Red Eared Sliders are Bad Pets (For most people) - Pet Turtles

Why do so many people get red eared sliders, and end up not wanting them, getting rid of them, neglecting or releasing them? Let's talk about some of the things people don't consider before buying these very cheap and easy-to-find turtles.
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[@GoHerping]

Consider sharing this video somewhere people who don't usually care for reptiles may see... just in case any of them ever run across a teeny tiny turtle and end up with something that outgrows their fishbowl and outlives their entire family.

[@sabzillagorilla]

GoHerping no its going to outlive all humans because we are ruining the Earth and we are gonna end up killing our entire population. Honestly I hope it's soon. Just not too soon that I can't have a Kenyan because I really want one!

[@kbmusick8894]

GoHerping HELP! My children mom got TWO off these for the kids. She had no knowledge on how to take care of them but has been trying and seems to be doing a good job. I'm really good with animals but I'm not taking responsibility with caring for these turtles. Since I do care a lot about animals, I really want them to be taken care of and I want my kids to have them for a long time. Can you direct me where to get some information to take care of these guys, or girls, or guy and girl? Thanks

[@gagejeffrey3598]

my red ear is about 6.5 inches but hes in a 20 with a bout f gallons of water and soon he might get a 80 gl

[@htowncardetailing7225]

GoHerping whays sup bro i would suggest a mud turttle they stay small instead of buying a red ear

[@sidneyrivera8583]

GoHerping great video! 💗

[@SkylerB]

I got my RES as a baby, my cousin had one that hatched the same day I was born and she is chilling with me right now I love her, we are both 29 years old now

[@SR-nv9gx]

That's awesome!😀

[@santoshpattnaik4659]

Awesome

[@ridamehndidesign6758]

Hi my turtel not eating What you suggest me

[@santoshpattnaik4659]

@@ridamehndidesign6758 he is panicked i think my turtle wasn't eating when i got it .... Have patience give him mealworm or earthworm he will definitely eat it it's their best dish then start giving it sticks or balls whatever you have just dont show your face to him in order to avoid panicking him then he will eat slowly then give him time to recognise you and trust you . . It's a turtle not a dog always remember that .. he will always be defensive and if he's peeing on you then he loves you

[@abby812]

@@santoshpattnaik4659 My neighbor jut give me a turtle 3 days ago and he isnt eating :( Im so worry for him but I read that they can spent weeks without eating but someone can give me some advices or better info?

[@microblend1552]

Shit, I've been keeping my red-eared for 18 years, NEVER getting rid of him, he's the best.

[@inataliarm]

Wiktoria Nowak I've had mine for 7 years and I feel the same way. She is part of the family. She is so spoiled and is not aggressive at all. She is trained and doesn't bite unless she is being bothered really bad 😆

[@sarcasmsaveme5016]

Wiktoria Nowak same he's cute too

[@yourdailytoilet5962]

My turtle gets aggressive whenever he sees me eat something 😂

[@destinyquashie4863]

Speak sister i feel you i got two of them! I will never let them go

[@rajivdeonarine6349]

Don't get rid of it

[@alexsquid8560]

Turtles, tortoises, hermit crabs, bettas, fresh water tropical fish, hamsters, parakeets... Most abused pets in America.

[@insomniacraccoon]

Goldfish too. So many bowls..

[@GoldNargacuga]

That's a shame. I love my hamster and will never let anyone or anything hurt her.

[@nflores7994]

true

[@nflores7994]

i own 3 bettas and 1 crab. i rescue. not buy

[@oliviaandrade4759]

I have 2 red eared sliders, a hamster, and 2 parakeets. L I've done my research though so they are ok

[@alyssiabrantley7707]

I can just see him as a 70 year old man who still has that turtle 😂

[@EthanFields425]

@@echoshatter they live up to 50 years

[@rogdesu6838]

I mean my mom tried to release mine while I was at my school Then he came BACK! After 1 week Maybe because he was hungry idont really know now its been 3 years now and he doesn't bite we adopted him after a flood he was standing outside my gate the police actually thought it was ours

[@goodnessgracious7323]

Awww...my parents try to get me to release my 9 year old slider all the time. They refuse to understand that she's not a wild animal and also an invasive species. Glad your turtle came back to you :)

[@Day5Aquatics]

Not to mention, hardly any pet supply company makes a basking dock that is suitable for an adult turtle. Even the extra large sizes are pretty inadequate for an adult slider. Great video!

[@janggz7620]

i made one for my 80gal tank as a topper but they wont use it..need a heating rock :x

[@monicaparker1299]

I used my flat rocks from my garden.

[@erintaylor7858]

Yep! I had the largest one they sell and my turtles kept sinking it. I had to make one out of PVC pipe and egg crate. Then my uncle made me an above the tank backing dock out of plexiglass so they could have more water.

[@SuccessforLifester]

yeah good point

[@kyliegibbs4513]

People always end up having to make their own which often takes tons of trial and error!

[@alanwatkins1326]

I've had a red EAR slider for 35 years AN still REAL healthly

[@dkoo6866]

For 35 years!!!

[@morelandevents9058]

Wow that is amazing

[@dorika85]

I got my female red-eared slider when I was 11. We've had our ups and downs, she fell off the balcony on 4th store 18 years ago, her shell broke and she just 'walked it off' like a champ. She's at least 28 this year. I've had her for 25 years and she was an adult when we got her. Best pet ever! She's witty, stubborn, kinda smart - she knows where the doors are, she recognizes her feeding tub (and color red, since the tub is red) get's excited on the sound of splashing water and she hates rocks and she always trolls the cat when she roams. She almost bit my cheek off when I was little and tried to kiss her and she bit off a part of my mum's finger when she failed at feeding her :D

[@milena9776]

I have a rescued red eared slider, and she may be the best thing that happened in my whole life, keeping her is A PAIN IN THE ASS. People get so offended when I tell them not to buy one. They’re expensive, they need special lighting and heating during the winter, they need good filters, they have a special diet, and they need a lot of space and time. It’s not just something you can just have and keep there. They are A LONG TERM COMMITMENT. If you want a pet turtle, you must _really_ want it and you MUST be sure you can take care of it. It’s not as simple as pet shops make it seem like.

