I have read a million different things on red eared slider life expectancies, from "up to 25 years" all the way to "50-70 years". Does anyone have any experience on how long they live? Please don't just pick a website that says something because I've seen them all. I want to know how long your red eared slider lived (considering you cared for it properly) OR an educated reference with citations. Thanks!
2007-06-01 14:02:27 · 4 answers · asked by Amanda 6 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
PS- I KNOW they live a long time, I have 4 of them and take care of them very well. I am not asking in order to decide if I want one. I am just wondering what the real stats are.
2007-06-01 14:24:41 · update #1
I am a herpetologist ...a red eared slider that I persoally know..is guessed at 84 years from pictures..family references etc...he is mentioned in personal wartime diaries from a family member He lived in a pond on some private property..there was a mark on his shell that always identified him hope this helps you
2007-06-01 14:09:18 · answer #1 · answered by evon stark 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The 'real life expectancy' won't help you a lot because of all of the variables.
Most keeper's turtles will die within about 6 months. If they use a decent amount of care they will live 2 years.
The average decent keeper will keep them for 5-8 years, and really good keepers will usually get about 10-15 years.
Some keepers have proven, documented records of just over 20 years, and a very few claim up to 40.
The life expectation for wild Sliders probably runs about 20 years on the average.
Do you want to know how long YOURS can live? Quite frankly, the problem with keeping turtles is that most people get tired of it after several years and that skews the numbers.
2007-06-01 22:52:19 · answer #2 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
In the wild, a RES average life expectancy is 30 to 40 years. In captivity , with proper care and diet, it's any ones guess. The herpetologist who referenced one at 84 years is the longest I've heard of.
2007-06-01 21:21:22 · answer #3 · answered by Darla G 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They live for a very long time... having a pet turtle is a commitment. I got mine about 8 years ago and they are still there haunting me. Make sure you are willing to commit before getting a pet turtle.
2007-06-01 21:08:27 · answer #4 · answered by Bunny Boiler 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