Is it illegal to buy red-eared slider turtles?

Is it illegal to buy red-eared slider turtles?

The sale and distribution of turtles with shells smaller than 4 inches is prohibited by federal law, and the red-eared slider turtle is a non-native invasive species (requiring a permit from the state to own).

What month do red-eared sliders lay eggs?

Red Ear Turtles lay their eggs between May through early July. A female might lay from two to 30 eggs, with larger females having larger clutches. One female can lay up to five clutches in the same year, and clutches are usually spaced 12 to 36 days apart.

Can I buy a baby red-eared slider?

Baby Red Eared Sliders can be found for sale at many reptile expos or from private breeders online. We do not recommend taking a baby slider from the wild, especially if they are not invasive in your area. Wild red eared sliders often do not live as long as pet species.

How much does a baby red-eared slider cost?

The average price for a red-eared slider in pet stores is around $20, but a quality breeder will likely charge a little more. Choose a turtle that is active and alert, and make sure it is eating.

What do I do if my red eared slider lays eggs?

  1. First things first: dispose of the eggs immediately so they don’t foul up the enclosure.
  2. Now, it is normal for a female turtle to lay unferitized eggs once they reach sexual maturity, which can take a few years.

Are baby turtles illegal?

It’s illegal to sell or distribute pet turtles with shells less than 4 inches long because they spread salmonella. Forty years ago, the U.S. outlawed the sale of small turtles as pets because they harbor salmonella, a bacterium that causes a highly unpleasant and occasionally deadly illness in humans.

How big is an adult red eared slider?

Red-Eared Slider Size. Full grown adults can reach 12 inches in length, with females usually being the largest in size. There are rare instances of adult red-eared sliders growing larger than 12 inches.

What is the origin of the red eared slider?

The red-eared slider originated from the area around the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, in warm climates in the southeastern United States.

Do red eared slider turtles need to be in water?

Red-eared sliders need an adequate amount of water in which to swim. At a minimum, the water should be about twice as deep as your turtle is long—a 4-inch turtle should have a minimum water depth of 6-8 inches.

What is the habitat of the red eared turtle?

Distribution and habitat. The red-eared slider originated from the area around the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico , in warm climates in the southeastern United States. Their native areas range from the southeast of Colorado to Virginia and Florida.