What is the maximum age for a turtle. How many years do turtles live? How many years do land turtles live?

Guest article.

Turtles - amazing creatures. There are many species of them living on the planet, but they look approximately the same. Their ability to adapt without modification remains a mystery. All living beings are characterized by outwardly noticeable evolution. Only turtles seem to be designed for all conditions and many varieties of climate. Besides this amazing adaptation, they are incredibly hardy, live for many years and are able to survive long-term extreme conditions.

• almost never get sick;
• can go without food for a long time;
• the shell is a home, protection from aggressive conditions and predators.

Thanks to this, turtles are deserved long-livers of the planet.

But does their vaunted adaptation work when conditions suddenly change to radically different ones?

What happens to the turtle in the house

Yes, turtles are long-lived and adaptable. Of course, they adapt to life in an apartment. The only thing that will change significantly is the age: it will be less than what it could achieve in its natural habitat. At the same time, scientists believe that creating optimal living conditions will allow the turtle to live up to 50 years in a home environment.

Land reptile species

Children are indescribably delighted when they see turtles. Indeed, they are so cute, unusual, strange and incredibly interesting. But not only indulging children’s whims, turtles appear in the house as pets; adults are happy to purchase a reptile for themselves in order to admire it constantly.

Often people are concerned with only one question: will this harm the health of the turtle, how long will it live at home?

But there is no single correct answer to this question. Turtles live slowly and for a long time. But in captivity their years are clearly shortened. And a reptile, which in its natural environment lives up to more than a hundred years, can live 10, 20, 30, or up to 50 years at home. Much depends on the age of the turtle taken, and on the conditions in which it will live.

What will help extend the life of a reptile?

A turtle of any size needs space; the more, the better. The minimum acceptable size of a terrarium is three times the size of the reptile itself. Of course, a baby turtle will be at ease in a large terrarium, but an older one will barely be able to turn around in it.

Temperature comfortable life- unbearable heat around 27°C.

You will have to take care of quality food. It must be suitable for the turtle of the selected species, it must be varied as much as possible and the regular presence of mineral supplements in the diet for feeding and maintaining health must be ensured.

Buy an ultraviolet lamp to illuminate and heat the air.

Despite the presence of a shell, turtles love to find secluded corners, so they will gratefully accept a dark grotto, makeshift cave or any other shelter. In particular, there are special pots sold in pet stores.

Reptiles are sensitive to water and food, so nutrients must be fresh, clean water.

Content rules:

• the size of a turtle is a guarantee of a long life than more view, those lives longer;
• several males in one terrarium have a detrimental effect on each other;
• optimal conditions and care for cleanliness.

Aquatic turtle species

There is also no guarantee of longevity, but there are conditions that can be met. Aquatic reptiles in nature they live up to 300 years, while at home their age will barely reach 30, and this is with careful care.

A number of recommendations will allow you to live with a clear conscience. Here you will also need a UV lamp, a varied diet and useful supplements. The aquarium needs shelter, stones, and algae. Land! The turtle needs to climb onto something that sticks out of the water. Change the water about once every week or two. Don't do it too often. Perform manipulations only with clean hands to avoid introducing infection into the water.

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Having decided to buy a pet for the family, many focus not only on how many times a day they need to be walked with and how difficult it is to maintain it, but also on its life expectancy at home. That is why various species of turtles are increasingly coming to the fore. They are not picky and their maintenance is inexpensive. But before you get a pet, you need to understand the rules of care and how long turtles live at home.

Lifespan of turtles

Many people consider turtles to be the record holders for life expectancy. But this opinion is based on in rare cases old-timers belonging to large species. But in fact, the survival rate of the young is very low, and the population is maintained by the large number of eggs in the clutch. In the best case, no more than 60% of them hatch, and in the worst case, no more than 5%. The remaining eggs are eaten by predators. Young animals are also a tasty morsel for most animals, as well as for people.

Very few individuals live to be 30 years old. On average, it is believed that a turtle lives no more than 20 years. And the age of old-timers largely depends on the factor of luck. The reptile cannot get out of its shell- it is fused with it.

The larger the individual, the longer its lifespan:

• small ones live no more than half a century;
• large ones - up to 80 years and longer.

If you raise a turtle at home, its life can be either shortened or significantly increased. The latter becomes possible thanks to comfortable conditions contents and absence of dangers.

Species of reptiles

There are many species of turtles found in nature, each of which has its own characteristics and lifespan. But not all of them can be grown at home. The most popular are:

1. - this variety includes more than ten genera. Its habitat is the warm latitudes of many continents. Most often, representatives of this species can be found in the desert or steppe, but you can also see them in the forest. They are represented by large-sized individuals with thick legs and a large shell. Distinctive feature are fused fingers. They can live in natural conditions for up to 100 years. Most people do not live in households longer than 40 years.
2. - refers to a variety of land animals. A distinctive feature is the shell, which is divided into several sectors and has a yellow or spotted tint. This species can be found in the desert, foothills and near bodies of water. These are small individuals that live no more than 30 years in captivity. Their lifespan in nature is not precisely determined, but on average it is accepted to take 50 years.
3. Marine - most often found in warm waters seas and oceans. They differ from land animals not only in their legs, which look like flippers, but also in their elongated shell. The animal cannot pull its head and legs inside its shell. Most often, sea turtles can be found in large aquariums and zoos. In nature, they can live up to 80 years. But how long do they live? sea ​​turtles It is impossible to determine at home. They are not grown in houses and apartments, because such large individuals will not fit in any aquarium and their maintenance is associated with certain difficulties.

