Welcome to Turtle Source's Slider Guide, our complete guide to Red Eared Sliders. This tutorial is your complete source of information for everything turtle. For the beginner Red Eared Slider owner to the long-time turtle lover, our guide can help you take care of your Red Eared Slider.
Red Eared Slider Guide
Red Eared Sliders are a type of semi-aquatic turtles, and are the most common kind of turtle owned as a pet. The name comes from the distinctive red mark above their ears. The name is sometimes written as Red-Eared Slider or Red Ear Slider. We will use the term Red Eared Slider. The scientific name for them is Trachemys scripta elegans.
Red Eared Sliders make fun and exciting pets, and do not require as much time and effort as some other pets. However, if you are going to get a turtle, then be aware that it is still a big commitment. Much of the required work and expenses are buying and setting up a proper habitat, though there is also some daily and weekly upkeep. The following list of questions should be considered before getting a Red Eared Slider.
Do you want a pet that is fun?
Are you willing to take care of a turtle, including feeding it, cleaning its cage, and other things?
Can you afford a turtle? The up-front cost may be several hundred dollars as well as a small monthly cost.
Do you have the time to take care of a turtle?
Do you want a pet that won't want a lot of handling?
Do you want a water turtle instead of a land turtle?
Most of these questions emphasize the negative side of owning a turtle, but if you answered yes to all of them, then a Red Eared Slider is the right pet for you. Owning a turtle is a lot of both fun and work. If this is what you want, then good luck and have fun! Our Slider Guide will provide everything you need to know about owning a Red Eared Slider.