[@HaasioArt]

Agreed, I rehomed my little girls from a friend who didn't want them anymore after 5 years. They're 8 now, and doing water changes really messes with your back XD

[@globraxy.off1k704]

Milena K ~ We also rescued a red eared slider they are pains but mine I have developed deep rooted bonds and it is too sad for me to be messaging you this because at this moment I am crying because my slider is dying or is dead after four years mine is named patio because she was found on a patio.

[@elizabethtrainer9732]

I'm so very sorry, I hope your turtle recovered...please update.

[@PierresWildAdventure]

U sure about that? Ive had mine healthy for 10 years with very little care

[@jrk1990]

Mateo Sanchez why are you barely taking care of your turtle? Like give it to someone who will PROPERLY take care of him or her.

[@omraghuwanshi6084]

Those who love thr turtle hit the like button

[@lesbiarchaeopteryx7453]

I only just got my turtle TODAY, and I already have made it clear that I absolutely love it

[@sheryadeepu3704]

I to have pet t🐢 I love my pet

[@Dehalove]

You contribute literally nothing and you should feel bad

[@omraghuwanshi6084]

@@Dehalove hmm?

[@sheryadeepu3704]

@@Dehalove no never I feel Bad

[@diysnapdragn]

Thank you for making this video. I rescued a Red eared slider from the little boy that lives across the hall last year. He found it and was keeping it in a Tupperware bowl. :{. I had to do research to learn how to take care of it. They are more work than keeping fish but I love him so much. For me he is the best pet. My dream is to someday build him a pond so he can live a good life outside. Everyone should do their homework and learn about any animal before you take one into your home. That is another life you are caring for and they are counting on you for everything. Animals are not toys they are living beings.

[@thabuloodles9209]

Well tf put hit it rite on the nail

[@cnp5336]

OMG YES. I work in a pet store and since NJ doesn't allow to sell turtles, we just get those customers who already bought them and are looking for food and stuff. When I ask what their setup is they literally have them in mini critter keepers. And when I tell them that they get really big and need a big tank with filtration and lights they look at me like I'm crazy. Like I've had one for over 6 years I know what I'm talking about and it infuriates me when people just buy it and think it'll live in that little shit w nothing else

[@HaasioArt]

Ikr. Have you seen people who keep them in "turtle lagoons"???? It's like putting a Great Dane in a pug carrier!

[@cnp5336]

Sahel yes all the time it makes me so angry. Best line "it's just for my daughter" what does that have to do with anything!! Just bc you're getting it for a child doesn't mean that automatically cancels out the requirements they need lmao I can't

[@traviskim7969]

Haasio yes the big industries don’t care with lots of animals like hamsters in those tube cages I mean they run hundreds of miles a day how is afoot long wire cage raise him smh

[@avastars3393]

@@traviskim7969 exactly this is animal abuse. If you get a pet there are requirements for their living 😑😑

[@mattd1142]

I like them. I've taken some people's big ones before. Definitely people need to imagine the large size. I prepared for that, but not everyone does

[@nobody-yj6wo]

Matt D I love turtles I have one and its 11 years old

[@elizabethtrainer9732]

Matt D, I'm rescuing a large Red eared slider this week, I'm doing a ton of research, but I'm hoping I can count on other's to help me if I have questions or concern. Thank you.

[@mattd1142]

Elizabeth Trainer anytime!

[@skelemor3110]

I got my turtle in 2012 and it was the size of a quarter. I didnt know anything about it or what i was getting into. I got it a ten gallon and a filter and basking area. Right now it is in a 30 gallon ready to switch to a 40 gallon with a sump. I have spent about a thousand dollars on my turtle and in the last 6 years. I am about to spend another $1000 on getting her a new tank and sump. All i have to say is i am ready to spend more!

[@humanbeing1065]

I am in the same boat!! Learning as I go. Had no idea of the time and cost involved, but i wouldn't get rid of Gonzalez & Sheldon now. I've made my kiddos promise me they'd take care of them once I'm gone.They'll certainly outlive me.

[@mzbarbie7145]

SAME 😩

[@carlyphilpott269]

A suggestion: try using large stock tanks, you know, metal troughs, to house your turtle. It works! I use one for my yellow bellied slider. I think Alex uses the same.

[@jeswick1483]

Skelemor same! I was “gifted” a turtle the size of a coin that was out in the wild and kept getting caught in a friend’s koi pond. I have the same 10 gal setup You described, but have a salvaged 50gal tank ready to go... I love Burt the Turt so much- even if he hates my ass. He is cool as shit. He several months old now and is the size of my palm - I’m at the beginning of my turtlife journey but I am going to give him (or her: it might be RoBurta) the best life possible.

