Should I handle my baby red ear slider.?

Question

If so,how often.It's just over 1".And how big do they have to get before they can eat fish.

Answer 1

Most reptiles, and especially turtles, should NOT be routinely handled. It causes them great stress for no good benefit to them. You won't really 'tame it'- what you will do is stress it to the point that it will stop trying to fight.

Put yourself in its shoes- what is your reaction to being picked up by a 50' tall horrible alien for reasons you cannot figure out? Can you see yourself every being glad for being picked up- especially since it is not giving you any immediate reward for it? How long would it have to happen before you jumped up and begged to be lifted up?


As for fish- turtles hunt by size. It should eat some kinds of small fish almost from birth.

http://www.redearslider.com

Answer 2

Yes, it is a good idea to start handling your RES early on as they need to get used to you. You will be required to handle them during tank cleaning (which is a frequent occurance)and it is nice to take them outside for some natural light and a bit of exercise (I have just built mine a pretend pond in a addling pool on my deck). Whilst they will get used to being handled they don't typically ever like it, so it is perfectly normal for them to hiss a little and flap their legs but it is important not to get them stressed. And, it is not necessary to handle your RES a lot, they are more the type of pet you should just enjoy watching. Another thing to be aware of when handling your RES is that they can be carriers of salmonella, so, it is important that you wash your hands thouroughly after handling. Whilst RES don't typically bite (they would rather retreat), they can offer a nasty nip. Pick your RES up from the back and then hold the shell with both hands because they can be wriggly little beggars! ;)

With regards to feeding your RES fish...... This can be done at any time (younger RES are more carnivorous, however, it is still important to keep introducing vegetables even if they do not eat them as they need the vegetable nutrients when they are older). You just need to make sure the fish are small enough for your turtle to eat. If they can't manage it you will find yourself deailing with little fish swimming aruond with chunks missing and then your turtles won't eat them. Another thing to be aware of when feeding your RES fish is that they are very messy eaters which can result in decaying fish in your tank that will affect your water quality. For more information visit

www.redearslider.com

I hope this helps?? Have fun with your RES.... they really are great pets!

Answer 3

By all means hold it as much as you want. The more you handle it the more accostomed it will become to you and its surroundings. It can eat small feeder fish now and you can also substitute small amounts of fish or meat moist cat food. Turtles love it.

Answer 4

If you didn't plan ahead, you should do so now. After acquiring your first or an additional turtle, there are a few things that require your immediate attention. A visit to a herp vet should be on the top of that list for a general check-up and a test for possible parasites or worms. Sellers and pet stores usually do not keep them in the optimal environments that they should be in. Examinations should also thoroughly check for injuries, infections, malnutrition and salmonella. It may be necessary to bring a fresh fecal sample for testing. Doing this allows you the opportunity to research for a qualified vet in your area. If the new addition will have tank mates, it would be a good idea to quarantine the turtle for 3 months before they are introduced. A hatchling should never be added with adult turtles because of accidental or intentional injuries. Only turtles of a generally similar size with similar habitat requirements should be together in a confined enclosure.

Having the appropriate habitat and a variety of commercial and live foods will help your new addition make an easier transition. If this is a captive turtle to begin with, then the transition should be much quicker and your RES will be better adjusted. It might take a few days for a new turtle to adjust and become familiar with its surroundings. During this time, your RES might not be very active or too active, bask, or interact with you and could easily be startled. It is best to leave the turtle alone but regularly provide food and check to see your RES is not sick. Additionally, water temperatures should be 75-78F (24-25.5C) basking temperatures should be 90F (32.2C). Please refer to the New RES Guide and pricing guide for other necessary information. Remember, most illnesses and injuries are preventable with proper living conditions.
Handling

Great care should be taken when handling RES. They may be slippery due to their aquatic habitat, resist being held, vocally hiss and empty their bowels. They have sharp claws, strong limbs and a strong bite that can add difficulty during handling. It is recommended that you apply both hands when picking up, moving and holding a slider. Support them beneath their arms, legs and body to provide a more secure and comfortable feeling. The rapid moving of limbs in the air is an indication of stress and should be minimized. Using both hands also provides extra assurance against accidents and falls.

Hands should be clean before handling and washed after handling RES and their environment. This is especially important for children, the sick and for those who handle food or other pets. A liquid soap dispenser is fairly convenient for this purpose. Areas that come into contact with your RES should be kept clean and sanitized. Keeping your turtle environment and feeding material in the best possible condition goes a long way in the minimization of bacteria and salmonella contamination.
Comment: Any pet should be absolutely restricted from a kitchen or any food preparation area. Avoid using the kitchen sink when cleaning your RES and its items. I would also refrain from using a bathtub or bathroom sink. If you do utilize these areas, make certain they are properly disinfected and sanitized after use.
Anyone who might handle your turtle should be notified of the proper ways to do so. Improper handling can cause distress, which may cause the turtle to release salmonella. It is not recommended for children to handle or take care of turtles. Turtles are not necessarily a “hold and pet” kind of animal and it is important that children understand that. They should always be supervised when around the turtle and they can be taught a great lesson in responsibility.

Related Topics: Salmonella (and other health risks to you)

Answer 5

Ok, turtles do not like to be handled no matter what size they are. Only handle them when necessary like when cleaning the tank. I think they can eat fish when they are like 1 or years old. Fish for baby turtles can be too big for them. Good luck! Oh, umm IM me sometime. I would like to see pictures of your turtle and i would like to show you mine. Go to my profile and click IM, ok? Good Luck!

Answer 6

yes u should handle ur little res b/c they need to get use to ppl

u should hold ur res atleast a half hour a day...and let him/her run on grass or at least get some watched attantion and some exersize...

ur res can eat fish at this age...mabey try feeding it some rosy red gold fish or feeder guppies... they are small enough to eat and they will rip them apart... ur res can also eat crickets ,worms and other types of bugs as a source of meat...

hope this helps

Answer 7

u can if u want but not every day and it could eat fish at any age

Answer 8

they can eat fish anytime baby turtles love them and do not hold ur turtle u can make it sick

Answer 9

they should be about 4 inches long to eat fish

here this website will help ya

http://exoticpets.about.com/od/aquaticturtles/f/feedingturtles.htm