Should I buy one of those cute little turtles with red ears swimming around in a tank at my local pet store for my kid?
To answer one of your most common questions to me:
Those cute little turtles swimming around in a tank at your local pet stores with red ears are Red Eared Sliders:
Adult size: a Dinner Plate!
Life span: 50-70 years
Space: Approx 10 gallons per 1" of turtle is the commonly accepted formula for water volume. Too-shallow water is a cause of drowning accidents. 30 gallons is commonly recommended for hatchlings. 120 gallons for one adult. They grow fast at first.
Lighting: These turtles require full spectrum (uvb) ultraviolet light for twelve hours of the day. Without this, they will die.
Major filtration and regular cleaning.
You cannot let these go when you get tired of them. Illegal (invasive species) & they cannot survive our winters
MYTH WARNING
"Keeping a turtle in a small tank or bowl makes it stay tiny!"
Please correct anyone who tells you this.
Animals can not be kept from growing by keeping their home small. This Applies to ALL animals.
Plants outgrow their containers, if said container is too tiny. The reason for tiny Sliders staying tiny in bowls and ten gallon tanks is simple: Malnutrition. Improper care. They won't live to be 50 years old.
Final notes: This isn't an easy pet. It's like a full-time job. Some full-time jobs are easier than caring for red eared sliders lol! These rank high on the WHY DID I BUY THIS? list when it comes to commonly kept pets.
There are animals that can make great pets for the right person. And some people just shouldn't have pets. Nothing wrong with that. Pets are a responsibility that takes money, time, and education.
Above all else, remember: These are living things we are talking about.
Those cute little turtles swimming around in a tank at your local pet stores with red ears are Red Eared Sliders:
Adult size: a Dinner Plate!
Life span: 50-70 years
Space: Approx 10 gallons per 1" of turtle is the commonly accepted formula for water volume. Too-shallow water is a cause of drowning accidents. 30 gallons is commonly recommended for hatchlings. 120 gallons for one adult. They grow fast at first.
Lighting: These turtles require full spectrum (uvb) ultraviolet light for twelve hours of the day. Without this, they will die.
Major filtration and regular cleaning.
You cannot let these go when you get tired of them. Illegal (invasive species) & they cannot survive our winters
MYTH WARNING
"Keeping a turtle in a small tank or bowl makes it stay tiny!"
Please correct anyone who tells you this.
Animals can not be kept from growing by keeping their home small. This Applies to ALL animals.
Plants outgrow their containers, if said container is too tiny. The reason for tiny Sliders staying tiny in bowls and ten gallon tanks is simple: Malnutrition. Improper care. They won't live to be 50 years old.
Final notes: This isn't an easy pet. It's like a full-time job. Some full-time jobs are easier than caring for red eared sliders lol! These rank high on the WHY DID I BUY THIS? list when it comes to commonly kept pets.
There are animals that can make great pets for the right person. And some people just shouldn't have pets. Nothing wrong with that. Pets are a responsibility that takes money, time, and education.
Above all else, remember: These are living things we are talking about.
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