redearslider.com

Hello! I recently got a red eared slider turtle from some people who no longer wanted it. I've been learning a lot about this species but I'm unsure about his age. Could someone give me an estimate based on shell color? Is he fully grown?

Thanks!

Welcome to the forum! Depending on the size of the turtle, SHE could be 5-10 years. There are so many factors that can effect growth, and female RES don't have the drastic color changes that males do.

She?! I thought it was a boy because of the long front claws! I haven't read much about shell colors (other than young turtles look more green in color). Can you tell me more about the differences in their shells?
I haven't measured the turtle's shell yet. But I estimate it to be about 6 or 7 inches in length. That's a 10 gallon aquarium in the photo to give you an idea. (The turtle will soon have an 80 gallon aquarium as soon as I get it cleaned up).

Well, it could be a shel, can you post pics of the tail extended and front claws shown? If it is a male, then I would say 3-5 years old. Males become melanastic, so the shells become darker and skin greyer. Males also have a longer nose.

Ok, here is another photo. I haven't looked under the tail yet. I was trying to let the turtle settle down a bit first. I've only had the turtle for two days so far.
I noticed that the pinky claws look short but the other claws are very long. Do you think it's a boy based on the claws?

From that angle, I would say male. What about the length of the shell?

The turtle's shell is about 6 inches long and 4 1/2 inches wide. Can you estimate the age?

Also, about how many pieces of the reptomin food should I give him/her per day? I also have some romaine lettuce and some shredded carrot pieces to offer as well.
Anything else I should know?

Yep that's a boy There are better sticks to feed might I suggest Omega One.

Thanks for the info Kansas!

So you have a 300 gallon tank?! Wow! Do you have a photo to share? Sounds awesome!

I can take pictures if you want to see it . Its in my other posts if you click on my avatar you can find it.. Its a black plastic stock tank in my basement. Didnt want you to think its glass!

Well I'm sure your turtles must be very happy with a 300 gallon tank! Even if it isn't glass! I hope my turtle will be as happy in his new home!
I notice he has a little red bump on the back of his neck. It looks like where his shell would rub when he ducks his head in the water. Is this normal?

it doesn't look like the nuchal scute poses a problem. Was he kept with another turtle that might have injured him?

My tank.

steve wrote:it doesn't look like the nuchal scute poses a problem. Was he kept with another turtle that might have injured him?

No, he wasn't kept with other turtles as far as I know. But the previous owners had him outside in a plastic tub with shallow water and a rock. They had to put another tub on top to keep predators out. They had been planning to release him into the wild for about two weeks. I think he may have been kept inside before that.

Kansasslider wrote:My tank.

Oh my! That is very nice! Thanks for sharing!
Are those fish I see in there?