Website design By BotEap.comAbout Alabama Red Belly Turtles?

Website design By BotEap.comThe Alabama red-bellied slider (Pseudemys alabamensis) is typically a species found only in the state of Alabama. In fact, it is the official reptile of the state of Alabama.

Website design By BotEap.comIts head, neck, and legs are often marked with yellowish stripes. And as you may have guessed from the name, their belly or shell tends to have a reddish hue. There may also be dark markings from time to time.

Website design By BotEap.comThese dyes are especially intense in adolescents.

Website design By BotEap.comWhere can Alabama red bellied sliders be found?

Website design By BotEap.comBefore we dive into what Alabama red-bellied sliders eat, we must first understand their habitat. Generally speaking, this turtle enjoys freshwater canals, lakes, marshes, and swamps. In general they prefer shallower waters.

Website design By BotEap.comThis species of turtle was once common throughout the lower floodplain of the Mobile River system in Baldwin and Mobile counties, Alabama. Possibly sometimes as far north as south of Monroe County.

Website design By BotEap.comHowever, campsites and ATVs have nearly destroyed their last known large-scale nesting sites. Camp lights, human disturbance, and high noise levels are believed to be causing severe reproductive failure.

Website design By BotEap.comWhat do Alabama red bellied sliders eat?

Website design By BotEap.comYou’ll find that Alabama red-bellied sliders tend to prefer a plant-based diet.

Website design By BotEap.comIn nature:

Website design By BotEap.comThese types of turtles are known as herbivores and since they are usually seen in small rivers and ponds, they tend to remain low-lying vegetation including:

Website design By BotEap.comAquatic Plants, Eel Grass, Hydrilla, Scrub Pond Weed, etc.

Website design By BotEap.comAlthough, they are known to eat crayfish, insects, and small fish as well.

Website design By BotEap.comAt home:

Website design By BotEap.comAlthough they are endangered, Alabama red-bellied sliders have been seen as pets for various reasons.

Website design By BotEap.comWhen thinking about what they eat as pets, you’ll find that most of the same items found in the wild can be part of a pet turtle’s diet. You can feed them:

Website design By BotEap.comEarthworms, lettuce, carrots, moss, cucumbers, tomatoes, algae, fruits, etc.

Website design By BotEap.comIt’s critical to remember that, like most aquatic turtles, Alabama red-bellied sliders don’t always get 100% of the nutrients they need from the food they eat. Because of this, it’s wise to do your best to include a multivitamin supplement in your meals.

Website design By BotEap.comIn captivity, Alabama red-bellied sliders will also readily eat many of the commercially available aquatic turtle foods.

Website design By BotEap.comThat said, it’s always best if you provide your pet tortoise with as varied a diet as possible to ensure good health and proper nutrition.

Website design By BotEap.comWhat should be avoided when feeding Alabama red bellied sliders?

Website design By BotEap.comAs with all pets, you want to make sure your Alabama red-bellied slider is as healthy as possible. Also, you want to make sure your home is as healthy as possible at the same time.

Website design By BotEap.comHere are some helpful tips for balancing the two best worlds.

Website design By BotEap.comno fried food: Avoid giving your turtle any type of oily food. No fries, donuts, onion rings, etc.

Website design By BotEap.comNo sugary foods: No sweets, chocolates or other sugary foods. In addition to being unhealthy for a turtle, these types of foods tend to be tough and can pose a choking hazard to your little friend.

Website design By BotEap.comNo dairy foods: For example, milk, cheese, butter, etc. Turtles do not have the necessary enzymes to properly digest lactose.

Website design By BotEap.comDo not share food: Avoid sharing food or snacks with your turtle. Many turtles, like most aquatic animals, carry salmonella bacteria. Salmonella does not affect them as it does humans.

Website design By BotEap.comNo kisses: No seriously, don’t kiss your turtle. Although they are certainly cute when they are young or small, they carry salmonella and the last thing you want is to get sick from your turtle.

Website design By BotEap.comNo dirty hands: Whenever you handle your turtle, be sure to wash both hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap.