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My 11 y/o son just got a RES yesterday, it's a real little one, probably only about an inch to a inch and a half. My son loves to hold his RES but we were unsure how long they can be out of the water?? Thanks for your help!

Red ear sliders carry salmonella, your son should be washing his hands thouroghly before and after he handles the turtle. They can be out of the water for awhile, but since your turtle is a baby, it can be very stressful for it. I would discourage him handling it at all, which would be best for the turtle. Could you describe your set-up for us?

I agree with RESowner34 completely. Baby turtles .. well turtles in general are a look and not touch pet. Handling can often times stress them out to the point of making them ill. Hatchlings have a very high mortality rate as it is so I'd not add to it.

I agree with the 1st posters as well! They are aweful cute when hatchlings...but fast and do carry salmonella as stated. When it gets larger and over a year old ( a few inches) its ok to let it walk around supervised for excercise. Thats always FUN!

Have fun with your new baby!!! I would advise if you dont know alot about RES that you read this site really well! So much awesome info. And even though your turt is your sons...it will probably become yours..lol I made the same mistake...but then realizing that it took much more care than a young child could provide, I had to take over! But it is worth it and she really doesnt miss it! lol

Cam