Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Turtles > red eared slider behavior

red eared slider behavior

22 16:29:55

Question
I was just given a turtle, who has been living in a 20 gal tank, no lid, for 1 1/2 years. I brought him home (same setup) and added a lid, which I did not secure. Within 24 hours, he had escaped his tank, and traveled 20 feet to the next room. He had to fall 3 1/2 ft to hit the floor.
QUESTION - why did he escape? he never did this in his previous environment. (which was basement with little people noises/interactions).
2nd QUESTION - should he have a bigger tank? he's about 5 to 6 inches long.
thanks

Answer
Actually, one answer to both questions.

The space needs for a turtle is BIG. Figure about 10 gallons of water per inch of shell length, so yours should be in about a 75 gallon tank.

Smaller tanks make harder cares, more stress, easier escapes, etc. Changing homes and other changes also cause a lot of stress.

Try http://www.redearslider.com for good ideas.