[@saveamerica3393]

Ive spent alot on my turtle also

[@mrlolz2671]

The thing I like about this guy is he doesn’t hype his content it’s a plain simple vlog as he tells you facts about the animals I love it his videos are plain is such a good way

[@missmeliss9560]

I’ve had a red eared slider that has lived in my family filtered pond with koi fish since 01’ All she had for so many years was living in the water 24/7, until two years ago when we put a rock for her to sit on. She, yes she, loves this rock. She’s very good with the fish, she only started eating a fish when the fish was floating (not yet dead) when it was very sick. She doesn’t have special lighting and her shell sheds every spring. She’s wonderful and comes to the side of the pond to eat, she’s quite cool, and I grab her from time to time to hang out on the grass and she and my lab get along great! Love her. So, I don’t know what else I could do for her but she’s very low maintenance and she’s a joy!

[@janetrodriguez1598]

would you take in 2 RES for that pond? looking to rehome

[@IV.Fourth]

Welp i just realised i fekd up

[@gummi4188]

Gintoki Sakata me too lmfaooo

[@909bkaby]

G u m m i u let them go ?? 🤨😴

[@andreacaroleena]

Lmfao 😂

[@gummi4188]

K5 no I’m properly taking care of him 🥰

[@Marie-fx2qp]

@@gummi4188 uhhh hows it going? Is he/she still alive?

[@TheGreatWolfYT]

I had two of these and they were amazing! Then I had to go on vacation and my grandma was supposed to watch for them. RIP my friends, I miss you

[@ChickenPlague]

I’m so glad I watched this! I was thinking about asking my grandma to get me one of these, thinking that they didn’t get that big and weren’t mobile. Now I know. So when I get one of these I’ll know what to get it

[@HaasioArt]

Agreed, most people don't see what comes into the future with their slider. Some girl literally dumped her turtles on me since she couldnt care for them anymore (they were about 3 inches each and living in a 3 gal when I got them). I tried to get them to a bigger tank pronto, and managed to take a 15 gal off of a friend who used to have leopard geckos. Now 15 gal isn't much, but it was definitely more room than that blasted 3 gal that I only use to make water changes now. And so I got them a filter, basking lights, and a heater, and helped cure one of them's shell rot. Now, it's been 3 years, and they're about 6-7 inches each, living in a heated 20 gal (I know I'm gonna need to upgrade them, but my mom won't let me, so I try to let them swim around the pond in the backyard when it's warm out). Just remember that these little turtles live a long while, and they're quite the commitment X3

[@dontask2421]

How many turtles are there?

[@HaasioArt]

Two, so the 20 is kinda cramped. I'm looking into a wider 40 gal or big 100 gal plastic bin I can put on the ground

[@yourfriendpel]

A bin is usually a better idea if you're not concerned with presentation. My boy lives in a large 20$ bin from the local Target, which is much cheaper than a glass aquarium and easier to transport.

[@CommanderWiggins]

Sahel A plastic bin should be just fine. Once you have a job and your own income, you can buy them a large aquarium.

[@KamikoPlays]

I had my RES in a big ol bin from walmart till I could save up to get him a large tank. Currently, he is in a 40 gallon breeder and around 3 to 4 inches at this time. I plan on building him a pond indoors once I have my own place. For now, this will work. Thank you for being so committed to the turtles!

[@dagoravioli]

Thank you for really spelling it out for people. They are amazing little buddies for people who have the time, space, money, and know-how but they are definitely not an "easy" pet. It breaks my heart to see them abused, even if unintentionally, by uninformed pet owners. RES are a life long commitment! Hell, my little turtie girl has outlasted 2 marriages 😂

[@amazingwhale9338]

I got my turtles from a neighbor who hadn't given them any lighting uvb or water conditioning. I almost lost them because of the lack of uvb the kids who had them used to always handle them without care. Because of that now they are scared and always shy away could you please do a video on teaching RES. not to bite or hiss.

[@HaasioArt]

NovRoz is an inactive turtle KZbin who did videos on her turtles Kame, Kroten, Kurome, and Papoe. I believe she covered the nipping in one of her videos. Personally, I tap their foreheads lightly when they're about to bit to tell them "hey don't touch me or else I'll poke you". One of them has now learned to smell the finger before biting, while the other still bite anyways XD

[@amazingwhale9338]

Sahel Thank you I will look into it.

[@inataliarm]

I remembered I would say "NO....NO Bitting" to my turtle and she does not bite anymore. I know it sounds dumb but it helped.

[@pvtdipwad2944]

jia jia summer If you still have a problem, you probably just need to hang out with your turtules. Watch them eat and hold them for a little bit. Let them walk around outside of their tank for a while if you can

[@treasureelie2370]

@@inataliarm I did the same early in my turtle’s life, and she understands “no”! She is 2yrs 6m.

[@korozashisakae]

They're cute when you buy them until you realize the cost and needs

[@GoHerping]

They're still cute after that, but my account balance may disagree

[@Samzaraah]

