| Red Eared Terrapins are reptiles and are also known | | | | space to swim and enjoy basking in the sun. In |
| as red-eared sliders and red eared Turtles. They | | | | captivity this is reproduced by providing them with a |
| originated in the Southern USA but are now found all | | | | UV lamp under which they can bask. |
| over the world both in the wild and in captivity as a | | | | They eat a variety of foods including fish. worms, |
| result of their popularity as pets. | | | | crickets, tadpoles and vegetable matter. In captivity |
| They can grow to up to 30 cm long (12 inches) and | | | | there are a number of specialized terrapin foods |
| have been known to live up to 40 years. They are | | | | available from pet stores to help ensure that they |
| semi aquatic living in water and on land and live in | | | | get a balanced diet. Keeping them is not difficult |
| freshwater. In the US the name terrapin refers to | | | | which is one of the reasons why they are so popular |
| turtles that live in brackish water whereas in the UK | | | | as pets. However it is important that people who are |
| and other parts of the world a terrapin refers to a | | | | thinking of keeping red eared terrapins educate |
| turtle that lives in freshwater. | | | | themselves and know exactly what owning these |
| As the name suggests these reptiles have a red | | | | animals entails. Just following a few simple guidelines |
| patch on either side of their head which look like they | | | | will help to ensure that your red eared terrapins are |
| have red ears, they have a green shell and yellow | | | | healthy. |
| stripes running down the head and neck. They need | | | | |