Red-Eared Slider
The red-eared slider has a low, domed shell, ranging colors from albino yellow to greent to almost black. Yellow stripes on the head are set off by a bright red spot behind the eyes; this giving the name of red-eared.
These turtles are found from North AMerica, ranging from Indiana south to the Gulf of Mexico, and west to New Mexico. These turtles have been released as pets in a variety of locations all over the country.
In the wild they thrive in a variety of freshwater habitats and are easily adaptable.
In captivity, the smallest aquarium should be 20 gallons (long tank), with an additional 10 gallons per adult. A good filtration system is needed. Red-eared sliders like to bask, so therefore a fair sized basking area needs to be provided.
Red-eared sliders are omnivorous, eating aquatic plants, fich, insects and carrion. In captivity, small feeder fish can be provided, as well as commercially bred insects, such as crickets, mealworms, and waxworms. Some people give their red-eared sliders dog food that has been soaked. You can also give commercial turtle food, and chopped vegetables, this will round out a nutritionally complete diet.
When breeding 10 to 20 eggs are laid per clutch and should be incubated at 78 degrees at 100% humidity. They will begin hatching at 65 to 75 days.
