Conditions for keeping red-eared turtles. Red-eared turtles in the wild. Common questions asked by red-eared turtle owners

The red-eared turtle is the most famous and popular species of waterfowl kept in home aquariums. But, before you make yourself a little friend, you should find out everything about the characteristics, habits, and conditions of keeping reptiles. In addition, it is worth finding out exactly what size the red-eared turtle reaches after several years of living in captivity. Some sellers, faced with a naive buyer, may try to convince him that this is a dwarf animal that remains small throughout its life. Disappointment will come within a year, when it is discovered that the size of red-eared turtles is rapidly increasing. In order not to become a victim of unscrupulous people and to approach the purchase of a pet with full responsibility, we invite you to get to know this amazing creature better.

Written beauty

The name Trachemys scripta is Latin for “lined” or “painted”. The unique beauty of the pattern of the shell, which extends to the head and limbs, attracts the eye of the red-eared turtle. At first glance, its size seems small and makes you want to immediately pick up and place the animal at home.

Indeed, the turtle outfit looks bright and colorful: red oblong spots in the ear area and an intricate pattern of rings on the shell. Some subspecies have yellow or orange spots. The outfit of young individuals is distinguished by rich shades of green, yellow, and brown. With age, the colors of turtles change, losing their original variegation and richness of colors. In old age, a bright pattern may lose its outline and merge into one dark brown or black color.

Features of anatomy

The shell supports the skeleton and reliably protects the reptile from blows and attacks from enemies. Under the natural armor, a normal level of heat is maintained in which the red-eared turtle feels comfortable. The size and shape of the shell depends on the lifestyle and is distinguished by a teardrop shape, which facilitates rapid movement in water and on land.

The turtle hides its head and limbs in the front and back holes of its protective armor in case of danger. The outside of the paws are covered with dense scales, and there are bony plates on the head.

Habitat and distribution

It owes its origin to the eastern part of North America. Its usual habitat is shallow lakes and ponds with low muddy banks, wetlands and river floodplains. Unpretentiousness and omnivorousness allowed freshwater creatures to settle in places with more severe climatic conditions: North Africa, Central and Southern Europe, Asia and Australia.

A short winter hibernation is a typical natural phenomenon that the red-eared turtle undergoes (the size of this amphibian is medium). Because they fall asleep only at a temperature that is insufficient to support their vital functions: below 10 or above 40 o C.

At home, with a comfortable temperature, there is no need for natural rest, so decorative reptiles have completely adapted to do without it. Giving up hibernation did not in any way affect their ability to reproduce in captivity.

Pond slider. Dimensions at home

At birth, all babies look the same: tiny green lumps with a shiny shell and bright spots on the head. The size of red-eared turtles at birth is about three centimeters.

Males and females grow and develop at the same rate, and at first they are difficult to distinguish. Intensive growth during the first two years of life is a typical phenomenon for an underwater inhabitant called the red-eared turtle. Dimensions in captivity during this period reach up to 7-10 cm. During growth, a complete and balanced diet is a prerequisite. Otherwise, the turtles will lag behind in development from their relatives living in the wild.

Further growth of reptiles slows down, but does not stop. They grow continuously during the first ten to twelve years of life. The maximum size of a red-eared turtle can reach 50 cm. But such “giants” are not a typical phenomenon; they live exclusively in the wild. The normal size of an adult red-eared slider is approximately 25-32 cm in length, depending on the subspecies. Moreover, the male always looks smaller than the female. Already from the third year of life they begin to differ. Adult males are usually 4-5 cm smaller than their female counterparts. The body weight of a female individual is 2-3 times greater than the weight of a male. Their jaws are also more developed, so females feed on rough animal feed.

Setting up a home for a turtle

In order for the new tenant to feel cozy and comfortable with you, you should first of all take care of a comfortable home. An aquaterrarium is the most suitable housing for freshwater reptiles. The red-eared turtle will feel comfortable and cozy in such a container. The size of the aquarium should be sufficient to hold 150-200 liters of water. It must be changed at least once a month, after letting it sit for five days. To keep your aquarium clean, it is advisable to purchase a water filter.

The peculiarities of the existence of a freshwater turtle require the presence of a small piece of land nearby. Artificial islands with gentle banks can be freely purchased at a pet store. It is desirable that the slope has a rough, uneven surface, then the reptile can freely get out onto land.

The turtle loves warmth very much, so it is necessary to arrange an artificial sun for it, which will well illuminate the top of the island and warm the air at its surface to 30-31 o C. To maintain a comfortable water temperature (from 24 to 26 o C), install an adjustable incandescent lamp .

It is desirable that the container for keeping reptiles has an elongated rectangular shape. The size of an aquarium for a red-eared turtle with a shell length of 25 cm can have the following approximate indicators:

• volume - 150 l;
• length - 1000 mm;
• width - 500 mm;
• height - 900 mm;
• water depth - 500 mm;
• island length - 250 mm;
• island width - 120 mm.

Despite their deceptive slowness, reptiles are actually very agile. Therefore, when arranging sushi, you should position it so that the distance from the top to the edge of the glass wall is at least 30-35 cm. The proposed container parameters are optimal for one adult red-eared turtle to comfortably fit in it. It is not always possible to maintain the dimensions at home due to lack of free space in the apartment. For comfortable living of two adults, you will need an aquaterrarium with a capacity of at least 180-200 liters.

Features of reproduction

Red-eared turtles take a long time to mature, so the ability to reproduce offspring in natural conditions appears in them only after 6-8 years. In captivity, sexual maturity occurs much earlier: in males - at four years, and in females - at 5-6 years. The mating season lasts from February to May, when the reservoirs are already well warmed up. At home, with a uniform temperature regime, the periodicity is not maintained, and marriage can occur at any time of the year.

