How To Feed Red Eared Slider Turtles?

Md Ful Mia

If you are considering adding a red-eared slider turtle to your family, you may be wondering how to feed them properly. These turtles are surprisingly easy to care for, but getting the right balance of nutrients in their diet is essential for their long-term health and wellbeing. In this guide, you will learn the basics of what to feed your red-eared slider turtle, as well as some tips and tricks for keeping them healthy and happy.

Feeding Red Eared Slider Turtles is an important part of caring for them. Sliders need a varied diet, including proteins, greens, and commercial turtle pellets. Feed them small amounts daily, withholding food occasionally to mimic their wild diet. For young turtles, feed every other day, and for adults feed every 2-3 days. Additionally, provide supplements like calcium and vitamins.

Choose a variety of foods for your turtle, including proteins like earthworms, crickets, and snails, and dark leafy greens like kale, collard greens, and dandelion greens.
Find commercial turtle pellets that are specifically designed for red-eared sliders.
Feed small amounts of food daily, no more than what your turtle can eat in 10 minutes.
Feed young turtles every other day, and adult turtles every 2-3 days.
Provide calcium and vitamins as supplements to your turtle’s diet.
Withhold food occasionally to mimic a diet like they would have in the wild.

How to Feed Red Eared Slider Turtles

Red-eared slider turtles are a popular pet reptile. These turtles are omnivorous, meaning they will eat both plant matter and meat. In order to provide your pet turtle with a nutritious diet, it is important to understand how to feed it properly.

Types of Food

Red-eared slider turtles are omnivorous, meaning they will eat both plant matter and meat. The most common types of food for these turtles include:

Plant Matter

Plant matter should make up the bulk of the diet for red-eared slider turtles. This includes dark, leafy greens such as kale, collard greens, and dandelion greens. Other vegetables such as squash, zucchini, and bell peppers can also be offered.

Live Insects

Live insects can be an important part of a red-eared slider turtle’s diet. This includes insects such as crickets, mealworms, and waxworms. Live insects are an excellent source of protein and should be offered on a regular basis.

Pellets and Commercial Foods

There are a variety of pellets and commercial foods available for red-eared slider turtles. These foods are a convenient and balanced way to provide your turtle with the nutrients it needs. It is important to choose a food that is specifically designed for turtles.

Fish

Fish can also be offered to red-eared slider turtles. Small, live fish such as goldfish or guppies can be fed, as well as frozen or thawed fish. Fish should be offered only occasionally, as it is high in fat and can lead to obesity in turtles.

Frequency of Feeding

Red-eared slider turtles can be fed every day, or every other day. It is important to remember that these turtles are capable of overeating, so it is best to provide them with only as much food as they can eat in a few minutes.

Young turtles should be fed more frequently than adults. Young turtles may need to be fed up to three times a day, while adults can usually be fed every other day.

Feeding Tips

When feeding your red-eared slider turtle, it is important to remember a few tips. The food should be offered in the water, as these turtles are aquatic and prefer to eat in the water. It is also important to monitor the amount of food that is offered, as these turtles are prone to obesity.

It is also important to provide your turtle with supplements. Calcium and vitamin supplements should be offered regularly, as these are essential for the health of your turtle.

What Not to Feed

It is important to avoid certain foods when feeding your red-eared slider turtle. These turtles should never be fed feeder fish such as goldfish, as they are usually not a good source of nutrition. Meats such as beef, pork, and chicken should also be avoided.

In addition, it is important to avoid foods that are high in fat, such as nuts and seeds. These can lead to obesity in turtles and should be avoided.

Food Preparation

It is important to prepare food for your red-eared slider turtle before offering it. Plant matter should be washed and chopped into small pieces before offering it to your turtle. Insects should be gut-loaded and dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements before offering them to your turtle.

Fish should be offered live or frozen. If you are offering frozen fish, it is important to thaw it before offering it to your turtle.

Feeding Environment

The environment in which you feed your red-eared slider turtle is also important. The tank should be cleaned regularly and should contain a place for the turtle to hide. The tank should also have a basking area, as these turtles need to be able to climb out of the water in order to dry off and regulate their body temperature.

Water Quality

The water quality in the tank is also important. The water should be changed regularly, as uneaten food and waste can quickly contaminate the water. It is also important to use a water filter to keep the water clean.

Feeding Conclusion

Feeding your red-eared slider turtle is an important part of owning one. It is important to understand what types of food to offer, how often to feed them, and what to avoid. It is also important to provide your turtle with a clean environment and high-quality water. With the proper care and nutrition, your turtle will remain healthy and happy for many years to come.

Related Faq

What Do Red Eared Slider Turtles Eat?

Red Eared Slider turtles are omnivores, meaning they will eat both plant and animal matter. They primarily feed on aquatic plants, insects, worms, and fish. They also enjoy fruits and vegetables such as kale, bananas, and apples. Commercial turtle food is also a good option to provide a balanced diet.

It is important to provide a variety of foods to keep your turtle healthy. Variety ensures that your turtle will get all the vitamins and minerals it needs. Be sure to cut up any fruits or vegetables into small pieces that are appropriate for the size of your turtle.

How Often Should Red Eared Slider Turtles Be Fed?

The frequency of feeding will depend on the age of your turtle. Young turtles should be fed every day, while adult turtles should be fed every other day. When feeding young turtles, be sure to feed only as much as they can consume in a few minutes.

What Temperature Should the Water Be for Feeding Red Eared Slider Turtles?

The water temperature should be between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit when feeding Red Eared Slider turtles. This temperature range is ideal for their digestion and metabolism. If your turtles are in an outdoor enclosure, it is important to maintain the water temperature at these levels during the summer months.

A thermometer should be placed in the enclosure to help you monitor the temperature. If you find that the temperature is too low, use a water heater to raise it to the appropriate level. Be sure to check the temperature regularly to ensure your turtles stay healthy.

What Supplements Should Be Added to Food for Red Eared Slider Turtles?

Red Eared Slider turtles should have a balanced diet of both plant and animal matter. Commercial turtle food is a good option to provide the necessary vitamins and minerals. Supplements such as calcium powder, multivitamins, and vitamin D3 can also be added to the food to ensure your turtle is getting the nutrients it needs.

It is important to research the correct dosage for your turtle’s age and size. Too much of any one supplement can be dangerous for your turtle’s health. It is best to consult a veterinarian to determine the correct amount and frequency of supplements for your turtle.

What Precautions Should Be Taken When Feeding Red Eared Slider Turtles?

You should always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling your turtle or its food. This helps to prevent the spread of bacteria and illness. You should also avoid feeding your turtle live animals or insects that have been caught in the wild as they may contain parasites or diseases.

It is also important to only feed your turtle food that is appropriate for its size. Large pieces of food can be a choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockages. Be sure to cut up fruits and vegetables into small pieces that are suitable for your turtle.

In conclusion, feeding red-eared slider turtles is an important part of their overall health and wellbeing. Being aware of what they need and providing them with the right diet helps ensure they thrive in captivity. Always make sure to provide them with a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as a quality commercial turtle food. Additionally, it’s important to provide them with a source of calcium, such as cuttlebone or crushed eggshells, to keep their shells healthy. Lastly, remember to always keep their water clean and to feed them in a separate container. Following these easy steps can help you provide a healthy and happy home for your red-eared slider turtles.