1. Aquatic turtle - refers to small individuals that do not grow more than 30 cm. Most often found in fresh waters South Africa, Asia and Japan. At home he feels great. This turtle lives up to 50 years both in captivity and in the natural environment.
2. or yellow-bellied variety is a freshwater species. Its size rarely reaches 30 cm, males are slightly smaller than females. It got its name because of the red spots on the head in the eye area. Makes sounds similar to hissing or squealing. Found in lakes and ponds with fresh water. Able to live up to 50 years.

Not all representatives of these species of reptiles can be kept at home. But still, most of them are found in captivity.

Life at home

At home, a turtle can live a very long time, compared to natural environment habitat, which is achieved by balancing risk factors.

Several conditions can affect the lifespan of a reptile:

• correctness of the selected diet;
• conditions of detention;
• detection of diseases and their timely treatment;
• possible injuries to the pet.

In this video you will find out how long turtles live:

Small individuals can live in captivity up to 30 years, larger ones - up to 50. But in a zoo, this period increases significantly. This happens due to better conditions in old age.

Rules for determining age

Many factors influence how long red-eared turtles or other species live. But many of the reptiles can become real long-livers. The exact age of an individual can be determined using carbon analysis of the shell. This is how the oldest turtles were identified. But this cannot be done on a living fauna. Therefore, scientists use more gentle methods for this purpose:

1. Shell length. It changes by about two centimeters per year. At birth, it is only three centimeters, and therefore it is enough to measure the shell adult and do some simple calculations to get her approximate age.
2. Counting tree rings. This method is less accurate, but nevertheless quite informative. The scales that gradually grow on the surface of the house are counted. This is much easier to do in young individuals than in old ones. In the latter, the shell is greatly smoothed out.

But no known method can give an accurate result, because the formation of the shell is also influenced by the animal’s diet, living conditions and health.

The oldest turtle

You can determine how long aquatic turtles live by looking at the annual rings on their shells, but according to sources, there are individuals in the world that have survived several eras. And this was witnessed by their owners, to whom the pets were inherited for more than one generation.

Most old turtle It is considered to be the one raised by Charles Darwin. He brought her with Galapagos Islands the size of a saucer. But by the time of his death, the turtle had grown to incredible sizes. Its weight is more than half a centner. She outlived her owner by 105 years and died at the age of 177.

Another well-known long-liver is the Gigantic Tortoise, originally from Seychelles. She lived for different sources from 150 to 200 years. There is no more precise information.

The radiant turtle Tui Malila, given by Captain Cook himself to the leader of the Tongan natives, lived to be 200 years old. This fact has not been documented, but an analysis of the shell showed exactly this period.

It is impossible to determine exactly how many years turtles of one species or another live. Their ages can only be given approximately. Therefore, it is quite possible that the grandchildren will inherit a small walking table weighing up to 50-100 kg. But, in any case, the health and longevity of the turtle will depend entirely on how well its owners take care of it.

Long before man began to manage it. And they survived all the cataclysms that dinosaurs and mammoths could not survive. The turtle calmly carries its shell, not claiming the love of a person, but people are happy to keep them at home as pets. It is believed that these animals live for hundreds of years and can outlive their owners and their descendants. Is it a myth or truth, zoologists have long found out.

Record holders for longevity

In nature, this type of reptile really leads among living creatures in terms of life expectancy. At the same time, they are not affected by living conditions at all. When studying them physiological characteristics Scientists have discovered an amazing fact. It turns out that these practically do not age. The body of an individual that has just hatched from an egg and one that is already 200 years old functions in the same way. And the deceptive appearance is wrinkled skin, inhibited movements and delayed perception.

The large one, which lives in the oceans and occasionally comes to land to reproduce, lives indefinitely. Scientists have not yet figured out how many years of life nature measured out for them. All of them died only from complex viral diseases; not a single individual who died a natural death has yet been found. These animals can stop the heart and fall into a state of suspended animation, and then easily come out of it again. Currently, geneticists are studying the genome of these reptiles in order to discover which gene triggers the longevity program.

It is also true that many households live for hundreds of years and can be inherited by descendants. However, they die early due to human fault under the wheels of a car, in the teeth of a predator, due to improper care or as a result of disease.

Pets

Most often, small turtles belonging to the red-eared species live at home. Such reptiles have a life expectancy of 30 years, but with proper care and good habitat. They have not existed in nature for a long time, which explains their demanding conditions of detention.

Despite the fact that the turtle is small, it needs a large water terrarium, designed for 100, with islands of land for resting and eating. The terrarium should be warm; reptiles love to warm themselves. They need to be fed:

Bloodworm;
- raw minced meat;
- boiled fish without bones;
- vegetables: carrots, cabbage, lettuce.

If not proper nutrition Reptiles develop rickets.

Armored reptiles are the butt of jokes for their slowness and clumsiness, but no one pays tribute to their record of longevity and the amazing features of the body, in which there is no place for aging.