Mating games among turtles are not similar to other animals. The male, seeing the female, swims close to her muzzle and scratches her chin with his sharp claws. During mating, the partner is placed on top of the partner. Its plastron (abdominal shield) has a slight convexity. The concavity in the carapace (dorsal shield) of the female is also a specific feature of the shell that distinguishes the red-eared turtle. The size of her depression and the male's bulge match perfectly. So nature made sure that during mating there was as close contact between animals as possible.

Red-eared sliders lay eggs twice per season, from April to June. The female lays her clutch on land, digging a deep hole with her hind limbs. The equipped nest has a spherical shape. The turtle lays about a dozen eggs in it, the size of which does not exceed four centimeters. Having covered the nest with soil, the female leaves and never returns. The cubs are born after about four months. It is noteworthy that the sex of red-eared turtles depends on the level of heat during the incubation period. If the temperature does not exceed 27 o C, then only males will hatch from the eggs. In the case when the nest warms up to 30 o C and above, female individuals are born.

Balanced diet

In nature, red-eared turtles feed not only on plant foods, but also on animal foods. Therefore, at home it is very important to organize for them a balanced diet that corresponds to the natural composition. For active growth, turtles require a lot of protein, so they must be fed animal food once a day. Young individuals are given dry fish food, earthworms, bloodworms, woodlice, and sea crustaceans (dried or live).

An adult red-eared turtle, whose size (photo below) exceeds 10-12 cm, can eat liver, raw or boiled beef, and chicken. It is also useful to treat her to raw low-fat fish, squid, and shrimp. You can add several small fish into the aquarium so that the turtle hunts them itself. Various insects (beetles and larvae) should definitely be included in the freshwater menu. For convenience, you can prepare a mixture of several gelatin-based foods with the addition of raw chicken eggs. The finished composition can be stored in the refrigerator for a long time.

As reptiles grow, plant foods should be introduced into their diet. In the aquarium, aquatic plants are bred that the turtle can eat: algae, duckweed, water hyacinth, edogonium, ludwigia and some others. Turtles happily eat fresh greens: mallow, basil, dandelions, clover, peas. For vegetables, you can give pieces of carrots, fresh cucumber, white cabbage, and lettuce. Bone meal is an essential source of calcium, which is required for skeletal growth and shell strengthening. Once a week it should be added to the turtles' food. From time to time it is useful to add a couple of drops of vitamin D oil solution to your food.

If it is not possible to create ideal living conditions for the turtle and organize proper nutrition, you should take care to introduce mineral supplements and vitamin supplements into the diet.

Feeding is carried out during the daytime, since freshwater animals are most active during this period of the day. Everything is simply poured into water. Food must be given little by little so that the animals have time to eat it. Excess food will settle to the bottom and, rotting, pollute the water in the aquarium. Young animals are fed daily, but adults need to be given food 2-3 times a week.

Features of maintenance and care

You can keep several turtles in the house separately or together. When housing in a group, it is important that the animals have enough space to move freely. Turtles often get dirty in the soil that is poured on the bottom of the aquarium, and food debris sticks to their faces. You need to keep your turtles clean by regularly bathing them in warm water with baking soda added. Algae that periodically grows on the shell should be carefully cleaned off with a soft sponge.

When caring for a turtle, you need to be careful because it can bite painfully. Individuals of the same size living in the same territory usually coexist peacefully with each other. When the aquarium contains one, its size does not matter. But when there are several reptiles in a group, you need to remember that large ones can bite and even cripple those who are smaller than them.

Getting ready to make a new friend

Before you buy a new tenant, you should think carefully about whether a red-eared turtle is really needed in the house. How big does the animal grow, how much food does it eat, how long does it live? You need to know the exact answer to these and many other questions. It should be understood that the turtle requires special attention and great patience. In the wrong hands, an animal can simply die. Red-eared turtles love affection and are responsive and peaceful. You should not buy a reptile from strangers: attachment to the previous owners can cause melancholy and illness in animals. For choice and advice, it is better to contact specialized stores. There you can get competent advice on keeping and caring for turtles.

If you decide to purchase young animals that are several months old, then remember that at this age they are very susceptible to various diseases. From the first day a young turtle appears, you need to provide it with proper nutrition and vitamin supplements.

How to choose correctly

The most suitable season to buy a red-eared turtle is spring. It will be easier for the animal to settle into a new place and adapt to living conditions. If you buy a turtle in the fall, you risk its health. This is due to the fact that the adaptation period in the cold season may take too long. In winter, reptiles eat very little, so their fragile bodies can be susceptible to various diseases.

When choosing a turtle, pay attention to its appearance. Examine the animal's skin for the presence of ticks - they are often hidden in numerous folds of the neck, near the tail, and around the eyes. Sometimes you can even spot a leech. A healthy turtle's skin should be smooth, without cracks or dark spots.

Pay attention to the integrity and hardness of the shell. It should not have any deformations, scratches or soft areas. A healthy turtle's eyes do not have swelling or discharge. If the eyes are sunken and dark circles form around them, this indicates severe dehydration of the reptile’s body. The mouth and area around it should be clean, free of discharge and sores.

In addition to physical integrity, pay attention to the turtle's behavior. A healthy individual is distinguished by calm regularity and normal coordination of movements. If you pick up a turtle, it will actively resist, moving its limbs and turning its head. At the moment of excitement, the animal defecates, so in order not to get dirty, it is better to hold it with its head towards you.

When there are already turtles in the house, the newcomer should be kept for about two months in a separate terrarium. All this time, you should regularly examine the reptile, monitor its behavior and condition. You can place a new resident with relatives only after the successful completion of quarantine.

The freshwater red-eared turtle (lat. Trachemys scripta elegans) is a reptile that is a subset of the red-eared turtle of the Freshwater turtle family. Natural habitat - Northwestern regions of the USA, South America, Europe and Southeast Asia. The species was first described by the German naturalist Maximilian Wied-Neuwied in 1839.

In the Northwestern United States, turtles share the same habitat with spotted turtles, which is why these species are constantly confused. Red-eared turtles lead an amphibious lifestyle and love to sunbathe in the sun along the coastlines of freshwater bodies of water (rivers, lakes and ponds). They also love swamps and places with a muddy, soft bottom.

They prefer warm climates and can also be found near tropical streams. In some countries this species is vulnerable and protected by law. However, in many parts of the world, turtles have been domesticated as pets.

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External characteristics and behavior

The red-eared turtle is brightly colored and resembles the spotted turtle in appearance (the shell of the first is higher). The most visible characteristics are the presence of yellow marginal scutes, a yellow plastron with dark spots, and markings in the form of a red mark near the ear, behind the eyes (although not all individuals have this spot visible). The head, neck and legs are green with yellow stripes. The olive or brown shell is distinguished by prominent yellow and black longitudinal stripes. The plastron (lower shell) is yellow, covered with dark spots on each scute.

Males are slightly smaller than females and have long claws on their front legs. Females can be found very dark, almost black in body color, or with a darkened pattern on the skin and plastron. The length of the shell of an adult turtle is 12-28 cm.

The sex of the turtle is determined during a critical stage of embryogenesis depending on the incubation temperature. This temperature depends on the sex chromosomes, which also determine the sex of the future reptile. Eggs that mature at a temperature of 22-27 degrees will “grow” only males, but a higher incubation temperature will provoke the birth of females. Newborn turtles look the same as adults, only smaller in size.

Feeding

There are many foods that can be provided for the red eared turtle to eat. Store-bought food for a turtle living in an aquarium should not make up more than 25% of the diet of a turtle living in the wild. The red-eared slider is an omnivorous reptile that in its youth feeds exactly like a carnivore. During the period of sexual maturity, the turtle will require less meat, but more plant food. Make sure your pet changes its diet.

Watch red-eared turtles feed.

As protein food, turtles can be given: earthworms, silkworms, microworms, water snails, crickets, krill, daphnia, shrimp, pond snails, mosquito larvae. If there are frogs in the aquarium, they will eat them. This type of turtle eats in the water, so make sure there is enough food on land for your pet to take underwater.

Breeding

The red-eared slider does not reproduce easily in captivity - simply introducing two adults, one male and one female, is not enough. Firstly, you should make sure that the pets have become sexually mature, and secondly, the water conditions must correspond to natural indicators that stimulate reproduction.

This species can be bred from the age of 5, when the female has grown to 15 cm in length and the male to 10 cm. After you have determined the readiness of the female, prepare a separate container for receiving a brood. The breeding aquarium should have a volume of 100 liters, the water in it should be at room temperature (at least 20 degrees). The tank should not be deep enough to allow producers to go out to breathe. Mating of turtles takes 15 minutes.

Red-eared turtles are characterized by a mating dance, which determines whether the female is ready for fertilization. The male turtle will swim around the female, touching her face with his long claws, or tapping her shell with them. The male can simply swim around her, demonstrating his attention. If the female has accepted courtship, the breeding process will begin. Otherwise, the male will have to be removed from the nursery, otherwise a fight will break out between him and the female. After which you can repeat the process, but after a few days.

After successful reproduction, the female is left in a comfortable tank with certain parameters. The water should not be cold (22-26 degrees), clean, with an illuminated heating area. During pregnancy, the female eats little, eating only certain foods.

The average gestation period for a female is 2 months. Over the past two weeks, she has been digging more often, trying to find a suitable place to lay eggs. An aquarium with an established bottom and coastline will provide such a place. The red-eared slider lays 2 to 20 oval eggs. Some of them may be unfertilized. If an aquarium female tries to lay eggs, but fails, this is a sign of fatigue or illness. In this case, she should be shown to a veterinarian.

Adult turtles readily eat earthworms and thin strips of raw or cooked meat. You can pamper your pet with fish a couple of times a week. To do this, you need to cut it into small ribbons and pour boiling water over it. There is absolutely no need to remove small bones; turtles can handle them without difficulty.

However, you should not feed your turtle exclusively meat. Otherwise, the risk of developing rickets in the animal increases. Therefore, small pieces of lettuce, cabbage leaves and seaweed are suitable as complementary foods.

Considering that the most active red-eared turtles during the day, you need to feed them at this time. Young animals eat every day, adult animals eat once every 3 days. Oddly enough, it also requires red eared turtle care behind your claws. Excessively overgrown claws should be shortened using nippers, but you should not get carried away so as not to injure the animal.

If it is not possible to install a UV lamp for irradiation, then in warm weather it is recommended to sometimes expose it to sunlight, avoiding direct rays.

Under supervision and with a water container, the turtle will appreciate the conditions for sunbathing. Attentive and careful attitude guarantees that the pet will be active and healthy for many years to the delight of its owners.

Gender can be determined by external and behavioral characteristics. The latter includes, for example, activity. Breeders of red-eared turtles notice that females are calmer than males. The boys run around the terrarium, taste everything they encounter, and often nod their heads.

Among the external signs, the gender of the animal is revealed by the tail, claws and plastron. The last concept refers to the abdominal shield. Red-eared turtle shell-the girls below are even. When mating, the male climbs onto the female.

This led to a modification of the plastron. The tail of males is concave. The recess “absorbs” the shell of the girl turtle and the genitals move closer to each other. By the way, some zoologists determine the sex of amphibians by touch, penetrating under the shell and feeling the reproductive organs.

This allows you to accurately understand whether you are taking a boy or a girl. It is easy to determine the sex only by sight in turtles at least 7 years old. Animals take a long time to mature and, in the first years of life, look almost the same.

How to determine the sex of a red-eared turtle by claws? Pay attention to their length and shape. In males, the claws are elongated and slightly curved, based on equally elongated fingers. Girl turtles have short fingers. The claws of females are barely noticeable at all.

