I don’t want to waste your time.
Personally, I would not recommend red-eared sliders as first pets for young children.
Yep. That’s it.
You can leave my site now and go search for more info on the web.
But if you really wanna know why I don’t recommend them, read on.
It’s a Long-Term Commitment
Yeah.
Red-eared sliders are cute.
You see one in a pet shop and you’ll be itching to hand over your money to get them.
I can’t blame you.
They’re so cute.
And so small.
And it looks like they need a home.
A home that you can provide.
And then that silly idea creeps into your brain and you think, “This would be a great first pet!”
But do you really know what you’re signing up for?
Sit down. You’re in for a shock.
These turtles aren’t low-maintenance. Without a properly set up tank, you’ll constantly be cleaning their living space otherwise you’ll be dealing with a very stinky tub of water.
And sure, they’re small right now. Barely even the size of a 5-peso coin. But their size can triple within a year. And now that tiny bowl you thought was enough to house them becomes too small.
Oh and if you’re not the type who stays in relationships, this is not the pet for you. These turtles live long lives!
In fact, they can live up to 20, 30, and even 40 years!
That’s, at least, a two-decade commitment.
If you’re not ready for the long haul, maybe a different pet—like a hamster or a mouse-might be better for you.
Those live far shorter lives.
And last but not least, keeping a turtle can get very expensive. Yes, you heard that right.
Very expensive.
But I still love red-eared sliders and I’m about to get a few soon.
My Experience with Red-Eared Sliders
I was probably 6 or 8 years old when we first had a mud turtle. They bore a hole into the edge of that turtle’s shell and threaded a rope through it to keep it on a leash. Much like keeping a dog on a leash full time.
Yes, I know, that was cruel. But that was the practice in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.
We also had a pair of Malayan box turtles but I rarely intereacted with them because they weren’t cute. They were already adults when we got them and they would snap at my fingers.
Those turtles did not live the lives they deserved because I was too young to know how to properly care for them.
The first red-eared slider I owned was given to me by a classmate. Thank you, Duane!
I was already ten then and I already had a sense of responsibility. I cared for that little thing for nearly a year before it suddenly died. It had already grown to about the size of my palm.
I was also feeding it meat and vegetable scraps because there was no store in Tacloban City that carried turtle food. Back then, I didn’t know that turtles also needed vitamins and other things.
The death of that turtle broke my heart and I stayed away from them for a long time.
The longest I kept one was at least 8 years before I had to let him go to far more capable owners who had space and time to care for him. That was when I already had a budding career in the BPO industry.
I haven’t had one for more than a decade and I haven’t really thought about keeping one until my son started showing interest in them.
So, I’m considering it.
And if you’re in the same predicament as me, I wouldn’t really recommend getting one unless you have the time and space to properly care for them.
But it still looks like I’m highly likely to get one soon.
Very soon.
Understanding Red-Eared Sliders
What Makes Them Unique?
Red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) are one of the most popular pet turtles in the world.
They get their name from the red stripe behind each eye.
Thanks to some very dedicated breeders, red-eared sliders come in different morphs making them a very interesting turtle breed due to the fact that you can get them in so many colors from albino to charcoal.
Originally from the southern United States, they thrive in freshwater environments and adapt well to different climates—including the Philippines. In fact, red-eared sliders can be found all over the world thanks to their popularity in the pet trade.
The sad thing is, they’ve also become an invasive species to some countries because of irresponsible pet owners who just let them go in the wild because they no longer want to care for them.
Unlike a snapping turtle, which can be aggressive, or a “bao” (a local term for turtles in some Filipino communities), red-eared sliders are more social and interactive.
However, they do need a specific habitat, and pet stores often downplay how much space and care they require.
Why They’re Not the Easiest First Pet
1. They Need a Big Home
A small plastic tank won’t cut it. Young sliders start small, but they grow—sometimes reaching 12 inches long. An adult needs a 100+ gallon tank or even an outdoor pond.
They also need:
- A powerful water filter (because turtles are messy!)
- Basking spots with heat lamps
- UVB lighting for shell and bone health
Think of it this way: If you don’t give them proper lighting, they’ll get sick. If you don’t clean their water, they’ll stink. And if their tank is too small, they’ll be stressed.
2. They Live a Long Time
Two decades.
That’s longer than some marriages!
If you get one for your child, be prepared to take care of it when they lose interest. A lot of turtles get abandoned because owners don’t realize how long they live.
And 20 years is the bare minimum.
They can live for 40 years!
3. They Have a Special Diet
Unlike a mud turtle, which eats mostly insects, red-eared sliders need a balanced diet of:
- Commercial turtle pellets
- Fresh vegetables
- Protein (like shrimp, worms, or small fish)
Feeding them just pellets? That’s like eating only fast food—bad for long-term health. And overfeeding? That leads to obesity and a filthy tank.
4. They Can Carry Salmonella
This isn’t meant to scare you, but you should know that turtles (including red-eared sliders) can carry salmonella. If you don’t wash your hands after handling them, you could get sick.
Simple solution?
Wash your hands.
Every single time.
That’s it.
No drama.
Are They Right for You?
Who Should Get a Red-Eared Slider?
✔ Someone ready for a long-term commitment.
✔ Someone with the space for a large tank or pond.
✔ Someone willing to clean the tank regularly.
✔ Someone who enjoys watching reptiles and learning about their care.
Who Should Avoid Getting One?
❌ Someone looking for a “low-maintenance” pet.
❌ Someone who doesn’t like dealing with filters and water changes.
❌ Someone with young kids who may not be ready to handle the responsibility.
If you’re not sure, consider starting with a Malayan box turtle instead. They require less water and can be easier for first-time turtle owners.
Just watch out because they do bite.
And they’re not as “cute” but they are far hardier or far more suited to the Philippine climate because they are found here locally.
Final Verdict
Red-eared sliders can be great pets—but only if you’re prepared.
They require time, space, and proper care.
If you’re ready for the challenge, they can be rewarding, interactive, and fun to watch.
But if you just want a cute little turtle that stays tiny and lives in a bowl, this is not the pet for you.
Still interested?
Do your research.
Set up the right habitat.
And most importantly—be ready to care for them for years.
What do you think?
Are red-eared sliders right for you?
Let me know in the comments or send me an email!
Oh and watch this space because I’m planning on releasing my first turtle ebook soon! for pre-orders, email hayopetc@gmail.com