The red-eared turtle (Trachemys scripta), also called the yellow-bellied turtle, is the most common among pet turtle hobbyists. Unfortunately, such popularity also has a downside: a huge number of domestic red-eared turtles are doomed to death or life in unsuitable conditions. Unscrupulous sellers often do not know or hide details from buyers in order to make money. To make this happen less often, we will tell you in detail about the maintenance, feeding and care of this turtle.

The red-eared slider is very hardy and is a good choice for beginners. On the one hand, they live a long time and often become the first species of turtles for many hobbyists, but on the other hand, people who buy them often destroy them. They don’t know that turtles need water and land (shore), which should be warm and where UV rays should reach. At the same time, they spend most of their time in water, which must be clean, warm and regularly changed. As a rule, all problems and diseases are caused by careless owners who do not know that dirty water causes infections; without calcium, the shell will become crooked; without heat and a UV lamp, the turtle does not absorb calcium and gets sick!

They are fast, strong and can be aggressive!

They easily attack other turtles, and each other. They are also known for their personality and charisma, which sets them apart from other turtle species. They are very skilled when it comes to feeding and can take food from each other. IN wildlife, being invasive species, they displace and destroy endemics so that in Australia they are outlawed and exterminated.

American red-eared turtles can be excellent pets, if only because allergies to reptiles are rare.

However, if you decide to have her as a gift for a child, remember that all responsibility for her health and behavior lies with you! Children cannot care for a turtle at the proper level; moreover, they can quickly lose interest in a new toy and abandon it. And she needs to be fed, water changed, warmed, even washed.

How long do red-eared turtles live? With good care, a turtle can live from 20 to 40 years.

Habitat in nature

The red-eared freshwater turtle is native to North America, it is especially common along the Mississippi River before it flows into the Gulf of Mexico. She lives in a warm climate in the southern states of the USA, from Colorado to Florida. But its popularity is great and now it is often found in nature around the world, often posing a threat to local fauna.

IN natural environment In its habitat, it needs the following conditions: fresh water, places to bask, dense vegetation and for a nest. Usually these are lakes, ponds, swamps, and creeks. Prefers reservoirs with warm water and a weak current, always with places above the surface of the water where it will crawl out to warm itself. Often in such places they lie directly on top of each other. The bottom in such places is usually sandy or silty.

The habitat is usually limited to the water's edge; American red-eared turtles do not like to move far from the shore, although females need solid ground to lay eggs.

Small turtles in nature feed on fish, snails, insects and various plants.

Appearance, size, life expectancy

The red-eared turtle is recognizable and difficult to confuse with other species. A characteristic red (sometimes orange) stripe starts from the eyes and continues along the neck. The carapace (upper part of the shell), round and smooth, is olive green with black and yellow lines. The plastron (lower part of the shell) is also smooth, yellowish in color with dark spots. Young turtles have a very bright green shell, but it darkens with age. With age, the spots on the shell darken, and the red stripe on the head turns pale.

The size of a red-eared slider is determined by measuring the length of the shell from edge to edge with a ruler. In this case, they do not pay attention to the curvature of the shell, so it is best to measure with a ruler rather than a tape measure.

Only hatched turtles are about 2.5 cm in length, after a year of life they grow to 5–7 cm. Males become sexually mature at a size of about 10 cm, and females 12.5. The average size of a turtle is from 25 to 30 cm, depending on the conditions and species. Males are smaller in size than females.

Please note that size cannot be a sign of age. The fact is that at home turtles grow faster than in nature, this is the result of overfeeding and ideal conditions. But, with proper maintenance and feeding at home, turtles live longer than their wild relatives. A domestic turtle can live up to 40 years, while a wild turtle can live no more than 20.

• 1 year: 6 cm.

• 2 years: female - 9 cm, male - 8 cm.

• 3 years: female - 14 cm, male 10 cm.

• 4 years: female - 16 cm, male - 12 cm.

• 5 years: female - 18 cm, male - 14 cm.

• 6 years: female - 20 cm, male - 17 cm.

Sense organs

The red-eared slider has well-developed senses, especially vision and smell. They can distinguish colors both in the water and above it, and can look out for nesting sites for other turtles. They notice movement very well, at a distance of up to 40 meters, no matter if it is a prey or a predator. They also have a good sense of smell, which helps them find food.

But her hearing is not very good, her ears are covered with skin and feel only dull sounds and vibration. The shell is sensitive to touch because nerves pass through it. In addition, they have a sense of touch and can reject unpalatable foods in favor of tastier ones.

As for sounds, it can make hissing, snorting, or short sounds like a squeak. Turtles don't breathe underwater, they rise to the surface for oxygen!

How to determine gender?

Just as pet red-eared turtles grow faster, they also become sexually mature faster. A turtle becomes sexually mature after one year of age, and you cannot confidently determine the sex of a turtle if it is less than 10 cm in size.

More or less confidently, we can say whether it is a male or a female when the age of the male is 2–4 years, and the females are 3–5 years old and their size is about 10–15 cm. However, in the case of abundant feeding, sexual maturity may become earlier.