By the tail red-eared turtle gender determined based on shape. In males it is close to triangular. The tails of females are straight, like sausages. They are round. In addition, the tails of female turtles are shorter than those of males.

Rumor has it that the muzzles of females are more flattened. Males have pointed faces. However, zoologists do not confirm this. Determining sex by the shape of an animal's muzzle is used only as an auxiliary method.

Hibernation of the red-eared turtle

Red-eared slider lives in warm areas. The animal is comfortable at +35-42 degrees Celsius. Such conditions for keeping the red-eared turtle do not force her to hibernate. Simply put, prolonged sleep is a sign of an unfavorable environment for a species.

Temperatures below 10 degrees are critical. The usual room temperature for Russians does not suit pets either. Needed terrariums for red-eared turtles. Only in them, under bright, warm lamps, do animals feel at ease.

If a terrarium individual hibernates, a disease is suspected. We will talk about typical ailments for red-eared turtles in a separate chapter. In the meantime, let’s take into account the possibility of improper organization of pets’ lives in the terrarium.

Firstly, species love space. The aquarium should be low but wide. Secondly, it is difficult to determine the heating of the water. Need a thermostat. In general, we study the chapter “Secrets of caring for the red-eared turtle.”

Diseases of the red-eared turtle

Preferring warmth red eared turtle disease picked up mainly due to temperature changes. So, pets can get pneumonia. Like pneumonia in humans, it can be one- or two-sided. The latter often leads to death.

You can diagnose pneumonia in a turtle yourself. The animal becomes lethargic and loses the ability to dive, although it tries to go under water. The treatment is to hold your pet over a hot chamomile decoction. The reptile must inhale the vapors. To prevent the turtle from being burned, we check the temperature of the steam at a selected distance from the cup with our hand.

When treating pneumonia in a turtle, it is important to eliminate sources of cold in its familiar environment. For some reason the animal got sick. Usually, the water in the terrarium is supercooled. Although red-eared turtles spend most of their time in the water, there are illnesses that require shellfish to be kept on land.

This applies to conjunctivitis. Red-eared cats are predisposed to it. The disease is contagious. Therefore, an individual with conjunctivitis is separated from the rest and allowed into the water only for a couple of hours a day.

Drug treatment for eye inflammation in red-eared turtles comes down to instilling an antibiotic. Human ones are suitable, for example, Diclofenac. "Open" eyes red-eared turtle in 3-4 days. If you start treatment at the first symptoms, a couple of days of therapy is enough.

Rickets is the 3rd typical disease red-eared turtle. Scull animal and other bones do not soften. The “impact” falls on the shell. By throwing calcium reserves onto the main skeleton, the body limits the supply of its “house”.

A deficiency of building material is caused by a lack of ultraviolet radiation, that is, sunlight and poor nutrition. For example, a meat diet leads to rickets. Red-eared turtles are omnivores and need not only proteins, but also fiber, fats, and carbohydrates.

An incorrect diet also provokes the development of skin diseases in red-eared turtles. The covers begin to peel off. These are symptoms of a lack of vitamins A and B. Therapy consists of eating foods rich in them. However, in order not to overdo it and provoke hypervitaminosis instead of vitamin deficiency, it is recommended to use balanced supplements from pet stores.

Reproduction of the red-eared turtle

When starting to mate turtles, it is not enough to determine their gender. It is also necessary to make sure of sexual maturity. The age of pets is not known to everyone. We determine readiness for mating by the length of the shell.

For a male, 11 centimeters is enough, and for a female – 17. At the proper size, red-eared turtles actively mate from February to May. Eggs are laid from July to September. The personalities of the couple also increase the chance of fertilization.

You need one male and several females. Two boys compete for leadership. Instead of mating, males will focus on sorting out the relationship so that it boils over water.Pond slider-the female, as the only bride, may not give birth to offspring. Breeders say: “Mating in vain.” Out of several turtle girls, at least one will become pregnant.

The photo shows the eggs of a red-eared turtle

Behavioral characteristics will also indicate the readiness of animals to mate. Males, for example, begin to tickle the cheeks of their chosen ones with their claws and tap on their shells. With the consent of the female, the male climbs on her. Fertilization occurs in water no deeper than 12 centimeters. This will allow the female turtle to breathe during intercourse. By the way, it lasts about 15 minutes. This is enough for 4-5 clutches of eggs.

Like people, turtles spend their body's resources on reproduction. For example, phosphorus, calcium, and a number of vitamins are used to form eggs. Therefore, during the period of mating and gestation, supplements are added to the pets’ diet.

You also need to add something to the landscape of the aquaterrarium. We remember how to care at home. Pond slider lays eggs in sand or peat. Accordingly, we place a container with filler in the aquarium. A depth of 3-5 centimeters is sufficient. We attach a lift to the cuvette so that the turtle can climb inside.

In the photo there is a baby red-eared turtle

The offspring hatch after 2 months. The sex of baby turtles depends on the ambient temperature. In sand heated to 30 degrees and above, girls are formed, and in soil with a temperature of up to 27 degrees, boys are formed. So, you can regulate the sex of turtles without having to worry about determining it based on the behavior and appearance of the individuals. Next, some more interesting facts about red-eared turtles.

Interesting facts about the red-eared slider

The visual perception of turtles by different nations is interesting. The red-eared armored species is called only in Russia. But in Germany, turtles are called red-cheeked turtles. But, be that as it may, representatives of the species are tenacious. 30 years is the norm for red-eared cats. Let's call them in their native style.

It is also interesting that turtle shells are not just knuckles. They have nerve endings. Animals are able to feel touches and blows not only through vibrations reverberating into the body. If a turtle sees an enemy in someone communicating with it, it begins to hiss. This is the only thing the animal’s vocal cords are capable of.

In a good-natured mood, a red-eared turtle may still snort or whistle, but it will not be a singer or talker. But the reptile could become. Turtles of this species are able to change the color of their body and shell.