I think it's great you're discouraging most from getting these turtles. They simply aren't for everyone, nor are they an expendable novelty. It's very much like getting a parrot/cockatoo. And you're absolutely correct in saying "you're stuck with" the animal. The trick is to figure out if you want to be stuck. We rescued a female red-eared slider who we named Gertie May about 10 years ago. We were novices regarding aquatic turtles (we'd had iguanas before she came along so we at least understood right away her care and housing would be full commitment), but were determined to save this beautiful lady so we educated ourselves promptly, happily invested the money and within a week after getting her she was in turtle paradise. We're not sure how old she is, but our vet and a friend who has raised turtles in the past estimated 20-25 years old at the time. Her shell is a bit over a foot around, and she was suffering some shell rot and was being housed in a 20 gallon tank with a couple inches of filthy water, and nothing else. Yeah. INSANITY. How she survived this, got to be as big as she did never knowing filters, enough space to dive or proper nutrition is beyond me. And we're baffled as to how she maintained such a brilliant social disposition through it all. When we gave her the proper tank (100 gallons) with a filter and beautiful decor, she was utterly overwhelmed. She couldn't contain her excitement or confusion and wouldn't stop exploring and diving with vigor for days...The filter tubes pissed her off at first though (ha!)- she kept attacking them like she was Jaws but eventually accepted their presence. People just do NOT know the investment, commitment and devotion it takes to care for these beautiful animals. We're proud to say Gertie is thriving and is very loved by all of our friends and family. Some of the kids in the neighborhood come visit her when she's out playing in her swimming pool in the back yard in the summer with her rubber duckies and they bring her romaine and other treats. She's a beloved family member and loves her brothers and sisters (we have two dogs, 4 elderly cats, a cockatiel and two doves) and she loves to interact with them. I've also taken her to a couple local elementary schools for their science classes on occasion. The kids loved meeting her, getting to pet her shell and in general learning about turtles. But I must say that over the years many people have expressed interest in getting a turtle like her, and as flattering as Gertie's inspiration is, we've strong cautioned and/or discouraged those who've mentioned wanting one themselves and as to what's all involved. People just do not realize the gravity of it, or even the fact when you have an animal like this...you have to literally put provisions in your will for them in case something happens to you, which we've done. Be smart about getting any animal. Educate yourself, and make well thought decisions before acquiring them- especially those like Gertie. :)

[@odettegordonyo]

Hola Turtle Lovers! I host a river turtle sanctuary and sea turtle protection program in Mexico. We have RES and others,some indigenous. While we have a pond and are outdoors,we utilize sun instead of lamps. Just wanted to share a few things learned over the years. Turtles love lettuce,carrots,cucumbers,some cherry tomatoes and some dried unsalted fresh water fish! Also if you have females( short claws,shorter tails) they have to lay,even if they aren't with males or breeding. They like to lay in hard pack dirt that would normally be along sides of river or lakes. This is important to note as it can become a health issue. Please take this into consideration with turtles as pets. Gracias for this informative video,good job amigo!(0)

[@mikeyangel420]

I work with a girl who proudly stated that she kidnapped her red eared slider from a pond as a baby. I've been to her house for a work get together, she keeps him in a 10 gallon with a signle spongebob tank decoration... and she's planning on kidnapping ANOTHER one so he can "have a friend". The idiocy is baffling.

[@eddiebarger3850]

the shot of the baby turtle on the big turtle was precious

[@renechamness7778]

Way to go kid! So glad you took the time to do this video. People too often get pets without doing the homework and it never ends well for the pet. Every pet I have used to be someone else's with the exception of my fish. I have had several that I have taken from people who drug them home from float trips and couldn't care for them. Usually hatch-lings that quit eating. Fortunately they are native to my state so they spend summers in my koi pond and winters in my aquarium until they are big enough to leave. Usually one winter two summers and then one night they leave and go to the nearby creek.

[@cherryribs]

"Can you calm down a little? Please...?" Lmao, love you Alex! Thanks for the informational vids, man. Really appreciate it.

[@rajivdeonarine6349]

No not my

[@nikkiderringer]

Researching turtles tonight. My boyfriend's mom got our 8 year old daughter two yellow bellied sliders while on vacation and brought the pair home in a tiny critter keeper. For now they're in a 10 gal tank with a basking perch and a fake plant. No one asked us and we definitely weren't prepared to take care of a couple of turtles. But now they're here, and they're happy and healthy and I love them.

[@rebekah4383]

My aunt rescued my red eared slider a year and a half ago and I and a week later she gave it to me and my care has constantly improved for her. I'm am also proud we rescued it instead of buying one. My aunt has a pool and she also lives on a ranch so there is a pond some what close to the pool and she saved the baby turtle from getting stuck in the pool filter.

[@tjr71797]

I've had my buddy snowy ( I got him as a 9 year old and it was snowing out so i just named him snowy lol) but I've had him for 13-14 years and I will never get rid of him.

[@celiarivera7164]

I've had my red ear slider turtle for 6 years, I saved him for my mom's salt water pool and dog. We had a really bad flood that year and the turtles started to come out of the bayou 2 houses down, he was about an 1 wide. He went into my mom's salt water pool and the dogs seen him and went after him, they ripped his right back leg off. I took him to the vet. Now 6 years later I still have him and care for him.

[@waziharahman24]

Aww it still has 3 legs now?

[@celiarivera7164]

@@waziharahman24 Yes, their limbs do not grow back.

[@waziharahman24]

@@celiarivera7164 oh I know- just asking 💧👄💧

[@techystylo]

thank you for this video!! My aunt got me a red-eared slider/yellow-bellied slider for me when my goldfish died a few years ago. However neither she, nor my family, realized how much work a turtle would be, and I have certainly been a neglectful turtle parent, and it is not something I'm proud of. now that I'm home from school, I really plan on giving my buddy a better life!

[@isopodch.4599]

I worked at my community college's fishery for about 6 months but they had to close down and the professor had a tank with 4 cichlids and a red ear slider. He asked me if I wanted to bring them home. He supplied me with a tank, stand, filtration,cycled media, and heating. Shelldon didn't have a basking dock or a UVB lamp in that tank at the fisheries, so I spent like 60 dollars buying him everything he needs. He's so small; he's only a year old but I love him and hes such a good boy. Right now he's sleeping on his basking dock. He's only about 2 inches in diameter right now. (I'm aware it's illegal to own turtles this size but there are no other educational fish programs near me and he would have been released into the ponds which will soon be drained and refilled with dirt.)

