What Do The Red Eared Slider Turtles Eat?

As one of the most popular turtles in the animal world, the Red Eared Slider Turtle is known for its striking red markings. But what do they eat? In this article, we’ll explore the diet of the Red Eared Slider Turtle, from their favorite foods to the best nutrition for these fascinating reptiles. So if you’re curious about the diet of this unique species, keep reading to find out more!

What Do Red Eared Slider Turtles Eat?

Red eared slider turtles, also known as Trachemys scripta elegans, are a popular species of aquatic turtle native to the United States and northern Mexico. They have become a popular pet among reptile enthusiasts, but what do they eat?

In the Wild

In the wild, red eared slider turtles are omnivorous, meaning they feed on both animal and plant material. Their diet consists mostly of water plants, insects, worms, small fish, and other invertebrates. They may also feed on carrion, or dead animals, and any other small animals they can catch.

In Captivity

When kept as pets, red eared slider turtles should be fed a variety of foods. This includes commercial turtle food, crickets, mealworms, earthworms, aquatic insects, and commercial fish food. They should also be offered a variety of vegetables, such as dark leafy greens, squash, and carrots. Fruits such as apples, strawberries, and melons can also be offered occasionally.

Nutrition

In order to stay healthy, it is important that red eared slider turtles receive a balanced diet. This means that their diet should include a variety of foods from both animal and plant sources. A lack of variety in their diet can cause nutritional deficiencies, which can lead to health problems.

Protein Sources

The primary protein source for red eared slider turtles should be commercial turtle food, insects, worms, and small fish. These should make up about 60-70% of their diet. Commercial fish food can also be offered occasionally.

Vegetables

Vegetables should make up about 20-30% of a red eared slider turtle’s diet. Dark leafy greens, squash, and carrots are all excellent sources of vitamins and minerals and should be offered daily. Fruits such as apples, strawberries, and melons can also be offered occasionally.

Supplements

In addition to a balanced diet, red eared slider turtles should also receive calcium and vitamin supplements. These are essential for proper shell and bone development and can be added to their food or offered as treats.

Feeding Schedule

Red eared slider turtles should be fed once or twice a day, depending on their size. Young turtles should be fed small amounts several times a day, while adult turtles can be fed larger amounts once or twice a day.

Feeding Tips

When feeding red eared slider turtles, it is important to remember a few tips. First, never overfeed them. Too much food can lead to obesity, which can cause health problems. Additionally, never feed them food that has been frozen or left out for too long, as this can cause digestive problems.

Water Quality

When keeping red eared slider turtles, it is also important to maintain the water quality in their habitat. The water should be clean and free of any debris or contaminants. The water should also be changed regularly to keep the water clean and free of any waste.

Handling

When handling red eared slider turtles, it is important to remember that they can become stressed and may bite if not handled properly. Always use caution and never grab a turtle by the tail or legs. It is also important to wash your hands before and after handling a turtle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do Red Eared Slider Turtles Eat?

Answer: Red eared sliders are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. In the wild, they eat a variety of aquatic vegetation, insects, worms, crustaceans, tadpoles and small fish. In captivity, they need a balanced diet of both plant and animal-based foods. Commercial turtle diets are available, and they can be supplemented with a variety of fruits, vegetables and aquatic plants such as water lettuce, anacharis and duckweed. It is important to provide variety and to rotate foods to ensure a healthy diet.

Turtles should also be fed a small amount of protein such as chopped earthworms, small feeder fish, crickets, meal worms, shrimp and snails. Feeding should be done two to three times a week, and the amount should be no more than what the turtle can consume in a few minutes. Overfeeding can cause health problems and should be avoided.

What Type of Plant Food is Good for Red Eared Slider Turtles?

Answer: Red eared slider turtles can eat a variety of aquatic plants such as water lettuce, anacharis and duckweed. Vegetables such as romaine lettuce, kale, collard greens, zucchini, squash and carrots can also be fed. Fruits such as apples, strawberries, blueberries, melon and grapes are also suitable for red eared sliders. It is important to provide variety and to rotate foods to ensure a healthy diet.

Fruits and vegetables should be fed in small pieces and should not make up more than 10 percent of the turtle’s diet. It is also important to make sure that all greens are free of pesticides and other contaminants before feeding to the turtle. Too much plant food can cause health problems, so it is best to feed small amounts and keep a close eye on the turtle’s health.

How Often Should Red Eared Slider Turtles Be Fed?

Answer: Red eared slider turtles should be fed two to three times a week. The amount should be no more than what the turtle can consume in a few minutes. Overfeeding can cause health problems and should be avoided. It is also important to provide variety and to rotate foods to ensure a healthy diet.

It is best to feed the turtle in the morning before the tank lights come on. This will help the turtle digest its food before it becomes active. It is also important to remove any uneaten food from the tank to prevent the water from becoming polluted.

What Type of Animal Food is Good for Red Eared Slider Turtles?

Answer: Red eared slider turtles can eat a variety of animal-based foods. Commercial turtle diets are available, and they can be supplemented with small amounts of protein such as chopped earthworms, small feeder fish, crickets, meal worms, shrimp and snails. It is important to provide variety and to rotate foods to ensure a healthy diet.

Turtle pellets should make up the majority of the turtle’s diet. Turtle pellets are formulated to provide the turtle with the necessary vitamins and minerals. Pellets should be supplemented with a variety of animal-based foods to provide variety and a balanced diet. Too much animal-based food can cause health problems, so it is best to feed small amounts and keep a close eye on the turtle’s health.

Should Red Eared Slider Turtles Eat Fish?

Answer: Red eared slider turtles can eat small fish, but it should not make up the majority of their diet. In the wild, they eat a variety of aquatic vegetation, insects, worms, crustaceans, tadpoles and small fish. In captivity, they need a balanced diet of both plant and animal-based foods. Commercial turtle diets are available, and they can be supplemented with a variety of fruits, vegetables and aquatic plants.

Small feeder fish such as guppies and goldfish are suitable for red eared sliders, but it is best to feed them in moderation. Too much fish can cause health problems and should be avoided. It is also important to make sure that the fish is free of contaminants such as pesticides and other pollutants.

What Kind of Water is Best for Red Eared Slider Turtles?

Answer: Red eared slider turtles need clean, filtered water to stay healthy. The water should be changed every week and be tested regularly for pH, ammonia, nitrates and nitrites. Turtles are sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals found in tap water, so it is best to use a water conditioner when filling the tank.

The water temperature should be kept between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and should be monitored with a thermometer. The water should also be deep enough for the turtle to swim in and should be free of any sharp objects or decorations that can injure the turtle. A filter is also recommended to keep the water clean and free of debris.

How To Feed Red-Eared Slider Turtle (Complete Feeding Guide)

The Red Eared Slider Turtle is a popular pet for all ages. Not only are they fun to watch, but they’re relatively easy to take care of. As a carnivorous turtle, they enjoy a diet of insects, worms, and small fish. Keeping their diet varied and properly balanced is key to a healthy and active Red Eared Slider Turtle. With a proper diet, they can live a long and healthy life. So, if you’re considering adding a Red Eared Slider Turtle to your home, make sure you understand what they eat and how to properly provide the right diet for them.