Five Facts about the Red Eared Slider Turtle
If you’re looking for a great pet turtle, the red eared slider may be the perfect choice for you. Below are five facts that most people don’t even know about turtles and the red eared slider.
Fact #1 Red Eared Slider Turtles Lifespan
One of the first things that you should know about the red eared slider turtle (also known as the red eared terrapin) is that they have an immense life span compared to dogs or cats. A well cared for turtle can live for up to 50 years, so becoming a turtle owner is a greater commitment than many are prepared for. The lifespan of your turtle should never be taken for granted however; a long and healthy life is possible only with the right amount of red eared slider turtle care.
Fact #2 Hibernation
For red eared slider turtles hibernation doesn’t occur, they brumate instead. Brumation is a time when most reptiles become much less active and move only for food or water when the temperature gets colder. Red eared sliders spend this time at the bottom of ponds or shallow lakes. Captive turtles should not brumate, you can discourage it by keeping lights on for 12 to 14 hours each day and maintaining a water temperature between 76 – 80 F.
Fact #3 How Did They Get Their Name?
The red eared slider is one species of pond slider turtle with the other being the yellow bellied slider. The red eared slider gets the ‘red’ part of its name from the distinctively colored band of flesh near its ears. They are skittish and shy and are known to quickly slide off of rocks and logs to avoid humans or predators – which is where the ‘slider’ part of its name comes from.
Fact #4 Characteristics of Male and Female Slider Turtles
Like most reptiles, the female is larger than the male. A female slider turtle typically reaches 10 to 12 inches in length whereas the male reaches 8 to 10 inches in length. The male however has longer claws and a longer, thicker tail and subdued markings when compared to the female. The bottom shell or plastron of the male may also have a slight curve inward.
Fact #5 Female Sliders may carry eggs without a Male present
Female red eared sliders do not require males in order to carry eggs, but they will remain unfertilized. It’s important for the female to have a nesting area to lay them because egg retention can cause harm and even death. The eggs are carried between the shell and the front portion of the back legs, gentle examination is required to not inadvertently damage the eggs.
Females with eggs will attempt to dig their way out of the tank and become restless. They may also lay eggs in the water if a nesting area isn’t provided, if this happens a nesting area needs to be created because most of the eggs will remain internal. Female turtles can be choosy about finding a place to nest, but the more natural the environment, the better your odds will be. Use 50 percent dry sand with 50 percent organic compost; this substrate needs to be up to 12 inches deep for large turtles. Red eared slider turtle egg laying requires a substrate that’s devoid of rocks or hard objects as these may cause the female to stop digging.