[@pjlove367]

Red Eared Sliders have so much personality!! My family has had one for years and we love her :)

[@DTyloo]

I’m not rich my mom makes 29k a year but we care for reptiles I have a red rated slider I had for 9 years and we keeps her in a 40 gallon tank bcuz that’s what we can afford atm we have lights that they need. A heated rock and a filter

[@asuscreamilaugh]

I adopted my 8 year old slider from a friend who was gonna release him into a lake in Central Park here in NYC where red eared sliders have OVERRUN the park. Thanks for the video, more like this, the better.

[@saviourscorpius]

ive had a red eared slider for about 4 years, we got him when he was a juvie (not completely a baby but still small) and we have him in this small 20 gallon tank because we could never afford more for him but now we're getting him a little mini pond to live in with some live plants (safe of course), and i've done a huge amount of research. we got him on a impulse buy at the time and did not know how much care he needed but now that we have more money, we're working on giving him a better life

[@makenzieloeffler6743]

I have a red eared slider named Clark and I love him so much like my dogs and cats. I will never release him. He is like my kid lol

[@legogore911]

I have 2, and they are very tidious to take care of and are very large, but I do think they are worth keeping if you can properly take care of them.

[@HaasioArt]

Yep :>

[@scottshafer262]

I saved a very young red eared slider from a pool skimmer. He was sure to die. I made the impulsive decision to keep him and am determined to stand by that decision, even though further research has shown me it will not be as simple as I expected. I do not regret that decision at all yet.

[@NamelessAidan]

Overheard someone at a pet store asking an employee if they could keep a turtle in a betta tank. It was like a novelty betta tank probably wasn't even one gallon. I was nearby looking at stuff for my aquarium and almost laughed in disbelief. The employee said no but they just seemed offended and didn't seem to believe the employee telling them they can't keep it in such a small space. They kept saying "but it's just a tiny baby." Some people..

[@poke_cactushobby3780]

Do one of these on hermit crabs spread the real news.

[@callmebee1209]

YES. People don’t realize that hermit crabs need a crazy amount of care.

[@poke_cactushobby3780]

Dizzy Kitten my 55 has costed a good 400 so far.

[@musicislife683]

Another hermit crab obsessed brethren. Hello there

[@poke_cactushobby3780]

ironic toast honey calm down. Im sorry I'm one of thousands of people who don't like any sort of animal abuse. I don't see how I'm a " heathen" for wanting to try to stop animal abuse lol.

[@emily-rainbeetle7856]

They were complimenting you Sebastion, they said "brethren" which means "brother", "family", and "friend". They also said "another" so I think they were saying that they like hermit crabs as well

[@sabzillagorilla]

Yeah when I get interested in a type of snake or other reptile I like to learn a little bit of what their temperament is, how big they get and how much space they need. Then if I am still interested i will do even more research. If I decide I do want one, I try to hold one in person before getting it. I did that for Kenyan sand boas, I really want one now and have everything planned out. I found out about Kenyans from one of Alex's videos and fell in love

[@raymondjones1601]

I happen to own red eared sliders. Had them for over 15 years, but you are right though, I had no idea what I was getting into, but I quickly came up to speed and learned to take care of them.

[@atziatlcoatl9970]

i remember when i was 5 i had a red eared slider, i had him for 3 years, i didnt know anything and i just kept him in a 10gallon, my parents never told me how to care for him and we didnt have anything to research, eventually they forced me release him because he “smelled bad and was getting to big,” its a shame

[@AvisNotHere]

Great video dude!! I ADORE my RES so so much, but I realize they arent for everyone. :/ I did take her from someone I found on OfferUp (imstead of buying from a breeder). He was keeping an 8-inch turtle in a 20 gallon tank with no lighting, heat, or out of water area. They didn't feed her anything except spinach three times a week. Thankfully I had her checked out by my exotic vet and she is mostly okay aside from a tiny bit of shell rot (thats gone now). Makes me happy to provide her with everything she needs for a long healthy life.

[@cuuntrisma993]

Siilver Poiison that sounds like the slider I'm getting tomorrow, I feel so awful for him I have to save him and give him a better life cause he is only 2!!

[@aisyahahmad5116]

Siilver Poiison hey..um..can i ask u, what did u do to rot shell?i mean how to cure the rot shell of this turtle?

[@mysticodyssey4013]

Best video to watch before buying one of these as a pet. 👍

[@AnotherRandomChild]

I had one as a child. He was such a cute little thing. I loved him but we had to give him away because we had to move. I miss him, he was such a cutie pie. I remember when my dad and I would wash his tank, he would begin to travle from my house to my old school (It wasn't that far). He made my family smile.

[@clairemoore8797]

I got Alex when I was 11, and my dad made me write a 10-page research paper, read several reputable books, and give a 5 minute presentation about the care and keeping of red-eared sliders before he would let me get a turtle. At the time, I was really mad at him, but I now realize that doing all that research has saved me and Alex from so much pain and trouble because I had everything properly set up for him the second he came home, knew that he would get much bigger, and understood the maintenance that was required. Now I’m 17, he’s about 11 inches long, and he’s happily chilling in a 55 gallon tank right now a few feet away from me. Being young when I got him, I made a lot of mistakes about maintenance and was honestly a horrible owner at times, but I have gotten into a regular routine and am continually learning more about how to best take care of my Alex. Watching a video like this should be the BARE MINIMUM for education before getting a turtle.