True, the process is slower than that of a chameleon. Having transferred the animal to new scenery, you will have to wait about an hour or two for a new color. Turtles will not be able to become acid-lemon, but they will try to lighten and turn yellow as much as possible.

Finally, let’s debunk the myth about the slowness of turtles. Red-eared cats are capable of running at a respectable speed and also overcoming obstacles. True, pets show agility in certain circumstances, for example, in pursuit of an opponent. Under normal conditions, turtles are indeed relaxed and unhurried.

The choice of a pet is decided long before going to the pet store. Some people like active animals, but slow animals also have many adherents.

Their unusual appearance and emphasized phlegmatic nature attract lovers of wildlife.

The “guest” of our review is the red-eared turtle. Let's consider caring for her at home and proper feeding.

Short description

This one is also known as yellow-bellied. The main natural range is the northern and central regions of North America, as well as southwestern South America. It is distributed in large quantities in the Iberian Peninsula and South Africa.

The species got its name because of the noticeable red (optionally orange) stripe that runs from the eyes and down to the neck. Note that the colors are very varied, and instead of a stripe there may be large bright spots, complemented by a narrow “ribbon” at the chin.

The top of the shell (the so-called carapace) is round in shape and smooth to the touch. Its olive green color is “diluted” with yellow and black lines. The bottom of the shell (plastron) is yellowish in color, interspersed with blue spots. Young individuals have a bright green carapace, which begins to darken as they grow. The same goes for spots and “signature” stripes.

In terms of size, this species is medium: the length of the carapace ranges from 19–30 cm (domestic specimens have a larger carapace, usually 25–28 cm). Females are much larger than males.
At the "red girls" perfectly developed sense of smell and vision- it has been proven that they distinguish colors and the smallest details at a distance of 35–40 m. The sense of touch is also in order - if there is a choice, the turtle will easily settle on more tasty food. This is a kind of compensation for not particularly developed hearing. The ears are closed, and a layer of skin muffles the sound. The reptile can only distinguish vibrations or dull sounds.

Important! Often purchased copy- not the only one in the “collection”. Such newcomers are not placed in a common aquarium immediately, but after a 2-month quarantine in a separate container with all the conditions. If it turns out that he was never accepted, then the “temporary building” becomes a permanent home.

Such pets are “taciturn”; the most that can be heard from them is a weak squeak, a quiet snort or hiss.

They prefer leisurely swimming, which alternates with long rests on various kinds of snags. There they love to “catch” the sun’s rays.

Purchase rules

If you decide to purchase such an “armadillo,” be patient and take your choice seriously.

The best place to purchase would be a pet store, where they can give sensible advice. Unfortunately, there are not many such establishments, so you have to rely on your own knowledge.

Pay attention to the following points:

1. Condition of skin and shell. There should be no blood, scratches or unnecessary stains on them.
2. Take a closer look at your eyes. In a healthy individual, they open normally, without traces of “sourness” or cloudiness.
3. Don't forget to inspect your nose (for discharge). Bubbles mixed with saliva, as well as strange and frequent sniffles are excluded.
4. Turtle activity. Cheerful movements indicate excellent health.
5. It is advisable to arrange another “exam”. Check if the selected specimen dives in the water. If not, it may be a consequence of pneumonia.

Unscrupulous sellers often assure newbies that “rednecks” are a decorative dwarf species. In fact, this is not so: they are not that small, and they are also quite aggressive relative to other turtles.

Once you have made your choice, be sure to ask for a receipt. It may come in handy if the animal turns out to be sick and a return follows. And when crossing the border, it obviously won’t be superfluous.

If it is possible to buy a turtle from a nursery, then this will be at least some guarantee that it was kept in normal conditions and is healthy.

Did you know? In Australia, this species is recognized as...pest! Large “herds” of these turtles deprive many species of local animals of their food supply.

How to determine age and gender

The main parameter by which age is calculated is the length of the shell. It is measured “from edge to edge”, with a ruler or tape measure. The circumference is not taken into account.
There is one nuance here. The fact is that the figures obtained can only indicate the approximate age of the animal. With proper care, growth is very intensive, and a seemingly large pet may actually turn out to be the same age as a smaller reptile living in slightly worse conditions.

If you keep this fact in mind, then the indicators will be as follows:

• 6 cm is the norm for a one-year-old individual;
• at 2 years, females “grow” up to 9 cm, while males begin to lag behind, reaching 7.5–8 cm;
• “three-year-olds” grow, respectively, to 14 and 10 cm;
• 4 years: 16 and 12 cm;
• the five-year-old “celebrator” is indicated by shells of 18 and 14 cm;
• a six-year-old female barely fits within 20 cm, while males remain at 17 cm.

No less important are the questions of how to determine the sex of the red-eared slider you like and what to look for in this case. We have already mentioned the more impressive “dimensions” of females. They can also be recognized by their short tail. A closer examination will indicate the characteristic location of the cloaca - in males it is much closer to the edge of the tail. Among the indirect sexual characteristics are the length and shape of the claws (“men” have large and curved ones), as well as the bend of the plastron - in females this edge is straight, while in the opposite sex there is a small internal “hollow.”

Important! Having purchased such a beauty in warm weather, deliver it home in a box with holes for ventilation. In cold weather, you will have to put a heating pad there or even hold the animal close to you. But wrapping it in rags is useless.

Lifespan in captivity

With attentive owners, such “yellow bellies” can survive 35–40 years. Rarely, but still there are 45-year-old “centenarians”. If there have been short-term violations of light or thermal conditions, then this period is reduced to 30.
A good food supply and care (and, if necessary, treatment) - all this affects how long the popular red-eared turtles live in normal home conditions. In nature, they last much less, on average 17–20 years.

Choosing and arranging housing

First you will have to acquire a voluminous one. For an adult, you will need 120–150 liters, and if there are two pets, then 200. For kids, 50 liters will be enough for the first time. The container is selected not too wide and high, but at the same time large in length.

