Are Feeder Fish Good For Red Eared Sliders?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Feeder fish are good enrichment for turtles as they will have to chase it down to catch it, but they can also contain parasites . If you decide to feed feeder fish then buy them from a local pet store. You should never feed wild-caught prey. In addition to a healthy diet, your turtle will also need a calcium supplement.

What fish can live with a red eared slider?

Fish. Red ear sliders will try to eat most fish kept with them. In a large habitat, fish like koi may survive with red ear sliders , though the turtles may nip their fins. Very small, agile fish like guppies may be able to survive with turtles, though they may overpopulate the tank.

What should I feed my red eared slider daily?

  • Prey Items: Earthworms, crickets, waxworms, silkworms, aquatic snails, bloodworms, daphnia, shrimp, krill, and mealworms. ...
  • Leafy Greens: Collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, kale, and bok choy. ...
  • Aquatic Plants: In an aquarium or pond, you can add aquatic plants that turtles usually love to snack on.

Do slider turtles eat fish?

So, what do red-eared slider turtles eat? Living in the wild, red-eared slider turtles feed on aquatic vegetation, little fish , and material that is decaying such as frogs and dead fish. The young turtles are mainly carnivorous and become more omnivorous as they grow into adults.

Do red-eared sliders bite?

Red Eared Sliders bite , and the bite can be quite painful. But it’s highly unlikely because these reptiles don’t bite “just because.” Instead, these reptiles bite if you push them too hard. Thankfully, you can prevent this behavior.

What is the lifespan of a red-eared slider?

30 years

Can two red-eared sliders live together?

Multiple Species

As long as the enclosure is large enough, you can house a red-eared slider with other species who share the same housing requirements . But a red-eared slider may outcompete and outgrow the other species. Red-eared sliders are active, large and strong.

Do red-eared slider turtles get lonely?

No, turtles do not get lonely . Turtles are solitary animals who like to live alone and do not need social company. They don’t get bored or sad when left alone.

What fish can coexist with turtles?

There are three kinds of fish that will fit in the fish tank together with the most common pet turtle. They are tetra fish, zebrafish, yellow cichlids . For those who have never put a fish in a turtle tank, it’s recommended that you start with a small amount of tetra or zebrafish. Both species are cheap.

Should I feed My red-eared slider everyday?

You should feed an adult red eared slider vegetables every other day or at least 3 times a week . Offer them a protein source once or twice a week. You can gradually reduce their protein to once a week the older they get.

What do turtles like in their tanks?

Turtles like to play with whatever you leave around, so you can use their habitat as an enrichment center. Gravel and sand – Turtles love digging. You should have an area in their tank for them to dig. Gravel is a great way to keep your turtle entertained.

How many times a day should I feed my red-eared slider?

How often should I feed my red-eared slider? The frequency of feeding depends on the age and size of your red-eared slider. Smaller or juvenile turtles will eat heartily every day. As they get older, adult turtles may be offered a good-sized portion of food every two or three days .

Can you put turtles and fish in the same tank?

Turtles are not compatible with tropical fish . Even if you think your turtle is small and won’t cause any damage, it will eventually grow. Turtles can’t be trusted with tropical fish and you should avoid keeping them together.

Can I put a cleaner fish in my turtle tank?

The one catch to keeping ghost shrimp in a turtle tank is that eventually, the turtles will eat them. The shrimp are pretty good at evading the turtles, but eventually they’ll get caught off-guard and become turtle food. If that’s not okay with you, then you shouldn’t use them .

How big do red-eared sliders get?

Full grown adults that have been raised with plenty of space available to them can reach 12 inches in length , with females usually being larger in size. There are rare instances of adult red-eared sliders growing larger than 12 inches. Red-eared sliders can live a long life in captivity.

Do red-eared sliders like to be held?

As much as you want to, don’t play with your turtle as you would a pet cat or other animal. Turtles generally do not like touched or held . This causes lots of stress and anxiety. If you do need to pick up your baby red-eared slider, do it by scooping it so that it is sitting on your hand.

How long does it take a red-eared slider to full grown?

It can take about 8 years for red-eared sliders to reach their full length, which is generally between 18 to 30 cm (7 to 12 inches). What is this? Of course, the growth rate varies from one individual to another. Variations are usually by an inch or 2.

Can red-eared sliders swim in deep water?

Red-eared sliders are strong swimmers , so you don’t need to worry about drowning as long as the turtle can get out of the water and there is no place it can get trapped underwater.

What is the oldest red-eared slider?

Red-Eared Slider Lifespan

Red-eared sliders can be especially long-lived, enjoying a lifespan of well over twenty years. The oldest recorded captive red-eared slider lived to be forty-one years old !

How long can red-eared sliders go without basking?

How long can red-eared sliders live without food? During brumation, they can survive for months at a time without the need for food, experts estimate up to 3 months .

How long can a red-eared slider go without food?

Healthy adult red-eared sliders can go without food for a few weeks up to two or three months at most .

How many red-eared sliders are in a tank?

However, it may be possible to house two Red Eared Sliders together , or even a Painted with a Red Ear, because their care requirements are the same: a good protein pellet, leafy greens and veggies, with the occasional shrimp or fruit treat; a water temperature of between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and a basking area ...

Can I put a baby turtle with a big turtle?

What size tank do I need for 2 turtles?

Pet turtles normally need a tank size of 55 to 100-gallons depending on their species. A good rule of thumb is to buy a tank that has 10 gallons for every inch of your turtle’s shell length. Male map turtles reach no more than seven inches, while females can grow to ten inches. An 80-gallon tank is a good choice.

Do turtles get bored in a tank?

Yes, turtles can get bored . Even if turtles don’t show their feelings as much as other animals they can get bored.

Can turtles feel their shell?

Turtles are unable to remove their shells because they are connected to it by their spine. Because of this, the spinal cords nerve endings run through the surface of the shell and give the turtle the ability to feel contact when something touches it . This goes for all species of turtles!

How do you entertain a red ear slider turtle?

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.