The main differences between a male and a female are: females are larger and have a shorter tail. In addition, in the female, the cloaca is located closer to the base of the tail. An indirect sign can be the claws on the paws; in males they are longer and curved. Of even more relative characteristics, the males have a slightly concave plastron inward, which helps him during mating.

Turtle at your home

Buying a turtle

So, you have decided to get a red-eared slider. You can simply go to the market or pet store and choose the first one you come across. Or it can be more difficult, first read, find out, create conditions, buy and take it to the veterinarian. For what? Sellers often keep them in unsuitable conditions, and a veterinarian will check the turtle for wounds, infections, tightness, and disease.

If you already have turtles, then it is best to keep the purchased ones in quarantine for 3 months. You cannot keep baby and adult turtles together, as this is fraught with accidental and intentional injuries! Only turtles similar in size and living conditions can live together.

After purchasing and changing your place of residence, it may take several days to adapt. During this time, the turtle can be either inhibited or very active; it is better to leave it alone, but do not forget to feed and look after it.

Handling the turtle

When you pick up a turtle you need to be very careful!

They may be slippery with water, resist, hiss, and have bowel movements. They have sharp claws, powerful paws and they bite painfully, so it’s not always pleasant to pick them up. Try to hold the turtle with both hands! Due to awkward handling, many owners suffered and many more more turtles.

After holding the turtle in your hands, wash them with soap! This is especially important for children, since despite the fact that the red-eared turtle is domestic, it lives in a different environment and there are different bacteria there.

It is especially important to keep the aquarium clean and the food fresh, as turtles can carry salmonellosis.

Ideally, any animal in the house should not have access to the kitchen and places where food is prepared. Avoid washing your turtle in the kitchen sink, and do not wash your aquarium or accessories there.

Handling babies

Most turtles appearing in home aquarium- still kids. They are still very tender and it is important to make sure they eat well and are comfortable. In cubs high level mortality, they are susceptible to disease and can die for no apparent reason.

If you notice something on your turtle's plastron, it could be the yolk sac. Newly hatched turtles consume the nutrients from it and it should not be removed or disturbed. They may refuse food at first, and begin to eat after the yolk sac has completely resolved.

Avoid holding small turtles in your arms. They are, of course, beautiful and elegant, but they can also get scared, get stressed and get sick. Don't stand over the aquarium or knock on the glass; let them get used to it for a few days and start eating. It is very important that the temperature of water and air (land) be stable.

You cannot place an aquarium with a red-eared slider in direct sunlight or in a draft. Make sure that she has free access to dry land and that the area is heated with a special lamp.

Keeping temperatures for baby turtles should be slightly higher than for adult turtles! This is 26-27C for water and up to 32C for sushi.

The water should be as clean as possible and if there is no good filter, then change it every couple of days. Feeding - branded food for turtles with calcium, fortunately there is a wide choice of them now. As already stated, do not keep baby and adult turtles together. Remember, most problems can be avoided simply by creating the necessary conditions.

Fights and aggression

If we consider the aquarium as small pond, then red-eared turtles will exhibit dominant behavior towards others. They can easily injure others with their claws or bites. Males may chase females, and this often results in severe aggression with biting, severed tails, or death. Adding a new turtle may provoke fights, especially if the turtles are already sexually mature.

If this happens, significantly increasing the space may help, although it does not guarantee success. Feeding alone (alone outside the aquarium) also reduces aggression. You can add barriers, plastic plants or walls to prevent the animals from seeing each other.

In general, this is a wild animal by nature, and this behavior is more than normal. If you don't want problems, then you need to keep them alone. Red-eared turtles feel great living without a mate.

Adult turtle and babies - struggle for food:

Keeping a red-eared turtle

Home Care

What do you need to buy for maintenance?

You understand that prices can vary greatly, so we’ll just list the necessary things:

• Aquarium for turtle 200 liters

• 100 Watt water heater

• Filter (can be internal, but preferably external)

• Ultraviolet lamp for aquatic turtles with UVB 10%

• Heating lamp

• Lamp

• Thermometer

• Land/shore/island

As you can see, the list is quite serious and the most important thing is that all this is really necessary. Now do you understand why so many pet turtles are dying?

How to care for a red-eared slider?

For almost everyone who wants to get a turtle, the first problem is finding an adequate container and purchasing additional equipment. And then they begin to understand that the content is more complex than they imagined. And very often, owners simply don’t buy what they need, and then the animal suffers and dies.

Here, even such a simple thing as where to place the terrarium can cause problems. Aquarium from 150 liters, plus water, equipment, shore. The output will be more than three hundred kilograms, and not every table can handle it.

A larger aquarium will allow your aquatic turtle to remain more active and healthy. Remember - if you keep a turtle in a cramped environment, it will not stay small! This is a common misconception that also applies to aquarium fish and other animals. She will become sick, twisted, but not small!

What should you buy for your turtle?

So, for maintenance you will need an aquarium or terrarium for the red-eared turtle (or rather an aquarrarium, since it needs both land and water), from 150 to 200 liters. When you look at a small turtle, such requirements seem too high, but it will grow up and become much larger. There should be enough water so that the turtle can turn over freely in it, that is, more than the width of its shell.

You also need artificial land or an island on which the turtle will crawl out and bask. Such an island can be bought at a pet store; they are specially made. If you decide to do it yourself, then remember that it should be a sloping climb, but one that will be comfortable for the animal to climb. In principle, that's all that is needed from him.

