General Care Discussion :: Petsmarts care sheet

[steve]

That's great Missi. Though I think they would rather take information for an organization like the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (arav.org) than what's listed on "hobby" sites. I think my vet provided a care-sheet from them... or some other organization.

Comills, I don't think you can immediately assume corporate greed (I think that's the first time I've ever written those words!) but there is some serious misinformation and ignorance out there. Well... I'm sure there is some level of greed and negligence. Whatever the results, thanks to all those who try to improve the lives of our little green friends.

[Gracie8899]

Thanks Miss -your letter sounded great!!!

[annilee]

Hi -- new member and owner. My daughter got a res at some little stand at the beach (with her OWN money). She loves all animals like no one I've ever met but is still kind of young. The info sheet (not Petsmart but just as mistaken) says that they will stay small if we keep them to the cage they came in -- obviously, from reading, I see there are major problems with this info. How large do they grow and is there a healthy way to "keep them small" Feeling a little overwhemed and VERY misled in lots of other ways as well.
She was also told that she didn't need a lamp or heater!!!!!!
It really aggravates me that $$$ messes with childrens' innocent love for animals as well as the health of these little creatures.
Help me out -- I'm a complete rookie!

[steve]

Hi... starting with the Basic care section on the site http://www.redearslider.com/index_basic_care.html , you'll get an idea of what's in store. Also check out the guide here... http://www.redearslider.com/res-guide.pdf

There is no healthy way to keep them small. There is a lot of responsibility that is not suitable for a child and I hope you can learn together to care for your new RES... but you will likely be handling most responsibility and costs. They are a highly rewarding pet if they are taken care of properly... feel free to ask questions. Also, each section of the forum has a "Sticky" with relevant information to that area.

[DanielRES1180]

This talk of keeping turtles small and the other issue with the turtle farms just made me think of the pooches they sell along the US- Mexico border that stay small. I t's amazing that people do so much for money, at the expense of the poor animals they sell.

Sorry, but staying small isn't the case with Red Ear Sliders. At the max they grow to be 10 inches. I might suggest buying the biggest tank at your disposal. In theory it'll cut back costs in the long run.

Just curious, is the cage you have one of those things with the fake palm tree in it?

[missibsu]

Actually females can reach 12 inches. But I do agree with buying the largest tank that you can get now. It really does save. And it keeps you from having all of these left over tanks when you upgrade.

[jridge]

I have heard more bad advice given in that store than anywhere else...They just don't have a clue about turts......

Our store carries RES, and they are stacked in the tank like sardines with 2 inches of water on one side.......Sickening.....

[steve]

Jridge, is there someone you can complain to?

[jridge]

The next time I am in there, I will try to eduacate the manager and if I don't get anywhere, I'll contact corporate......They have a 55 gallon tank with about 6 gallons of water.......Last time I was there, there were (3) 5-6 inch sliders, an adult painted (7"s) maybe, and another aquatic species of some kind.......I'll see what I can do......

[steve]

Oh, when you said "...Our store carries RES...", I tought you meant that you worked there.

Hopefully, they will listen to a customer and take your advice. Good luck!