[@paulmartinez1116]

Horrible pets, i have 3 that i love to death but you shouldnt get them

[@uaroach4055]

Idk why u say u shouldn't get the cause u can but u just need alot of stuff for them

[@SuperCer054Real]

@@uaroach4055 money is a real issue

[@uaroach4055]

@@SuperCer054Real don't you think ik first of all if u don't got all the right stuff or were it can live in just go to a garage sell cause we're i live i see thing that u can use for turtles

[@SuperCer054Real]

@@uaroach4055 reeee

[@jamiecherubini7405]

I love my turtles one is fat his name is Boris and he my brothers but I feed him I help clean his tank and the other one is mine her name is kiwi she's sweet funny I love her

[@turtles6530]

Ive been keeping my red eared slider -turtle since i was 4 now its 20 years old

[@christopheredison2094]

Honestly hand on heart, you are the most honest genuine person to speak to about reptile care, you say the truth, even if it's something we don't want to hear but you are as raw and open as can be, fully respect your attitude buddy, if I need any advice I sure know where to come much love from Hampshire near London UK

[@3dPrintingMillennial]

I have a YBS. He's so chill. He freaks out and dives into the water occasionally when I walk in but then he swims over and begs for food. Saw him right before I almost ran him over with the lawnmower 4 years ago. He was about 1½ inches in diameter that day, almost like he just hatched. I'm nowhere near water so I'm assuming someone tossed a clutch. His name is Lucky and he's about 6in in diameter now. My first and only turtle. I've always been a snake and gecko guy.

[@Sgt_Death78]

I used so have water turtles but I prefer land tortoises so much better now because they are easier to clean and care for than your basic painted turtle or RES. I would recommend a Russian tortoise instead for many people.

[@jayroches4641]

A Russian tortoise may be better in some ways as it doesn't require a very large enclosure and people in warmer states might be able to keep them outside much of the year. However it *must* be reliably captive bred. Otherwise you risk getting a tortoise poached from the far reaches of Kazakhstan where they are a vulnerable species. Wild-caught tortoises are definitely not suitable as pets.

[@c0die]

I had to give mine away because of house reasons but if I didn’t give them away I would still have them Andy I know their still aliveness because I see them monthly at the store I gave them too

[@myriada4570]

I had a beautiful, large, 12” female red-eared slider. Her name was Happy. She was 15-years old and I swear she was the friendliest res to ever live. She would follow you if she saw you with her can of pellets, and she would follow me and my dog around the yard. She loved having her head, neck and shell stroked. We kept her inside much of her life, but one day I decided to move her outside into a much larger enclosure. Two weeks passed and she was doing amazing. Then she went missing and I found out a raccoon had gotten her. I’m hopefully getting 2-3 baby stinkpot musk turtles to inhabit her old indoor enclosure, but they will never truly replace Happy.

[@goodnessgracious7323]

I love your videos so much. I bought a Red Eared Slider in 2011 in China town LA. They were 2 for 5 bucks, I was told by my friend who said I should get one that he knew all about them....he did not. So 9 years later she's grown out of 6 tanks by year 5. I've had 3 of her last 75&90 gallon tanks broken in the last 2 years while moving. She is a sweet and very sociable turtle who loves to cuddle with my dog (until he realizes she's next to him,dog is still afraid of her a bit) . They are quite spendy when you factor in the water, power to run all the equipment and the hardest thing I've found is being allowed to have one in a place I am renting. Its practically impossible to get a landlord to give the ok on a giant tank I'll be filling with "free to me" water and a heat lamp(although safe, no one ever believes it is) on a timer etc....I refuse to abandon her without knowing she will live well and be happy with someone else, so I wondered if you know of a loving place for someone to bring their Red Eared Slider if they are unable to have them in a new apartment with ridiculous rules on no aquarium pets? 🐢❤

[@elizabethdorazio3094]

Hello, and thank your for this informational video. A student of mine (8th grader) just asked if our classroom would take a red slider. Before giving it much consideration, I agreed. So the turtle is moving in to the class in 4 days. There is a 55 gal tank in the room, but it is not quite ready. With your video and some other research that I have done, I am thinking that maybe my choice to take the turtle was a mistake. I am afraid to disappoint the student and renege on the agreement, but I fear that I won't be able to care for it over the summer or in the years to come. If I do attempt to take on this challenge, I feel ill equipped. I still don't know how to properly supply the basic aquarium in the classroom with a proper habitat. I will have to pay out of pocket for everything. Do you have any more resources that might help me out? Such as how to cheaply build a filter, or just ways to keep the costs down? Thanks so much.

[@SuccessforLifester]

Yes it is a mistake for you to undertake the task. The biggest chore is maintaining clean water for the tank. Despite me having an expensive Eheim external filter, I still do a complete water change daily

[@ej_l2525]

Mine always bite and looks aggresive.

[@hoho7029]

Eleona Ligon yeee mine used to bite hands too... Hard.

[@alaskahayabusa2810]

Mine is so sweet she doesn't bite:c

[@ranchsoda2121]

Before mine starved itself, he would bite. I eventually let him bite me and wouldn't move. He would let go and that's how I trained him not to bite me for no reason :)

[@hallechristensen]

Tough love

[@dennism103]

Depends on if u got a male or female

[@LJay-pv8lm]

I bought some when I was in middle school and 15 years later they've come back around the family to me. Thanks for the video 😂❤️ they are loved but I wouldn't choose them if I would've known

[@leonaquinn9392]

I'm so happy to see a video like yours helping to educate people about these animals and other reptiles. I have 4 turtles, a dragon 2 geckos and a ball python all rescues that were being abused, they all all healthy now but it's been a long road I blame alot of the problem on these pet stores not explaining that that tiny animal is going to get alot bigger and need special care.

