Surprise! The perfect pet is not the Red Eared Slider...unless you are willing to dedicate a lot of time to personally caring for them, and making sure their environment is fitting and safe. (For more information on Turtle Environment Setup, please refer to the "Turtle Care/Equipment" page listed in the Navigation panel.) Keeping your turtle(s) happy, safe, and healthy can also become quite costly. Caring for a Red Eared Slider is a giant responsibility and deciding to purchase one as a pet is something that should be fully thought out, considering all outcomes and options. (I am providing such a harsh warning not to stear you away from buying a RES, they are amazing, wonderful creatures, who make delightful pets, but before becomming a Red Eared Slider caretaker, I want you to realize how important of a responsibility you are taking on. When I bought Snoopy&Droopy, I was ensured that they would live in a turtle lagoon for many years and that a good diet consisted of only turtle pellets and romaine lettuce. Of course this was wrong, and after doing a good deal of internet searching, I discovered this. I don't want you to be in the same perdicament as me. I want you to know all the facts and weigh all the options, BEFORE you buy a Red Eared Slider. Its part of my dedication to you!) With that being said, there are many issues that need to be considered. First, as stated above, turtles require a LOT of specific care, including; frequent water changes, vet visits, and a varied diet, just to name a few. Also, Red Eared Sliders are not suitable for everyone. RES are the kind of pets that can't be cuddled, they are not especially lovable, and to my knowledge, they won't do tricks. Unlike a dog, you can't take your RES out for a walk around the neighborhood and they don't particularly enjoy being held too often. If you are the type of person who is content with sitting back and watching your pet be themselves and live in their own enviorvironments, then you may consider obtaining a Red Eared Slider. Many RES owners, including myself spend hours just watching their turtles; contrary to popular belief, turtles are not boring, and many times can be quite comical (especially when chasing a feeder fish, or begging for food).
If you do decide to get a turtle, you will soon find out how great they are (for the right type of person, of course!). After a month or so, your turle(s) will start to recognize you, mostly during feeding time. When Snoopy&Droopy see me pick up their food container, or lift the lid to drop in the lettuce, they lunge from their basking area and come to life swimming like crazy with excitement. If you feel that a Red Eared Slider would be a suitable pet for you, and decide to get one, please refer to the "New Turtle Parent" section!
