By Cathy M. Rosenthal
Dear Cathy,
My daughter got a red-eared slider for her 7th birthday. She’s now eight-years-old. Should I be worried about her getting salmonella? And how long will this turtle live?
— Rikki
Dear Rikki,
Red-eared sliders are fascinating pets, and they are often chosen for their quiet nature and ease of care. However, they come with a surprising twist—longevity. Red-eared sliders can live 20 to 40 years or more with proper care. For many, the commitment to their care, including regular tank cleaning, feeding, and ensuring they have a proper environment, can be overwhelming.
Many parents find themselves unexpectedly stuck caring for these long-living pets when their children head off to college. Life moves fast, and the realities of dorm living, tight schedules, and small apartments often make it difficult for young adults to bring their turtles to college.
Even if your daughter takes her turtle to college, life keeps changing. She may graduate, get married, and have kids—and each of these milestones brings new challenges in pet care. To be honest, most turtles do not remain with their original owners for more than a few years. Instead, as their care requirements and lifespans become clear, turtles are often surrendered to friends, animal shelters, rescue groups. Or worse yet, they are released into the wild, where they can disrupt local ecosystems or struggle to survive or they simply die from improper care.
If your daughter already has received this turtle as a birthday gift, though, let’s focus on what it takes to care for these creatures properly in the here and now and how to prevent salmonella.
The Basics of Turtle Care
Red-eared sliders are captivating and hardy creatures, but they are more complex to care for than many realize. Their needs go beyond a simple tank and occasional feeding. Here are the essentials:
1. A Proper Habitat
- Tank Size: Red-eared sliders need a spacious tank, as they can grow up to 12 inches in length. A single adult turtle requires at least a 75-gallon tank, and larger is always better.
- Clean, Filtered Water: Proper filtration is crucial to maintain water quality and reduce the risk of infections. Regular water changes are also necessary.
- Basking Area: They need a dry area to climb out of the water, warm themselves, and absorb UVB rays. UVB lighting is essential for their shell and bone health, preventing metabolic bone disease.
- Temperature Control: Water should be kept at 75-85°F, and the basking area should range from 85-90°F.
2. A Balanced Diet
- Variety is Key: A healthy diet includes high-quality commercial turtle pellets, fresh vegetables like leafy greens, and occasional treats like insects, earthworms, or feeder fish.
- Calcium and Vitamins: A calcium supplement with vitamin D3 is important to ensure proper shell development.
3. Regular Cleaning
- Tank Maintenance: Red-eared sliders are messy eaters, and waste can quickly build up, leading to poor water quality. Filters should be cleaned regularly, and partial water changes should be done weekly.
- Spot Cleaning: Remove uneaten food and debris daily to prevent bacterial growth.
While turtles might not demand daily walks or cuddles, they require consistent care and attention to thrive. Their habitat needs frequent monitoring to ensure proper water quality and lighting, and their diet must be varied and balanced.
Salmonella Concerns
You also asked about salmonella. It’s true that all reptiles and amphibians can carry this bacteria, but the risk can be managed with a few simple precautions:
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching the turtle or its habitat.
- Don’t clean the turtle’s tank or accessories in sinks or tubs where food is prepared or people bathe. If possible, clean these items outside.
- Disinfect any shared surfaces afterward if necessary.
- Keep the turtle away from food preparation and eating areas.
Turtles, like red-eared sliders, can make wonderful companions, but they deserve thoughtful care and consideration. By being realistic about their needs and planning for their future, you can ensure the best outcome for your daughter’s pet—and your family.
Note: For anyone considering giving a pet as a gift, please check out Pets as Gifts: To Give or Not to Give – A More Thoughtful Approach.
Have a pet question? Send it to Cathy at moc.tidnuptep@yhtac. Visit her website at cathyrosenthal.com.