You can make an island with your own hands; in nature, turtles choose snags, stones, old tires, or any debris sticking out of the water. But, it’s easier to buy a ready-made product, since it must meet certain conditions: not be toxic, be stable, have a textured surface, not have sharp corners and a hangnail.

The island must occupy at least 25% of the surface of your aquaterarium and meet the following requirements:

• warming up is the main purpose of the shore for a turtle. The temperature on it should be 10 degrees higher than in the water. Too high a temperature is not good, it can lead to hyperthermia (overheating) in the turtle.

• be semi-submerged, at least one side must be submerged

• be safe so that the turtle does not get stuck between the wall of the aquarium and the shore itself

• do not release toxins when heated and in water

• be stable, since red-eared turtles are quite strong and can turn over the bank

• have a textured surface

Example of an aquaterrarium with a turtle and fish:

Priming

You don’t have to use it at all, like any decor, turtles don’t need it. However, if you want the aquaterrarium to look less dull, then use only large stones. For example, turtles can swallow gravel and die; besides, the soil makes caring for the aquarium more difficult.

Heating the shore for a turtle

In nature, turtles come ashore to warm themselves, and the same should be done for them in a home terrarium. To achieve the desired temperature of 30-35C (on the shell), the lamp must be located above the turtle. You will need to look at the thermometer regularly to check the settings.

Be careful as placing a lamp too close can cause burns, especially if you are keeping multiple aquatic turtles as they may climb on top of each other and be closer to the heat source.

Also, do not forget that when turtles dive into the water they raise splashes, and if they hit the base they can easily destroy it, since it is hot. So the lamp for turtles should be closed from water and fumes.

In general, you can buy a suitable lamp at a pet store, especially since they are now sold in pairs with UV lamps, which are needed separately.

The heating lamp, like the UV lamp, should work throughout the day, which is 10–12 hours.

Ultraviolet lamp for turtles

Proper lighting and heating are critical important points in keeping the red-eared slider. In nature she has enough sunlight and heat to produce all the necessary elements.

But in captivity she lacks neither warmth (we talked about it above) nor spectrum and needs special care. More precisely, UV rays, which are needed so that it can properly absorb calcium and produce B vitamins.

In the absence of a UV lamp in the terrarium, the turtle begins to poorly absorb calcium, which it needs for the normal development of its shell. The result is terrible animals, suffering from rickets, with severely curved shells.

The heating lamp, like the UV lamp, should work throughout the day, which is 10-12 hours. Moreover, glass or plastic blocks a significant part of the rays and the UV lamp should hang above the turtle. For adult turtles, a lamp with UVB 10% is used.

Aquarium water

Since the red-eared turtle is an aquatic species, it spends most of its time in water, so monitoring its quality is very important. Turtles eat, sleep and defecate in the water, so it needs to be filtered and changed frequently. Dirty water is one of the sources of discomfort, disease and infection.

The minimum water level in the aquarium is such that the turtle could turn over if it suddenly ends up on its back. That is, no less than the width of its shell. However, if possible, you need to keep it higher, since than more water, the more stable it is and the cleaner it remains. In this case, the turtle must have free access to the shore; it must be able to climb onto it and warm itself at any time.

The water must be left for at least 24 hours so that the chlorine leaves it and it reaches room temperature. The water temperature in an aquarium with a turtle should be 22-28 °C and not fall below 20; if this is possible, then it should be heated using a heater. Be sure to use a thermometer, don't trust your feelings!

The purity of the water is very important, since turtles both eat and defecate in it. Harmful substances such as ammonia and nitrates accumulate very quickly, and the water begins to stink. To avoid this, change the water in the aquarium once or twice a week. You can also use an internal or external filter, however, this does not replace water changes. For a turtle, internal filters are too low-power, and external filters are good, but quite expensive.

How long can a red-eared turtle live without water if it escapes from the aquarium? For quite a long time, it happens that they run away from the aquarium and the owners find them only a few days later, lethargic, but alive. In general, she will live quietly for a day or two, but will suffer from drying out.

Feeding

Omnivores feeding various types stern. Variety is important to keep your turtle healthy. You can feed: artificial food, food for aquarium fish, vegetables, aquarium plants, insects, fish, invertebrates. In addition to variety, it is important to provide a balanced diet high in calcium. Like all wild animals that live indoors, there is a tendency to overeat.

Young turtles are mostly omnivores. But as they grow and mature, they become more and more herbivorous. Omnivorous means what is in the diet a large number of squirrel, but in adult turtles it is much less.

Turtles of any age will prefer live prey or carrion, but should only be fed occasionally. It is also necessary to provide additional calcium for the normal formation and growth of the turtle's shell.

What to feed a red-eared slider?

They eat almost everything, but the main food may well be artificial food for aquatic turtles, since there are many options and types. Their composition is specially selected to provide all the necessary substances for turtles. The high protein content of commercial feeds allows them to be fed in small portions.

To make feeding more balanced, add calcium and plant foods and your turtle will be quite happy. Please note that commercial feeds most often already contain calcium additives; read the labels on the packaging.

