How do red-eared turtles live?

How do red-eared turtles live?

Red-eared Sliders are one of the most common turtles in the Puget Sound area. They can be found basking in the sun around Lake Washington and ponds in Western Washington. This turtle lives in ponds, lakes, marshes, and in slow-moving rivers that have soft, muddy bottoms.

Where Do red-eared sliders like to live?

Red-eared sliders occupy a variety of natural freshwater habitats, including streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, swamps, and marshes. They can also be found in manmade habitats such as ditches, canals, and park lakes/ponds.

What kind of habitat does a red-eared slider turtle need?

In their natural habitat, red-eared sliders are freshwater turtles that prefer ponds, marshes, and slow-moving water, even though they are strong underwater swimmers.

What do red-eared turtles need to survive?

The habitat should have a dry area (commercial basking dock, rocks, logs, bricks, cork) on which sliders can climb easily for basking.

• Substrate – Slate, rock or gravel that is too large to eat, Substrate is optional.
• Décor – Basking area should be easily accessible with rocks or wood placed at an incline.
• Temperature –

How old do red-eared sliders live?

30 yearsIn the wild
Pond slider/Lifespan

What do red sliders eat?

Red-eared sliders are omnivores. In the wild, they feed on aquatic vegetation, small fish and decaying material such as dead fish and frogs, etc. Pet red-eared sliders will feed on just about anything you give them, but I recommend feeding them a commercial turtle food or pellet to benefit proper growth and health.

Why is it illegal to have a red eared slider?

Since 1975, however, selling baby turtles that are less than 4 inches long has been illegal in the U.S., because some reptiles—red-eared sliders included—can harbor salmonella on their skin.

How old is my red eared slider turtle?

There’s no definitive method to know the exact age, but certain signs help make an educated guess. The size and color of the carapace, the number of rings in the turtle’s belly, and examining the size of the claws can help to find out a Red-eared slider turtle’s tentative age.

Do red-eared sliders like to swim?

The red-eared slider is very fond of water, and enjoys both swimming and diving in its aquatic home. In order to swim, turtles utilize all four of their legs, extending them to propel themselves through the water. When a turtle is done swimming, they will seek refuge at their basking spot.

How old do red-eared sliders get?

Long lifespans are not limited to red-eared sliders in captivity. In the wild, they have been reported to live for 60 to 70 years. As a matter of fact, lifespans in the wild tend to be longer than in captivity. Most red-eared sliders in captivity will live for about 20 years, with some making it to 30.

How old is the oldest red eared slider?

Mike Conley was about 8 years old when his parents bought him a 49-cent drugstore turtle. Forty years later, Tiger could be the world’s oldest Red-eared Slider. The record had been 37 years, 9 months and 10 days, said Joseph Collins, herpetologist emeritus at the Kansas University Natural History Museum.

Do red-eared sliders bite?

Red Eared Sliders bite, and the bite can be quite painful. But it’s highly unlikely because these reptiles don’t bite “just because.” Instead, these reptiles bite if you push them too hard. Thankfully, you can prevent this behavior.