Red-eared turtles are easy to care for.In pet stores in the United States, they're one of the most common turtles.The red-eared slider turtle can grow to a healthy 12 in (0.30 m) adult size and live longer than 20 years with a balanced diet.
Step 1: High-calcium vegetables and water plants are good for your turtle's diet.
Vegetables and plants with high levels of calcium can help prevent metabolic bone diseases, which can cause a softened shell or weak limbs.Water lilies and red or green leaf lettuce are good choices.
Step 2: It's a good idea to avoid cabbage.
Vegetables that are low in calcium and high in phosphorus are not the best for your turtle's health.The high phosphorus content can block the absorption of calcium in your turtle's diet.
Step 3: Small and large pellets are available for baby and adult turtles.
There are a variety of sizes of pellet foods.Small pellets are good for small or juvenile turtles.Large turtles are attracted to large pellets at the top of your tank.Pick turtle food that is low in fat and high in calories.
Step 4: Live fish, crickets, or worms are good choices.
Red-eared sliders need both animal and plant matter.Small fish like guppies and minnows are good sources of protein.They can be purchased frozen or freeze-dried.Feed your turtle live fish.Your turtle will benefit from the act of chasing and catching its food.
Step 5: Provide your turtle's diet with reptile calcium vitamins.
Even with a balanced diet and plenty of sunshine, your turtle may still need a boost of calcium to stay healthy.Your turtle will eat calcium in a powder form.
Step 6: Every other day, serve your adult turtle a pellet portion the size of its head.
Since the quantity of food will vary based on your turtle's age and growth, a good rule of thumb is to shake out a portion of pellets into your hand and make sure they're slightly smaller than your turtles head, not including its neck.Reducing the number of pellets for your turtle's next meal is a good idea.
Step 7: If you give your turtle plants on days it doesn't eat pellets, it will eat them.
On these days, give your turtle 1 to 3 pieces of leafy greens.If your turtle is consuming all of its food at the same time, you should increase the portion with at least 1 to 2 more pieces of vegetables.Remove your turtle's vegetables from its tank after a day if it doesn't finish them.If your turtle finishes it more quickly, cut down on its next portion of vegetables, like breaking a lettuce leaf in half.
Step 8: Babies should be fed daily until they're grown.
Provide your baby turtle with a small portion of pellets and a serving of food each day.At around 5 to 7 years old, their diet can include more vegetables and less meat.Feed your baby turtle a portion of pellets once a day along with 1 to 2 guppies or worms.
Step 9: Provide your baby turtle with greens.
Young red-eared slider turtles don't show much interest in vegetables, but you should introduce them to them early on.It is safe to give your turtle lettuce, dandelion plants, and water lilies every day.
Step 10: Feed your turtle in a separate tank.
The main tank of your turtle can be kept free of food particles and waste if you move them to a smaller aquarium filled with water.If you feed your turtle in its main tank, keep its water clean.Turtle waste is more solid than other aquatic pets.The water in your turtle's tank needs to be changed every 2 to 3 weeks.
Step 11: The tank water should be kept at around 75 F.
If the tank water is too cold for the turtle, it may refuse to eat.Along with its activity, your turtle's appetite might decrease.You can use an aquarium thermometer to monitor your turtle's tank.
Step 12: Food can be dropped into your turtle's tank.
Red-eared slider turtles eat and swallow with their heads underwater.Land turtles and tortoises eat on the ground.Drop your turtle's food into their tank and they will happily eat it.