To turn an aquarium into a full-fledged turtle “housing” you will need:

1. Water heater (they try to use 100-watt ones).
2. 40 or 60 W incandescent light bulbs placed at a height of more than 25 cm. With a lower “landing” the light will hit your eyes.
3. Special ultraviolet lamp for reptiles (UVB 5–7%). For little ones they need 10%.
4. External (for adults) or internal filter suitable for young animals.
5. Thermometer.

It is necessary to have an equipped bank. In terms of area, it will occupy a little more than a quarter of the entire area. Of course, warming up is needed - that’s where the light bulbs are directed. The temperature difference between such an island and the water is usually 7–10 °C in favor of land.

Did you know? Leatherback turtles are considered true giants. At 2 m in length, they can weigh more than half a ton! This miracle lives in the east of Australia or on the northern coast of Brazil and Venezuela.

The following requirements are put forward to him:

1. Convenient descent and ascent. One of the sides always smoothly goes into the water.
2. Safety. The turtle should not get stuck between the land and the wall of the aquarium. Stability is no less important - a fairly strong reptile can turn over an unsecured “island”.
3. The presence of a slightly rough surface on which it is convenient to move. On flat surfaces the paws will slip.
4. The material from which the “rest area” is installed must be safe, not overheat and not pollute the water and air with toxins.

Singles or need neighbors

These turtles are not very friendly in nature. Fights are a common thing for them (especially in adulthood). Dividing up territory or trying to resolve the “sexual issue” often ends in wounds of varying degrees or severed tails. The risk of such serious injuries forces owners to distribute representatives of this species in different aquariums.

When this is not possible, and a couple of individuals end up in the same “vessel,” you have to resort to a trick. Barriers or plastic walls are placed through which aggressive inhabitants simply will not see each other.

Important! Remind children to wash their hands after playing with the family pet. Still, “shellfish” live in a different environment, and various bacteria can accumulate on their skin.

If they do spot a competitor, but are physically unable to reach him, this can result in stress. You can smooth out its consequences with abundant feeding.

What do they eat

It will be useful for beginners to know what to feed the predatory red-eared turtle living at home. Yes, they are omnivorous predators, and at a young age the basis of their diet is food of animal origin. A gradual transition to plant foods occurs as we age, and in the future its share increases.

The diet, as well as the amount of food, depends on age:

1. Up to 1 year of age, a single daily feeding is required. Both soft animal food and special food along with plant foods are used. Take 2-3 small pieces (1 cubic cm).
2. An adult “tenant” can be fed after 1–2 days. During this period, 50% plant feed is considered the norm. Although this proportion may vary slightly, turtles also have individual tastes. The dosage is reduced to the same 2-3 pieces, but already up to 3 cubic meters. cm.

Feed is given raw and not too warm (room temperatures are enough).

The “menu” can include the following products:

• any lean river fish;
• carrots and lettuce leaves;
• various insects - usually woodlice, small locusts or legless crickets, bloodworms, woodlice, earthworms and daphnia crustaceans;
• liver - beef heart or liver is considered a delicacy (as are chicken hearts);
• small mice and frogs, tadpoles or;
• dandelion, clover and mallow, suitable aquatic fauna include pistia and duckweed.

Here is a list of prohibited foods:

• bread;
• fruits;
• cheeses;
• meat in the form of minced meat and sausages; chicken and pork (along with lamb and beef) are also “taboo”;
• fatty fish.

Did you know? A turtle named Big Head predicted the outcome of one of the World Cup matches in 2014. The animal confidently chose the feeder under the Brazilian flag, and the national team of this country confidently beat the Croats a little later.

Dry food, which is so actively offered in pet stores, requires careful use; its share in the diet is reduced to a minimum (and only if the diet is somewhat disrupted). But ground bone meal will come in handy - kids are given a pinch every day to hold the bone skeleton and shell together. Their older “colleagues” are given a teaspoon, but once a week.

Care and hygiene

Of exceptional importance in the content is water. Animals sleep in it, eat and “relieve their needs” there, so a filter alone is not enough - the liquid is changed. A complete replacement (with 3- and 4-fold “rinsing” of the walls) is carried out once a month, and a less thorough one - at intervals of 2 weeks.

It happens that the filter is broken. Then cleaning is done twice as often. In any case, baking soda will be used for wiping. More aggressive means are not suitable. Naturally, during this treatment the turtle is temporarily transferred to a container filled with water. All snags, bushes and stones are removed. Dirt from them is washed off or wiped with a rag.

A container with clean water is filled so that the pet can calmly roll over, suddenly finding itself on its back.

The optimal water temperature is +23…+28 °C. If you turn it up more, your pet will begin to overheat. The lower limit is +20 °C, but it is better not to let it get to that level. To stably maintain the required “degrees”, turn on the heater.

Important! It is advisable to leave a fresh portion of tap water for at least a day. During this time, the most harmful compounds will have time to “evaporate”.

Now about light mode. Both lamps are turned on all day, for 10–12 hours. At the same time, on the shore equipped for recreation it should be +32…+33 °C. At night the lamps are turned off.
Take into account the fact that glass and plastic absorb some of the heat, and you need to set the light so that the reptile receives more rays.

You can often hear about sunbathing. The procedure is good and useful, but with its own subtleties. Thus, the first stay in the fresh air in warm (at least +20 °C) weather should be limited to 5 minutes. This time can be gradually increased. Only in this case should the turtle be able to go into the shade - keeping it in the sun for a long time will only overheat it.

Hibernation period

Under natural conditions, red-eared cats actually go to sleep when it gets cold. But for domestic specimens this condition may not be required. Many owners, due to inexperience, miss this nuance, which leads to sad results. Let's figure out why.