Red-eared turtles require water to swallow because they do not produce saliva. They can take food on land, but will drag it into the water to eat it. You can use this to your advantage and feed them in a separate container, so the water in the aquarium will remain cleaner for a long time.

Feeding with plant foods

Fresh vegetables should always be given to your turtle, regardless of whether he shows interest in them or not. A good mix of vegetables contains essential fiber, calcium, vitamins A and K.

Aquarium plants can also be given, especially since they are similar to those that the turtle has in nature. It is especially important to feed adult and old turtles with plant foods! Their diet should consist of 75% vegetables and aquarium plants. It can be duckweed, riccia, ludwigia, hornwort, lettuce, pieces of cucumber and zucchini, boiled dandelion and nettle, clumps of filamentous algae.

Red-eared turtles and live food (guppies, snails)

Omnivores, they happily eat everything they can get their hands on. The turtle's victims will include insects, snails, small fish and worms, crickets, etc. So the question of whether guppies and red-eared turtles can get along in the same aquarium is not at all worth it. The same can be said about any aquarium fish, they can bite even large ones.

Poor gold fish(slow, you say?)

How much and how often should you feed red-eared turtles?

A difficult question, since for the most part it depends on the size, age and the food you give.

Turtles up to one year old need to be fed artificial food daily, and you can also give plant food daily, even if she refuses. And here's a turtle over a year old, you can feed every other day or even two. However, plant foods can again be fed more often.

The amount of food may also vary. Newly hatched turtles should receive more protein, approximately 50% of the total stern. Since most turtle foods contain about 40%, you can additionally feed fish such as guppies, insects, and earthworms. For adult turtles, the percentage of artificial food is reduced to 10-25%, and the rest should be various plants.

Since the size, shape and composition of feed can vary significantly, you need to focus on what the manufacturer writes on the packaging.

hibernation

Hibernation is the period in which the red-eared turtle goes into hibernation during the winter months. There is no need for a pet turtle to hibernate! Moreover, it is not recommended! Never encourage her to do this.

Reasons why hibernation may be unsafe:

• you may not have enough experience to care for her at this time

• Most likely, in order for her to hibernate normally, you don’t have the conditions

• young and sick turtles may be too weak to survive the hibernation period

• your turtle may not need it at all

Turtles hibernating in nature burrow into leaves and silt at the bottom of a reservoir, the depth of which is shallow, and vice versa into the surface. They do not rise to the surface during this time, but absorb oxygen through membranes in the mouth, pharynx and cloaca. In this case, the depth of the reservoir is important so that the water is not too cold, but also contains enough oxygen. Most artificial conditions and ponds are unable to recreate these conditions.

In general, a pet red-eared slider should not and should not be hibernated. By the way, the key condition here is the water temperature, it must be maintained at 24-26C. More low temperature they just remind her of winter and hibernation.

Reproduction of red-eared turtles

Whether a turtle is sexually mature or not depends on its size. Approximately: 2-4 years for a male and a shell of more than 10 cm and 2-5 years for a female and 12-13 cm. Mating games begin with a mature male (although young ones can also try), with a kind of courtship. During which he swims in front of the female, with his muzzle towards her and waves his paws very quickly in front of her eyes. In nature, breeding occurs in March and June, but domestic turtles can mate throughout the year.

When a turtle is pregnant, that is, carrying eggs, you need to prepare a special place for her where she will lay these eggs. A female red-eared slider can carry eggs without a male, but they will not be fertilized! You can gently feel the eggs between the carapace and her hind legs, but be careful, they are very fragile. The female will instinctively look for a place to nest and lay eggs. A clutch can contain up to 20 eggs for a large female. If the conditions are suitable, then the female lays up to 3-4 clutches per season.

In a home aquaterrarium, the female signals preparation for reproduction by changing her behavior. She becomes very restless, imitates digging movements with her hind legs and tries to get out of the aquarium. Also during this time, she spends more time on land and needs calcium and UV rays. The place where she can lay her eggs is very important; if there is not one, she will lay them in the water or even carry them further, which will cause them to harden. If you see that a turtle has laid one or two eggs, try to make a nest for it. Most likely, the rest of the clutch has not yet hatched and she is still pregnant.

If the female does not lay eggs, they will harden and can cause infection and death of the animal. Even a properly prepared nest is not a guarantee that everything will go well, since the turtle may be old, tired, and sick. If she tries to lay her clutch, but nothing works, then it is better to take her to the veterinarian.

Possible signs of problems: decreased activity, heavy breathing, depressions or swelling near the cloaca. If there is an unpleasant liquid coming out of it or there is an odor, then the eggs inside may have broken. If you have any health problems with your red-eared slider, contact your veterinarian immediately!
Mating games:

Health and illness

More than 85% of all diseases of red-eared turtles are the result of improper care, maintenance and feeding, and most often all at once. Clean water and the correct temperature for your pet It is not difficult to maintain, as well as to create the necessary conditions.

• Sick turtles should be kept at a higher temperature, in most cases 27-30 Celsius. At this temperature, the immune system operates at its peak efficiency. It is important to maintain fluid balance in the turtle's body so that it does not become dehydrated. Ensuring that she drinks and is in water is more important than her nutrition, since a sick turtle can die from dehydration and its kidneys will fail. Even in emaciated turtles, fluid balance is first restored, and then feeding begins.

