these animals begin with the active actions of the male. He turns his muzzle towards the female, swims in front of her and waves his paws. This happens in March and June (if the turtles live in the wild). For a successful pregnancy, it is necessary to be warm. In addition, the female requires increased nutrition.
Shortly before laying eggs, the female looks for a secluded place to lay eggs. This is done on land. A few months later, babies hatch from the eggs. Usually this takes about 2 months, but in bad weather the period of formation of small turtles is delayed. The female does not look after the clutch and does not take part in the life of the cubs.
What do red-eared turtles eat?
Feeding —
a very important part of our pets’ lives. It is with food that they receive all the necessary nutrients.
Remember: feed the turtles the same things we eat. —
it is forbidden!
Reminder: red-eared turtles —
predators and plant foods should appear in their diet only in adulthood.
The following is not suitable as food: meat, semi-finished meat products (minced meat, sausages, sausages), chicken, fatty fish, salted fish, fried, sweet and salty, ready-made dry food.
What to feed red-eared turtles at home, you ask? Let's discuss this now. To simplify feeding turtles, they can be kept with fish, which they will catch and eat, receiving all the necessary nutrients.
If this option does not suit you, then we stick to the following diet, which needs to be combined: beef liver (heart and liver), fish, insects (worms, crickets without legs, cockroaches without legs), daphnia, not dry gammarus.
What fish should you feed your red-eared slider?
We recommend using lean fish such as hake, pollock, cod, etc. You just need to select the bones and cut the fillet into small pieces.
Suitable plant food for adult turtles is: algae (water hyacinth, hornwort, duckweed, etc.) and plants (dandelion, carrots, lettuce).
The serving size should be approximately equal to half the carapace (back shell) of the turtle. But know that if she refuses to eat, then the portion size needs to be reduced, and feeding should be stopped at that particular time. The size of one piece should be half the size of the head and should be 1/3 of the thickness of the head.
As for the frequency of feeding, small turtles up to 7-9 cm in carapace are fed once a day. Larger ones should be fed less frequently. —
once every other day.
Along with the food, you can give special vitamin supplements suitable only for reptiles, this will provide them with a complete diet. But remember that for each age and sex group the frequency and amount of feeding is different, so before giving it it is better to consult a specialist.
To pollute the aquaterrarium less, the turtle can be fed in a specially equipped fish tank (if you are not feeding it with live aquarium fish). In this case, the cage must be of a suitable size so that the pet can turn around and move freely in it.
Cleaning
The most unpleasant and difficult thing. During harvesting, the turtle must be transplanted into a specially equipped fish tank (there can be only one tank for feeding and temporary housing at the time of harvesting).
Cleaning is done once a week. In our case, a full treatment of algae and bacteria using antiseptics is required, followed by rinsing under running water. Chlorhexidine, sold at any pharmacy, is suitable as an antiseptic, or you can use a weak soap solution. During cleaning, do not forget to thoroughly treat each wall and all corners of the aquaterrarium.
Remember: provided that the aquaterrarium is thoroughly cleaned weekly, the likelihood of your turtle developing skin problems will be extremely, extremely low.
Epilogue
This article discusses the general rules for keeping red-eared turtles, which are suitable for all three subspecies.
Before getting a turtle, carefully weigh the pros and cons and think about whether you can provide the necessary conditions for keeping your pet healthy and not in need of veterinary care.
Remember: it is always cheaper and easier to properly maintain an exotic pet than to treat diseases that can be extremely dangerous in reptiles, particularly turtles.
Causes of premature death
The most common causes of death of pets are:
- Improper conditions of detention. Small aquarium, dirty unfiltered water, untimely cleaning, inappropriate temperature conditions.
- Infections. They can appear from aquarium plants, decorative elements, and live food.
- Poor nutrition and lack of vitamins. In nature, a turtle can compensate for the deficiency of any element on its own; when kept at home, monitoring the diet is the owner’s task.
- Lack of qualified veterinary specialists who can correctly and timely diagnose health problems and prescribe adequate treatment.
