How Much Do Red Eared Slider Turtles Eat?

Who doesn’t love the sight of a red eared slider turtle swimming around in an aquarium or pond? Not only are these iconic turtles beautiful to look at, but they are also great pets! But one of the most important questions that potential turtle owners must answer is: how much do red eared slider turtles eat? If you’re wondering the same thing, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will discuss the diet and feeding habits of these turtles, as well as how much they should be eating. So, let’s get started!

How Much Do Red Eared Slider Turtles Eat?

Red eared slider turtles are popular pet reptiles that are known for their distinctive red stripes that run down their cheeks. These turtles can live up to 40 years in captivity and grow up to 8-12 inches in length. They are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant-based and animal-based foods. But how much do red eared slider turtles eat?

What Do Red Eared Slider Turtles Eat?

In the wild, red eared slider turtles eat a variety of plant and animal-based foods. This includes aquatic vegetation, insects, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and carrion. In captivity, these turtles can be fed a variety of commercial turtle foods, as well as fresh vegetables, fruits, and pellets.

How Much Should I Feed My Red Eared Slider Turtle?

When it comes to feeding your red eared slider turtle, it is important to do so in moderation. Juveniles should be fed daily, while adults should be fed every other day. A good rule of thumb is to feed your turtle an amount of food that is equal to the size of its head. This means that if your turtle is 2 inches long, then it should be fed a 2 inch-long piece of food.

What Types of Foods Can I Feed My Red Eared Slider Turtle?

When it comes to feeding your red eared slider turtle, there are many different types of food that you can provide. For commercial turtle foods, you can choose from a variety of pellets and sticks. As for fresh vegetables and fruits, you can feed your turtle lettuce, spinach, kale, carrots, apples, and bananas. You can also feed your turtle live feeder insects like blackworms, crickets, and earthworms.

What Should I Avoid Feeding My Red Eared Slider Turtle?

When it comes to feeding your red eared slider turtle, there are certain foods that you should avoid. These include processed and sugary foods, like cereal, candy, and chips. It is also important to avoid feeding your turtle raw meat, as this can introduce bacteria and parasites into its environment.

Do Red Eared Slider Turtles Need Vitamin Supplements?

Yes, red eared slider turtles need to receive vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. You can provide these vitamins and minerals by adding a commercial turtle vitamin supplement to your turtle’s food. This supplement should be given once or twice a week, depending on the type of food you are feeding your turtle.

Do Red Eared Slider Turtles Need Calcium Supplements?

Yes, red eared slider turtles need calcium to stay healthy and prevent shell deformities. You can provide calcium by adding a commercial turtle calcium supplement to your turtle’s food. This supplement should be given once or twice a week, depending on the type of food you are feeding your turtle.

Do Red Eared Slider Turtles Need UVB Lighting?

Yes, red eared slider turtles need UVB lighting to stay healthy. UVB lighting helps turtles synthesize Vitamin D3, which is essential for healthy shell growth, proper metabolism, and overall health. You can provide UVB lighting with either a fluorescent or LED bulb.

Do Red Eared Slider Turtles Need a Heating Lamp?

Yes, red eared slider turtles need a heating lamp to stay healthy. This lamp should provide a temperature gradient of 78-88 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature gradient will provide your turtle with a warm basking spot, as well as a cooler area to rest. You can provide this heating lamp with either a basking bulb or an incandescent bulb.

Do Red Eared Slider Turtles Need a Filter?

Yes, red eared slider turtles need a filter to maintain the cleanliness of their tank. A good filter will help keep the water clean and provide your turtle with a healthy environment. You can choose from a variety of filters, such as a hang on back filter, a canister filter, or a submersible filter.

Do Red Eared Slider Turtles Need a Water Heater?

Yes, red eared slider turtles need a water heater to stay healthy. This heater should provide a temperature of 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. This warm temperature will keep your turtle healthy and provide it with a comfortable environment. You can provide this heater with either an aquarium heater or an adjustable submersible heater.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Do Red Eared Slider Turtles Eat?

Answer: Red Eared Slider Turtles are omnivorous and eat both plants and animals. As hatchlings, they will eat small invertebrates such as mollusks, insects and worms. As they grow older, their diet should include more plant matter such as leafy greens and vegetables. Commercially made turtle food is also available.

It is important to provide the right amount of food for your turtle. Feed small amounts several times per week, removing uneaten food to prevent it from fouling the water. A good rule of thumb is to provide no more than they can consume in a five minute period.

What Kind of Food Do Red Eared Slider Turtles Eat?

Answer: Red Eared Slider Turtles are omnivorous, meaning they can eat both plants and animals. As hatchlings, they should be fed small invertebrates such as mollusks, insects and worms. As they grow older, their diet should include more plant matter such as leafy greens and vegetables. Commercially made turtle food is also available.

Turtles should also be offered calcium-rich foods such as cuttlebone or calcium supplements to ensure a balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables should also be offered as occasional treats, as long as they are cut into small pieces and no more than 10% of the diet.

How Often Should I Feed My Red Eared Slider Turtle?

Answer: Red Eared Slider Turtles should be fed several times per week. Feed small amounts of food, removing any uneaten food to prevent it from fouling the water. A good rule of thumb is to provide no more than they can consume in a five minute period.

It is important to provide variety in the diet and not to overfeed. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can lead to other health problems. Make sure to offer a variety of foods and monitor your turtle’s weight to ensure they are getting the correct amount.

What Should I Avoid Feeding My Red Eared Slider Turtle?

Answer: Red Eared Slider Turtles should not be fed raw meat, processed meats, or any other animal proteins. These foods can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can be harmful to your turtle. Fruits and vegetables should also be offered in small amounts and should not exceed 10% of the diet.

It is also important to avoid any foods high in fat, sugar and salt. Foods such as chips, crackers, cookies and candy should not be given as these can cause health problems for your turtle.

Are There Any Special Considerations for Feeding A Red Eared Slider Turtle?

Answer: Red Eared Slider Turtles should be fed a balanced and varied diet. It is important to provide a variety of foods, including plant matter such as leafy greens and vegetables, as well as small invertebrates such as mollusks, insects and worms. It is also important to provide calcium-rich foods such as cuttlebone or calcium supplements.

It is important to monitor your turtle’s food intake to make sure they are consuming the right amount. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can lead to other health problems. Make sure to offer a variety of foods and monitor your turtle’s weight to ensure they are getting the correct amount.

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

In conclusion, Red Eared Slider Turtles require an adequate and balanced diet that consists of a variety of foods, such as aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. It is important to provide a variety of fresh, high-quality food and avoid overfeeding. With the proper diet and nutrition, your Red Eared Slider Turtle can live a long, healthy life.