Can Red Eared Slider Turtles Drown? Vet-Reviewed Science & Facts
Red-eared slider turtles are fascinating reptiles that spend a significant amount of time underwater. However, despite their aquatic nature, they can still drown. Understanding the risks and proper care is crucial to ensure their safety. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to prevent your red-eared slider from drowning and keep them healthy and happy.
Can Red Eared Slider Turtles Drown?
All turtles, including red-eared sliders, have lungs and cannot breathe underwater. While they are excellent swimmers, they need to come up for air periodically. If a red-eared slider remains submerged for too long, it risks drowning. This applies to all turtles as they require oxygen from the air to survive.
How Long Can Red Eared Sliders Stay Underwater?
Red-eared sliders can typically stay underwater for 30 to 45 minutes when active. When asleep, they can remain submerged for 7 to 9 hours by holding air in their necks. During brumation (a state similar to hibernation), they can spend extensive time underwater due to their slow metabolic rate.
How Do Red Eared Sliders Breathe?
Red-eared sliders breathe through their noses, inhaling air into their lungs, which are encased in their shells. Unlike mammals, they cannot expand their chests to draw in air. Instead, they use specialized muscles to push and pull their lungs, enabling them to breathe efficiently while retaining the protection of their shells.
Why Do Red Eared Sliders Like to Be Underwater?
Staying underwater offers several advantages for red-eared sliders:
- Safety: Turtles move faster in water than on land, making it easier to escape predators.
- Food Sources: Rivers and lakes provide abundant natural food, including vegetation and insects.
- Enjoyment: Red-eared sliders are excellent swimmers and enjoy the aquatic environment. They often surface to breathe and bask in the sun for thermoregulation.
Signs a Turtle Is Drowning
Recognizing the signs of drowning is crucial for timely intervention. A drowning turtle will:
- Struggle to surface and actively swim upwards.
- Appear desperate and thrash in the water.
- Have limbs extended, trying to paddle up.
If you suspect your turtle is drowning, immediately remove it from the water and place it on land.
How to Set Up a Red Eared Slider Turtle’s Enclosure
A proper enclosure can significantly reduce the risk of drowning. Here’s how to set it up:
Fill It With Water
- Use a 50-gallon tank for a single turtle.
- Ensure the water depth is 1.5 to 2 times the turtle’s length.
- Maintain water temperature between 75°F and 85°F using a water heater and thermometers.
Create a Basking Area
- Provide a basking area using stacked rocks or a plastic turtle dock.
- Ensure easy access to and from the water.
Add Lights and Heat
- Keep the basking area temperature between 85°F and 95°F.
- Use UVB lamps for calcium metabolism, positioned no more than 12 inches above the basking spot.
- Set light timings to a 12-hour cycle.
Conclusion
Red-eared sliders can drown if they cannot access air, but with proper care, this risk is minimal. Ensure their enclosure allows easy access to a basking area and monitor female turtles closely, especially if they are carrying eggs. By providing a safe environment, you can help your red-eared slider thrive both in and out of the water.
