Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi there:

I recently purchased a beautiful, hard strong heavy slider about 6 inches long thats condition could be described as flawless. I was wondering if it would enjoy a trip outside to swim around in a dechlorinated kiddie pool every now and then. I think it would enjoy the fresh air, breeze and sunshine. It is summer. Shyould I try?

DAVE

Yea it would be great for him to swim outside on a sunny day. You should keep an eye on him at all times though, critters such as raccons, cats, and other animals might try to eat him. Just stay near by and make sure nothing gets near him.

Definitely Dave.

In fact you could do several things. Set him up in a pond where he could stay outside for the whole Summer or even arrange the Kiddie pool in a way (some sort of protect screen or mesh covering (NOT GLASS OR SOLID PLASTIC OF ANY KIND) to keep animals out and let him stay out all day long and take him in at night. He will benefit tremendously from exposure to natural unfiltered sunlight.

Kiddie pools are very shallow and in direct sun will quickly
heat up. Make sure you put it in partial shade and moniter
the temps.

Linda

so if i were to put sand on the bottom of a kiddie pool---filled it with water...would she lay eggs then? or do they only lay eggs out of the water in sand? should i use sand? how bout coconut bark?? i had put her in my backyard--and she didnt dig. thanks!
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0.0.1 Red Eared Slider

She would lay eggs on dry land. Putting the sand in the water will not likely stimulate her to lay eggs any more that having a hard bottom.

can she lay eggs in coconut bark? or should it be dirt? does she still carry salmonella---shes 6 yrs old but still small.

thanks
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0.0.1 Red Eared Slider

Very true Linda. Good point. Be sure that you have sufficient water and a pump to circulate it if you are leaving them out for a good length of time or have it in area where it gets early morning and later afternoon sun and shade the rest of the day.