| Red eared sliders are a popular exotic pet. They may | | | | fairly large, flat area out of the water is needed - this |
| look small in the pet store, but they can grow up to | | | | place is called a "basking" area. |
| 12 inches and live up to 30 years. These animals | | | | Proper Heat - Warmth helps stimulate a turtle's |
| require a long-term care commitment, and there are | | | | immune system, so a warm environment helps keep |
| three things that every slider needs to live a long life | | | | your slider healthy. Warm water around 75 - 85 F is |
| and to be healthy. | | | | good for your pet, while a warmer temperature in |
| Enough Space - Sliders like lots of room to swim, and | | | | the basking area of around 90 - 95 F is required. |
| need more of it as they grow larger. Whether you | | | | Natural sunlight is also beneficial to your slider, so |
| home your turtle in a pond or an aquarium, a good, | | | | consider exposing your turtle to the sun a few hours |
| general rule is 6 gallons minimum per inch of turtle. | | | | daily if possible. |
| Sliders also spend time on dry land, so an accessible, | | | | |