[@ContrastCollections]

Owning Red Eared Sliders is illegal where I live (Ohio) unless you have a permit- so it's sad to see people here buying them illegally and not knowing how to care for them ;; EDIT: or not having the right legal requirements to own one, which isn't good either. not saying all- but a lot of people

[@rockwitharms7455]

Superhglg TCG I think they are illegal to sell and distribute in the whole of Europe lol

[@MikeBNumba6]

I live in Ohio and bought mine from a pet store. Had no idea they are illegal. I still have mine after 20 years of owning him

[@lightninglances9178]

me: i love how much im learning about turtle also me: IS THAT AN ODD ONES OUT PLUSH IN THE BACK

[@carolinejohnston5545]

I have had my little red-eared slider for less than 5 months and he's a tiny little guy is living in a 10 gallon and I cannot get a bigger one yet bc my mom won't let me. He is pretty expensive but I love him and I will never let him go. He is aggressive toward many people and sometimes even me sometimes but he has learned to appreciate the care and love I give him. And this is a lot of money for me, an 11-year-old and I wouldn't trade him for anything.

[@Yu7Yu7Me7Yume7]

I found two sliders for sale in a run-down Chinatown store kept in tiny boxes and aggressively haggled the price down from $40 to $20 to get them out of there. Been almost a year and they’re happy.

[@MrSHAWNDES]

My red eared is is the best i love him he is spoiled

[@brizxy5475]

My cousin had one in a 5 g aquarium. When they left the room, I stole it. 🤭🤫😬

[@waziharahman24]

HOW IS IT DOING NOWWW

[@avastars3393]

@@waziharahman24 yes I need to know

[@insomniacraccoon]

I deeply regret buying one when I was a kid. We ended up releasing it into the town's garden pond which was home to many other RES. Was a good wake-up call though, I learned to do research on animals BEFORE I buy them.

[@Sistinesouls]

I've had my turtle for about 15 years. Free range of our big living room, and sometimes we take him out into a small pool. We tried giving him vegetables but he just doesnt like them. When we rattle the can of his food, he comes running out of his sun bathing nap and into his tank (theres a short slide he can climb to get in the water when ever he wants) and splashes in. He's very low maintenance, just likes to nap all day.

[@natelopez7004]

I just got one on the street I’m worried

[@chrisl.5479]

I got one off the street. Got it a small 7 gallon tank, collected some rocks, a heater for the water, got a UV bulb, and some dried shrimp, I gotta clean the tank everyday or every 2 days depending on how dirty or how much Tommie Boy poops. He's cool though.

[@rodrigosotelo6263]

They are good pets not bad pets

[@user-MMA84]

Exactly they are not bad pets. Even if a person was to get one and realize it will not stay small long the requirements for a turtle are not hard. people just need to know that a 75 gallon or larger tank is needed along with a canister filter over 270 GPH, tank heater, an above tank basking spot with a light that has UVB UVA and heat, a submergible thermometer for accurate temps and what foods they can and can not feed them. Also that They have a meat, fish and vegetable requirement not just pellets. I have mine for 17 years and as long as all this is set up they really take no work just cleaning the filter every other month, feeding meat and veggies every 2-3 days and making sure the heat and lights are up to part which UVA UVB bulbs changes out every 6 months.

[@Tater_Toot]

When I was a kid i read this page with a picture of dozen red ear sliders on a kid's magazine. I later got 3 turtles(for dirt cheap price) and loved all of them, but my husbandry was bad because the magazine was completely misinformed, nothing said about calcium or that they can grow to a huge size. My favorite one died and I was so sad. People really need to stop marketing them as easy beginner pets and give out false info

[@mycupotea]

My family has had our two red eared sliders for over 20 years. They are both brothers, that are now 24years old. I love having both of them, and carring for them. They are quite honestly the sweetest pair. However, if you plan on getting one. You have to be someone who is willing to take time to care for them .

[@rubberraptor6450]

At first I really wanted them. Then I did saw some real adult ones and I was like NOPE

[@galapagos6186]

Rubber Raptor Tortoises are much easier than aquatic turtles.

[@vickieglore2390]

There are smaller species, and like electric shifter said there are also tortisies which depending on who you ask aren't as difficult.

[@ericm3493]

You can get a small species of turtle

[@ummmweirdo1015]

I had one same size as the one in his hand . He died rip ooooooooooooooooooogway 😙🐢😢😢😢😭😢😭😢😭😢😭

[@danielr7644]

wasup

[@Erika-yi1fj]

It really saddens me that there are so many high maintenance pets out there that are not receiving the care they need to live a happy, healthy life. 😞😥 If they die that means they were suffering til the end 😢😢😢

[@Sle3plessNights]

Got a little female very brightly colored red eared slider from my grandma's friends for free after my poor lil eastern painted turtle who sadly died. (We sadly had no way to help him.) He was kept in a perfect sized tank, never in a little fish bowl, the right lighting, his diet was a daily mix of veggies, meat, and pellets here and there. We're hoping to keep the new baby longer. She's only about a year old, we've guessed. Veey small, very energetic.

[@talyaramirez6484]

Excuse me?!?! I have 6 red eared sliders and they are the most walled behaved and innocent pets I've ever had!!!🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢😡😡😡😡😡😡 they are all mad now.

[@jimena5700]

So are plastic straws a good diet? My buddy is 5 years old and he loves them he’s thriving

[@UnsortedSeeds]

I had a red eared slider as a kid. I kept it for 8 years. I went away for a weekend one summer and came home to my parents telling me that it had died, and they buried it in a ditch. I loved my little friend, and I was totally crushed.

[@VincentStevenStudio]

I almost gave my 10 year old yellow belly away when I reached adulthood and I couldnt find time to commit but I just couldnt let her go. I love her too much so I just sucked it up and kept her, upgraded her to a 75 gallon and were both happy. I stopped making excuses. Once the set up is establiahed all it takes is a few minutes to feed every other day and do simple water changes once a week. Varying the diet is easy, just have a shedule for ex. MON=Pellets WED= Veggies FRI=Protein and an ocasional treat from time to time. It has now become a hobby for me and I enjoy it. Nothing gives me more peace than to sit back and watch my turtle swim in her tank.