• A sick turtle swims poorly, swims on one side, and may even drown. Reduce the water level and make sure she can come ashore as soon as she wants.
• If you suspect an infection, immediately isolate the animal and be sure to wash your hands after handling it.

• The basis for success in treating a turtle is contacting a specialist. Do not treat the animal yourself, go to the veterinarian!

The main diseases of red-eared turtles and their symptoms

Symptom:
The red-eared turtle's eyes are swollen or red and often does not open them. The skin around them is red, swollen, and there may be discharge from the eyes.

Probably this:
A bacterial infection of the eyes, most often caused by dirty water. Change the water, clean the aquaterarium, check the temperature conditions.

Treatment:
Antibiotics in drops, cleaning the aquarium.

Symptom:
Formations in the mouth, most often necrotic in nature. The turtle refuses to feed; its eyes may be closed.

Probably this:
A bacterial infection in the mouth caused by gram-negative bacteria.

Treatment:
A serious condition requiring immediate treatment. The mouth should be cleansed using gauze and an antimicrobial solution, removing affected tissue. The mainstay of treatment should be antibiotics prescribed by your veterinarian. If started early, it responds well to treatment.

Symptom:
The turtle is lethargic and holds its head high or in an unusual position. May exhibit weakness in front or hind legs, may have discharge from the mouth or nose, and often wheeze.

Probably this:
Serious respiratory infection, likely pneumonia.

Treatment:
A visit to the vet is definitely needed. Antibiotic injections are prescribed first (antibiotics are not given to turtles orally, due to the duration of action and the unpredictability of the effect when passing through the gastrointestinal tract)

Symptom:
The soft shell of a red-eared turtle. The carapace or plastron (the upper or lower part of the turtle's shell) is soft, with visible hemorrhages. There may be an unpleasant odor (turtle stink) and the affected area will quickly enlarge.

Probably this:
Bacterial infection of tissue, probably from injury or illness. Typically caused by gram-negative bacteria.

Treatment:
Treating the affected area with antibacterial drugs, removing the dead fabrics, insulation. Antibiotics as prescribed by a veterinarian. In most cases, the cause is injury - a burn from a heater, damage from sharp stones, etc.

Symptom:
Lethargy, weakness, possibly redness of the paws or plastron.

Probably this:
Sepsis is blood poisoning.

Treatment:
In most cases, sepsis is the result of an injury through which bacteria from dirty water enter the bloodstream. Treatment is antibiotics, and they are correct and fast.

Symptom:
Carapaz (turtle shell) is soft and may be twisted. Weak limbs, problems with feeding.

Probably this:
Calcium deficiency, complete or partial.
In very advanced cases, the turtle dies. Treatment consists of injections of calcium supplements, plus a review of feeding and increased UV radiation.

Symptom:
Fresh, open wound.

Probably this:
The result of a fight, fall or damage to decor or stones.

Treatment:
Remove the cause of the injury. Treat the wound, clean the aquarium, make sure that the wound does not become a gateway for infection and sepsis.

Symptom:
Swelling or inflammation in the head.

Probably this:
Abscess in the ear. In the case of the red-eared slider, the most common reason- dirty water.

Treatment:
Surgery under general anesthesia.

Many animal lovers wonder what the life expectancy of a turtle is. It is difficult to give a definite answer to this question. Everything will depend on the species to which the pet belongs. Conditions of detention also play an important role. In this article we will discuss how long a turtle lives and how to care for it at home so that it pleases you for as long as possible.

How long does a turtle live?

For example, the lifespan of a giant tortoise is more than 50 years. This is much longer than the life of any vertebrate animal. European marsh turtle lives on average 20-25 years.

The main difference between these cute creatures and other animals is their slow metabolism. Therefore, they can do without food and even without water for a long time. In addition, they have very high immunity; therefore, their injuries heal quickly and they are resistant to various infections. This also helps them be surprisingly resilient. Few people know that turtles have the unique ability to stop their heartbeat and then start their “engine” again.

All existing species of turtles are descended from Cotylosaurus, their terrestrial ancestor. The descendants of this animal, in the course of evolution, learned to live in both salty and fresh water. It is worth noting that the question of the life expectancy of a turtle is quite extensive. Well, judge: on the island of Galapagos there lives a turtle, which, according to local residents, has reached 300 years old. Although, this may well be just a legend, because scientists claim that large turtles (which include the centenarian) can live up to 180 years, but no more.

In any case, the answer to the question of how long a red-eared turtle lives depends directly on people who constantly destroy the habitat of individuals with their actions. Humanity has repeatedly attempted to resettle turtles from their usual habitats; moreover, people barbarously exterminate these animals for their meat, skin and shell.

How long does a turtle live at home?

There is also no clear answer to this question. This largely depends on the conditions of their detention. If the conditions you create are suitable for this type of red-eared turtle, then, for example, a red-eared turtle can safely live with you for up to 30 years. Along with this, cases have been recorded when a turtle at home lived for four decades to the delight of the owner.

Description of red-eared turtles

The genus of these turtles (Chrysemys) has 8 species. The habitat of their representatives is the water bodies of South and North America. The shell of these animals reaches 28 cm in length. The color of the shell and the pattern differ from one individual to another. For example, sexually mature males are completely black. Their main hallmark is the presence of 2 orange, yellow or red spots that can be seen on the sides of the head, hence their name.