When hibernating, “wild” individuals burst into a layer of silt or leaves at the bottom of a shallow, but large-area reservoir. This achieves a balance between temperature and air access. Oxygen enters through membranes located in the mouth, cloaca or pharynx.

Did you know? Representatives of the box turtle species love mushrooms, and not only edible ones. Perhaps that is why there are so many of them - Mexicans are afraid to eat the meat of these small and rather nimble “countrymen”.

It is extremely difficult to achieve such balance in an aquarium, and there is no need for it. Pets, receiving plentiful food and constant access to warmth, simply do not require long sleep. In addition, hibernation significantly weakens their body.

For young individuals, hibernation is even harmful - growth stops, and it will no longer be possible to “catch up” with its pace. The conclusion is simple: you cannot forcibly “euthanize” a turtle; without proper experience, this will cause more harm than good.

Diseases: prevention and treatment

Almost all diseases are the result of errors in care or nutrition. To avoid such problems, do not forget about preventive measures. These include:

• balanced diet appropriate for age;
• keeping in clean and warm water;
• daylight hours lasting a maximum of 12 hours;
• If possible, separate keeping of several individuals to prevent injury;
• regular operation of the filter.

The procedures are simple, but there are different situations, which can result in all sorts of illnesses. Let's look at what diseases there are in red-eared turtles, how to recognize them by symptoms and what to consider for treatment. For clarity, these data are supplemented with photos.

Important! Upon contact with a person, a sick animal can transmit dangerous salmonellosis. The risk of such infection is small, but it should not be discounted. In addition, a seemingly harmless turtle can also spread ascariasis.

Often, as a result of a fight or contact with a sharp corner, snags appear wounds. They are immediately treated, followed by a change of water. If you are late, there is a risk of infection or sepsis.
Sepsis- This is blood poisoning. A sharp decline in activity should be alarming. Inspect immediately, paying particular attention to the plastron and paws (these areas may become red). Treated with strong antibiotics.

Refusal to eat and constantly closed eyes indicate the appearance of ulcerative formations in the mouth. Gram-negative bacteria “worked” here. Primary treatment comes down to cleaning the problem area with gauze soaked in an antimicrobial composition. Diseased tissue is removed. The veterinarian prescribes a course of antibiotics. Difficulties may also arise with the shell. Various kinds bacterial infections, introduced after an injury or as a result of a burn, reveal themselves by softening the “armor” with hemorrhages against the background of a noticeable stench. The scheme is the same - treatment, removal of dead tissue and subsequent isolation. For a large area of ​​damage, different drugs are used.

Lack of calcium leads to deformation of the shell and weakening of the paws. In the early stages, injections of compounds saturated with this element, a change in diet and thermal regime help. In advanced cases, the outcome can be tragic.
If the red-eared turtle has become lethargic, does not eat for a long time and sleeps most of the day, it may come down to treatment pneumonia. Among its other signs are copious discharge from the nose and mouth, characteristic “chest” wheezing, and an unnaturally raised head. Here everything is decided by the veterinarian who prescribes intramuscular or intravenous injections.

Did you know? Aborigines from tropical islands attributed magical properties to shells. Moreover, they tried to read the prophecies that were allegedly written on the “armor”.

Dirty water can lead to abscess ear. It can be recognized by noticeable swelling on the head. This is one of the most difficult diseases - a competent operation with a long recovery is required.

Reproduction at home

Females are considered sexually mature at the age of 2–5 years, whose shell has grown to 12 cm. For males, these figures are 3–4 years and 10 cm, respectively.

As expected, the games begin with courtship - the male swims for a long time near his partner, turning his muzzle towards her. At the same time, he quickly moves his paws. The time of year doesn't matter.

Take a closer look at the female: if she has become overly active and is trying to leave the aquarium, you need to probe her immediately. Having felt the eggs between the hind legs and the shell, prepare a place for laying, not forgetting to isolate the “father”. The need for ultraviolet radiation and calcium increases.

The nest is usually located on land, having prepared a small hole. Seeing that the turtle began to spend a lot of time there, you can calm down - so far everything is normal. There can be up to 20 eggs in a clutch.
“Extraordinary situations” also arise. For example, having laid 1-2 eggs, the female may delay the clutch, at the same time becoming weaker and losing her appetite. Then you will have to contact a veterinarian, otherwise they will simply harden. Another nuisance is discharge into the water. The masonry breaks much less often, which is immediately noticeable by the smell.

Important! It is better to rinse the new “tenant” in a warm bath immediately after purchase. This will prevent the occurrence of certain diseases.

During the season there may be 3-4 clutches. If the process is successful, crumbs of 2.5 cm are born. A yolk mark is visible on their shell. It is not removed - at first the baby feeds on it. The offspring are separated from the adults by pre-heating the water and land by a couple of “above-plan” degrees. The diet focuses on food rich in calcium (it is advisable to take products for turtles).

Now you know how to deal with a brightly colored reptile. We hope that she will delight the whole family for many years without causing unnecessary trouble. More colors every day!

In the natural environment, the red-eared turtle adapts to different weather conditions. Therefore, keeping a pet at home requires only basic care. The pet is a hardy animal and is perfect for those who dream of having a pet for the first time. It is worth considering that the animal needs water, dry land and a warm place where it can warm up and dry its shell.

Two beautiful red-eared turtles

General information about the animal

The natural habitat of red-eared turtles is considered to be the United States. But over time they settled in Asia, Africa and Europe. This type of animal is capable of covering long distances. They are hardy and tenacious.

Under natural conditions, the animal lives where the following conditions exist:

• fresh water;
• dense vegetation;
• sunny dry place;
• and a place for a nest.

The animals were called “red-eared” not because their ears are red, but because of the crimson coloring near the eyes, reminiscent of ears. But the ears of this creature are covered with skin, and it is only capable of picking up vibrations and muffled sounds.