[@nehemiahdarrow2332]

I'm 11 and have a Bearded Dragon Rex Rabbit And A Baby Red Eared Slider I don't plan on getting rid of him no matter how big he gets, once they are adjusted to tanks they shouldn't be released back into the wild.

[@madelinedixon4086]

Thank you for making this! I was one of those people who did not know what it took to take care of a RES. I didn't have much choice because I got Squirtle when I was 6 and she was the size of a silver dollar. I just loved turtles and my parents did not know much about them and were told they make good pets for kids. Fast forward 15 years and Squirtle's shell is nearly a foot long and we are struggling to keep getting aquariums big enough. She was even too big for any floating dock I could find. We always had decent lighting and food, but I do not think we ever gave Squirtle the life she deserved. After realizing this, we contacted our family friend who cares for reptiles. He took Squirtle and let her go in a small sanctuary nearby where they take in turtles people can't care for anymore. I always tell my friends now not to get these turtles. I wish I would have known before! I have so much regret knowing this poor turtle was probably suffering a lot.

[@takeeto9894]

I just got 2 about a month ago, and I love them tremendously. They are 1 and 3, so they may even outlive *me*. I hope I have them for the rest of my life.

[@elizabethtrainer9732]

Wow, what an AMAZING young man, so compassionate and knowledgeable. I will be rescuing a large red eared slider this week and am doing as much research as I possibly can, I know some of the basics, but I'm hoping I can come back here with any questions or concerns I might have. This turtle has lived a dreadful life and I want to do my best to give her EVERYTHING wonderful in this life that she needs. Thank you.

[@robbynbosley5454]

My 5 year old and I have a Stinkpot turtle instead of the slider do to some of the reasons you said. We love your channel and thank you for trying to say the things everyone things but doesn't want to say. Alex you are awesome and thank you for sharing your love of reptiles with us.

[@erintaylor7858]

I got my two girl red eared sliders from a family acquaintance that had them together in about a 30 gallon tank with no light. They are definitely not easy to take care of. Right now I have them in a pretty good sized tank with a above tank basking so they have the maximum amount of water in my first grade classroom. I’m hoping to in the future have a pond where they could have even more room.

[@fondoftheduh]

Times are changing. My kids brought home two of the tiny ones after a vacation with Dad, 20 years ago. I put them in my 50 gallon gold fish tank for a few years. The gold fish were another thing they brought home three from a festival a few years before the turtles. Three years later I put the turtles in the river after walking in the house and finding one fish turned into meat chunks. There was no internet. We found A (one) paper back book at the library.

[@tomblack8466]

Great vid! I have a pond that has 13 plus red ear sliders. Along with bass and other fish. Was saw a small baby turtle years back here. They sun on the banks and we watch from a long distance using our binoculars. Else the slide into the water fast. Lol! Fun to watch. With their heads out of the pond floating taking a breathing break. We enjoy them all!!!

[@lesbiarchaeopteryx7453]

I have just gotten a little red eared slider today and have been preparing for it for about two weeks, I have a decent sized tank ( no fishbowl peice of crap ), a basking light that I keep on from when I wake up to when the sun sets (and a spare bulb), a filter for the water, a gravel vacuum to use once a week so I can clean the tank, turtle food ( the meat {like freeze dried mealworms and shrimp and other meats good for a growing turtle} and vegg { like little pellets of greens} that I got on Amazon), a basking rock, nice gravel at the bottom that's spread around nicely, some water conditioners to help add minerals in the water for him, a decorative rock small enough for him to move around without it getting in his way, some turtle bones ( wich are oval shaped calcium things that float around for the turtle to chew on), a water bubbler thing, and an extremely good amount of water. Is this good treatment for a red eared slider? I am also getting him some toys like a rubber duck or pingpong ball, I heard that turtles like him like toys. He was very active when I put him in the tank, and he was not that shy for long, so I named him Gamera the Brave, but if he turns out to be a she, Gammy the Brave.

[@laurenbean7792]

My son has a red-eared slider. His name is Bowser and he’s 2 1/2 years old. My son was 4 when we got him and he’s always been so engaged in helping care and feed him. Bowser is a pretty awesome turtle and his favorite food is gold fish, which we found out by accident. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Herp on, people! ❤️

[@turbotreehouse9780]

It's a shame that people aren't prepared for caring for these guys. I got to film with a friend's slider and she was just wonderful. I hope more of these amazing animals are cared for properly (also NC shout out, see you at repticon

[@lettuceforlife4827]

Found a little baby in my pool. I live by the back of a creek. I’ve always wanted a turtle and I understand talking him from the wild is not good but I don’t know what else to do. I want him to live a happy and safe life. The top of his head has damage so I want to make sure he heals. I’m going to make sure I care for him correctly.

[@wolf1963bro]

Thank you, Alex. I very much appreciate your knowledge. As I had "inherited" my Aunt's turtle due to her passing. Your insight has helped me make this a healthy RESORT for the Shelled One.

[@WolfFang884]

As a kid I'd catch hatchings every summer, keep them until school would start up, and then just set them free in my ditch. My neighborhood now has a little turtle population thanks to me and a kid I used to do that with.

[@daywalker3735]

you probably have the best channel for reptile care

[@thetimeisnow2893]

I saved my yellow belly slider in 2012 from natural order with a bird and I have never been happier he is amazing and lover his set up. Great guy he loves a toothbrush scrubbing, his name is Turdell