Subspecies of red-eared turtles

Scientists divide the species of red-eared turtles into several subspecies. For example, the Colombian subspecies, which has been listed in the Red Book as the most vulnerable for many years. The Colombian tortoise is the smallest of its relatives. It lives in the waters of Lake Maracaibo, located in northwestern Venezuela. It can settle in lagoons and swamps, in the lower reaches of the Sinu and Magdalena river basins. This subspecies is protected in Colombia at the legislative level, thanks to which the export of turtles outside the state has been minimized.

German lovers of these individuals released them into natural reservoirs in Germany and some other countries in Europe. Due to the fact that these countries have a predominantly mild climate, turtles have taken root there well. Today, European animal activists, together with biologists, urge people not to keep red-eared turtles at home.

How to determine the sex of a red-eared slider?

If several turtles live in an aquarium, then their sex is very easy to determine. Males differ from females in that they have There is a long tail , wider at the base. Females have thin and short tails. Males also have longer claws on their front legs than females.

Habitat and its influence on life expectancy

Anyone who wants to extend the life of their pet should definitely take an interest in its natural habitat. After all, if you try to repeat it at home natural conditions these animals, their life expectancy will increase. Red-eared sliders live in marshy, shallow bodies of water in the eastern United States and northeastern Mexico.

In their homeland, they received the nickname “red-eared sliders” for their manner of running away when they are in danger, sliding their belly along the ground, this helps them reach water faster. They have every reason to fear people. locals often eat meat adult turtles and their eggs.

Lifespan of red-eared turtles

The future owner of these funny creatures, dressed in a shell, must be aware that he is getting a small pet for almost his entire life. There are cases when turtles in captivity live to full old age(30-40 years and more). But this happens to those owners who understand that this animal is not a toy, and it needs to be given attention every day. If you do not comply with vital important rules, then your red-eared pet can quickly give up the ghost, and even good genes inherited from wild ancestors will not be able to help him.

Often people are interested not only in how long aquarium turtles live, but also in how to determine their age. After all, it is not always possible to get a tiny turtle and raise it from a very young age. Turtles are often given as gifts or purchased as adults. Approximate calculations can be made in a simple way- measure the diameter of the shell. Based on the following data: for the first year of life, the turtle grows to an average of 6 cm, then for each subsequent year they add 2-3 cm. At 6 years, the male’s shell will reach approximately 17 cm, and the female’s - up to 20 cm. However, it is worth remembering that their growth gradually slows down, and the increase is no longer more than 1-2 centimeters.

Reproduction

The breeding season for red-eared turtles, which live in the Southern Hemisphere, is from September to December, and those living in the Northern Hemisphere, from April to June. As a rule, mating occurs under water. They build their cozy nests on the sand near the water, in places shaded by plants, so as not to overheat.

Male pet turtles reach sexual maturity by 4 years, females - by 6 years. The mating period at home is from February to May. After mating, the female comes to land to lay eggs. Therefore, it is very important for these animals to create appropriate conditions in captivity. Small turtles are born after 105-150 days, temperature environment should not fall below 21 degrees. The length of the cubs is 3 cm.

Offspring are born during the rainy season, which lasts from September to December in areas north of the equator, and in June in areas south of the equator.

Nutrition

This is one of the most important factors, which everyone who decides to place a red-eared turtle in their home needs to know. With proper nutrition, these animals will live in captivity for at least thirty years. Follow the right diet - this will increase the life expectancy of the individual.

It is important to remember that turtles are diurnal animals, so you need to feed them during the day. The basis of their diet is dry aquarium food. At the same time, red-eared turtles will not refuse the following delicacies:

• bloodworm;
• earthworms;
• tubifex;
• aquatic crustaceans - gamarus; the most useful for turtles is live hamarus, which is available for sale in winter;
• insects and snails - they are needed in order to bring the turtle’s diet as close as possible to natural.

Meat supplements will allow you to balance the lack of protein in your turtle’s diet. It is enough to simply give the animal boiled or fresh thinly chopped meat.

Vitamins play a special role in turtle nutrition. They not only improve the pet’s well-being, but also increase its life expectancy. Red-eared turtles must be given vitamin supplements:

1. An oil solution of vitamin D, it is enough to give it once a week, applying a few drops to food.
2. Vitamin A is given less frequently - once every two weeks.

We have already mentioned that the lifespan of your turtle will directly depend on how well its habitat is organized. Make every effort to ensure that the conditions of detention are close to natural.

Remember that turtles need dry land as well as water. The volume of the aquarium should be 150 liters per individual. At the same time, it is important to comply proportions of water and land - approximately 3:1.

In pet stores you can purchase a special island on which your turtle can walk or just relax. There is no need to make it yourself from available plastic materials - it will be difficult for the turtle to climb onto it on a slippery surface, which will lead to the animal refusing to walk. And this, in turn, will certainly affect your well-being and life expectancy.

Make sure that the terrarium is always well maintained heat. This can be easily achieved using a special lamp. Do not change the water more than once a week. Take care of your pet and he will make you happy for many, many years!