The vision and sense of smell of these animals are very developed. They distinguish colors perfectly, not only above the water, but also under it. Thanks to their sense of smell, animals are able to detect the smell of food that is very far away. They notice a moving object at a distance of more than 40 meters.

Red-eared turtle in a terrarium

These creatures make sounds in the form of short squeaks, snorts and hisses. They are unable to breathe underwater. For oxygen, the animals are forced to rise to its surface.

Life expectancy and external characteristics

Such turtles are also called yellow-bellied turtles, due to the fact that their plastron is yellow in color with dark spots. Young animals have a bright green carapace color. With age, its color becomes darker, and the crimson stripes on its head fade.

Very young, just hatched animals, when measured with a ruler, have a size of 2.5 cm. Literally a year later they reach a size of 5-7 cm. Puberty in animals occurs when they reach a size of 10-12 cm. The average size of an adult is from 25 to 30 cm Females are usually larger than males.

It is worth remembering that red-eared turtles grow much faster at home than in the wild. But the life expectancy of domestic pets is half that of their wild relatives. Thus, living with people with proper care, they can live 40 or more years, and their wild relatives live about 20 years.

Choosing a terrarium

When choosing a suitable home for your red-eared pet, you should take into account its physiological properties. The main feature of the animal is the need to hibernate. The most minimal aquaterrarium for one pet is usually purchased with a volume of 100 liters, but for a more comfortable living it is better to purchase a housing with a capacity of 200 liters. In addition to water, the animal must have a small area of ​​land with a gentle slope so that it can dry out, eat and warm up.

The comfortable water temperature for this creature is 22-25 ͦС. If it is too cold, the animal will stop eating, which will lead to a decrease in immunity and probable death. At higher water temperatures, animals often move to land, which slows down their development and growth. In order to maintain the required temperature, you should purchase an aquarium heater with a temperature controller. Only the optimal water temperature will allow your pet to be healthy and active.

Red-eared slider in an aquarium

It is better not to use tap water, or at least let it sit for several days before using it. You need to change the water in the aquarium at least 1-2 times a week. If difficulties arise or you simply don’t have enough time to change the water so often, you can buy a filter, then changing the water once a month will be enough. The presence of harmful organic compounds that appear in contaminated water will lead to illness in your pet.

In order for turtles to warm up at home, you need to install an ultraviolet lamp and an incandescent lamp over the land area. One window is enough so that the pet does not lack daylight.

Determining the sex of the red-eared slider

The sex of red-eared pets is determined at 2-3 years of life, when they reach a size of 10 cm.

The difference between a male and a female can be made by the following characteristics:

• the female is always larger than the male;
• females have a shorter tail;
• The female's cloaca is located closer to the base of the tail;
• In males, the claws on the paws are curved and longer;
• The male's plastron is slightly concave inward, for more convenient mating.

Reproduction of red-eared turtles at home

Typically, turtles breed very rarely at home. But sometimes this happens and therefore, you should prepare for such a process in advance. At the bottom of the aquarium there should be a layer of soil, for example, sand with some impurities. The female buries her eggs there. The masonry matures at a temperature of 25 ͦC. After the expectant mother buries the clutch, it should be moved immediately, otherwise the adults can damage the offspring.

What to feed a red-eared slider?

When feeding your pet, you need to take into account its age. For small pets, it is better to purchase ready-made food at a pet store.

It usually consists of the following ingredients:

• minced chicken;
• crushed earthworms;
• bloodworm;
• crustaceans;
• beef liver.

Red-eared turtles can eat both meat and plant foods. To diversify your pet's menu, you can feed it with guppy fish.

Calcium plays a very significant role in the life of an animal. Therefore, you must add bone meal, chalk and crushed eggshells to your pet’s menu.

An adult pet loves to enjoy plant foods. Its menu can include vegetables and fruits: cucumber, banana, pear, apple. It will also be useful to feed the animal with legumes and sunflower seeds. In order to prevent the animal's horny plates from turning into a beak, it needs to gnaw something hard, for example, branches of an apple or pear tree. You should not include cockroaches in your turtles' diet. They can be poisonous.

The feeding regime for turtles is as follows:

• Pets up to two years old are fed every day;
• adults - three times a week.

Health and diseases of red-eared pets

When purchasing a pet, it is worth remembering that in addition to maintenance and feeding, it will need treatment. Like all living creatures, red-eared turtles sometimes get sick. The most important thing is to determine what disease the animal is suffering from. Common diseases that affect pets:

• shell disease;
• eye diseases;
• skin diseases;
• diseases of internal organs.

Red-eared turtles often suffer from pneumonia. The main signs that you should pay attention to: lethargy, the animal’s inability to dive, the pet often gets out onto land. During this period, pets require more careful care. For treatment, it is better to consult a veterinarian.

An animal's illness is directly related to improper care and feeding. It is not so difficult for your pet to adhere to the basic rules of keeping.

Basic rules to keep your turtle healthy

A sick pet cannot swim normally, so it is worth reducing the amount of water in the aquarium and making sure that it can come to land whenever it wants.

At the first sign of infection, your pet should be placed in an isolation room and your hands should be washed thoroughly after each contact with it.

The success of the animal’s rapid recovery depends on proper treatment and careful care. Therefore, you should not treat the red-eared turtle yourself, but rather consult a specialist.

Buying a red-eared slider

When deciding to purchase a future pet, it is worth remembering that it lives for about 40 years. And throughout this period you will need to look after him.

After purchasing a future pet at a pet store or market, you should first show it to the veterinarian. This is done in order to check the animal for infections, wounds and diseases.

A newly acquired future pet should not be immediately allowed in with the other turtles living in the house. He should be kept in quarantine for about three months and monitored.

It is strictly prohibited to keep adults with children. Only animals of approximately the same size can live together without harming each other.

Once in a new environment, red-eared turtles require time to adapt. Therefore, if these animals are not particularly active in the first days, you just need to not disturb them, but give them time to get used to it, while not forgetting to feed them.