The red-eared slider is America’s favourite turtle. These friendly, docile creatures make great pets. They can be difficult to handle if they are not trained properly. Here’s a common question that I have been asked in my quest to answer every query about turtles.
How Long Can Red-Eared Sliders Be Out Of Water?
Red-eared sliders can be considered semi-aquatic turtles since they live in slow-moving streams with shallow and muddy bottoms. The answer to the question of how long red-eared sliders can be without water is 8 hours. This answer depends on the weather.
It’s possible to keep them out of water for up to two days if it’s very cold outside.
But, too much time on the land can cause digestive problems.
Red-eared sliders aren’t as dependent on water as sea turtles, but they love and depend on it. They still love to be near water. According to what I have read and seen, they spend 75% of their time in the water.
Basking is their only activity in water. The turtle basks when it comes to the surface to dry its shell and skin in the sun.
Let’s now move on to more interesting questions.
How Long Can Red-Eared Sliders Be Underwater?
The external nares located above their mouth allow red-eared sliders to inhale air. They can only stay submerged for 30 minutes. They can, however, stay underwater for up to three months due to their unique ability of breathing through the butt.
Let’s not forget about this amazing phenomenon of breathing.
Hibernation is when turtles get a small amount of oxygen through their butt (also known as the Cloaca). Cloacal respiration is the name of this process. This all-purpose orifice can absorb oxygen from water because of its high density blood vessels.
How Long Can Red-Eared Sliders Live Without Water?
Under healthy circumstances, an adult red-eared slider can survive without water for at most 7-10 days. If it is left without water for an inconvenient length of time, it can become dehydrated.
In terms of survival, it can live without water for up to a month in a humid environment. However, this would present several health risks. Indigestion and dehydration are just two examples.
It is important to remember that baby red-eared sliders rely on water, but more so on it. They can’t live without water for more than one week, so they need it.
Hibernation is a different way of thinking. Red-eared sliders should be able to access both water and land in most cases.
Do Red-Eared Sliders Need To Be In The Water?
Red-eared sliders can survive for several hours without water. However, they should always be in the water or close to it. Water is essential to maintain their bodies hydrated, their skin healthy, their ability to chew, and their ability expel waste.
Red-eared sliders do not have teeth nor produce saliva so it is difficult for them to chew and swallow food. Water soaks food and makes it soft and easy to digest.
They need water to eat their food.
They can still eat and swallow water but it is more difficult and more painful.
Water can also soothe sensitive skin from excessive heat.
What Happens If You Take A Red-Eared Slider Turtle Out Of Water?
What do you think will happen to water if it isn’t there? Your pet will lose water much faster on a hot day than it would in cooler months.
Therefore, I strongly recommend that you do not take your turtle out from the water for prolonged periods during the summer months.
Humidity, along with temperature, is a key factor in determining how long your turtle should be outside of water. Your turtle will lose very little water if the relative humidity is high.
Why Is My Red-Eared Slider Staying Out Of Water?
It’s normal for water to occasionally come out of the water. But if your slider is trying avoid water, it is alarming. This could be due to poor water parameters, bullies, improper temperature or preparation to lay eggs.
Let’s now discuss each of the reasons.
Incorrect Water Temperature
A red-eared slider is an ectotherm. This means that its body temperature changes in response to environmental changes. If the water is too cold, your turtle might be trying to escape from the enclosure. It wants to just bask!
Red-eared sliders should have water temperatures between 74 and 78 degrees F.
Amazon has given this heater a lot of praise. A 500-watt heater at a reasonable price is also possible.
It displays water and sets temperature simultaneously, which I love. It will be easy to see the temperature changes in real time.
Dirty Tank Environment
Because turtles poop often and are messy eaters, they produce a lot of waste. However, turtles can’t tolerate dirty water. If your turtle is trying to escape from water over and over, it might be time to evaluate the tank’s current condition.
This is my recommendation for a Penn-Plax filter.
I apologize if this sounds pushy. But, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to read so many positive reviews and see great features. You can see my full review at Amazon.
Bullying By Tank Mates
Turtles are independent creatures and don’t get along well with other animals. There’s a high chance of a power struggle between the turtles in your tank. Sometimes, the bullied turtle may try to escape, and thus, come out of water.
Be aware of signs that bullying could cause injuries. You must also ensure there is enough space for everyone. Minimum 10 gallons per inch of the body You will need to upgrade if you have a smaller tank.
If a large tank is not enough to solve the problem you can put a tank divider.
How Much Water Does A Red-Eared Slider Need?
Red-eared sliders can grow to be larger than other species, such as box and painted turtles. The females can reach 12 inches in length, while their male counterparts are only a few inches shorter. You will need to provide at least 10 gallons water per inch.
The turtle’s length should be at least 5x and the turtle’s width should be 3x. An enclosure that measures 12 inches deep, 18 inch wide, 30 inches long, for example, will be required by a slider 6-inches in length would need to be 12 inches deep, 18 inch wide, and 30 inches tall.
These turtles are semi-aquatic creatures and require land to bask, occasionally recreation, and plenty of rest. The basking lamp should not be placed above the ground.
How Can I Know If My Red-Eared Slider Is Dehydrated?
The physiology of a turtle is very similar to ours, in that 60-70% of their body is water. Sunken eyes are a sign of severe dehydration in red-eared sliders. Another sign is if your turtle seems to be light-weighted when you pick them up.
Dehydration can cause fatigue, lethargy and appetite loss as well as stress. It’s also the entry point to many other complex health conditions.
If your turtle is not moving and doesn’t indulge in the things it used to enjoy, it could be dehydration.
Here’s an easy test to see if your red-eared slider has become dehydrated.
Gently pinch the skin of the turtle’s legs. If the skin is hydrated, it should lay flat almost immediately. If the skin moves slowly, or not at all when you touch it, your turtle is dehydrated.
This method does not prove to be 100% accurate and has no scientific backing. If you have any concerns, make sure to call your vet.
Why Won’t My Red-Eared Slider Get Out Of The Water?
It shouldn’t surprise that a slider turtle spends most of its time in water. If your turtle seems to be trying to avoid the land, it could be a red flag. Your turtle could be hibernating or feeling threatened.
This is most likely because your turtle is in hibernation. You would know if your turtle hibernates. Let’s now move on to the next reason.
Your turtle may choose to stop basking if the area is too small or dirty.
Basking is essential for their health. Make sure you renovate and remodel the area where they bask.
This is a Penn-Plax minimalistic and beautiful basking platform that I absolutely adore.
If they are threatened or feel like they might be prey, turtles will often choose to stay in the water. Make sure your dog and cat behave well.
It could be helpful to transfer the tank from the house to a quieter location.
Conclusion On How Long Can Red-Eared Sliders Be Out Of Water?
This is the end of a very interesting blog. These questions and answers are quite amusing, don’t you think?
This was a fun article that I enjoyed writing and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
The answer to the question of how long red-eared sliders can stay out of water is 8 hours. Different factors, such as climate, age, health and lifestyle, can impact the turtle’s ability to stay out water.
Red-eared sliders are semi-aquatic creatures and depend on water for many bodily functions. It’s best to keep them around water at all times.