Can a Red- eared Slider eat on land, or does it have to be underwater?

[JWineastKY]

I bought two red- eared sliders back in the mid summer, but hadn't really noticed either one of them eating.
I wondered why they wouldn't seem to eat, and have been trying to find information out there on the web in general, but much of that is contradictory.
So, could some please tell me: Can a slider eat out of the water, or do they HAVE to eat underwater as I've read from scattered sources? I sure don't want my little guys (or girls) to starve to death!
Please help me get them to eat!


Thanks,
JW

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

i don't own turtles but I'm pretty sure they can only swallow there food in the water.

 

[JWineastKY]

I, just tonight, put them into an aquarium. I just hope I not too late.....I feel like crying- I didn't know about this, before.....:'-(

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

did they not live in water before?

 

[JWineastKY]

I had moved them into a vivarium- type setting, thinking it would be better for them. I just didn't realize that there was such a thing as a turtle that needed to be underwater in order to swallow! That thought never crossed my mind! I was always used to pet box turtles in the past, and they didn't need to be underwater in order to eat....

 

[Gillian M]

Very sorry i can't be of any help: i haven't dealt with turtles before.Good luck anyways.

 

[mike taylor]

Yes they have to be in water to eat .

 

[Yvonne G]

A red ear slider is a water turtle. They live in the water. When the sun shines, you will find them sitting on the bank or a log or rocks sunning, but mainly they live in the water.

 

[Daveyhimself]

Red-ears are pretty hardy, I doubt they were really bothered if it was a short time in the vivarium.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

You will sometimes see them trying to cross the road, or basking in the sun and they are almost always completely covered in algae. A testament to their lives in the water. However, I didn't realize they couldn't eat on land. Something new. Thanks.

 

[ascott]

Turtles don't have salivary glands..therefore it is impossible for them to eat while not in the water...the water works the same as saliva does it tortoise.....

How long have you had the turtles drydocked? did they have access to water dish during that time?

 

[Daveyhimself]

Here's my RES eating from a dry bowl and taking it back underwater.

 

[JWineastKY]

Yes they have to be in water to eat .

I have put them back in their aquarium, again. But I need a way to raise the water temperature so they will be able to eat. I'm already solidly attached to them, and don't wanna lose them!....

 

[ascott]

I have put them back in their aquarium, again. But I need a way to raise the water temperature so they will be able to eat. I'm already solidly attached to them, and don't wanna lose them!....

You can purchase a heater for the water.....until then, you can offer a basking bulb for day and a night bulb for night.....

 

[JWineastKY]

Turtles don't have salivary glands..therefore it is impossible for them to eat while not in the water...the water works the same as saliva does it tortoise.....

How long have you had the turtles drydocked? did they have access to water dish during that time?

For about 2-3 months. I did see the larger of the two eat redworms during that time, though. And, yes, they always had access to a full water dish.

 

[JWineastKY]

You can purchase a heater for the water.....until then, you can offer a basking bulb for day and a night bulb for night.....

Thanks for those ideas!

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

why did you put them in a cage with out water in the first place?

 

[JWineastKY]

Here's my RES eating from a dry bowl and taking it back underwater.

So I see! I never before realized, until recently, that RES NEEDED to be underwater to eat! I guess God has been merciful to me to let my two live long enough for me to learn how to keep them alive and healthy.

 

[JWineastKY]

Also, can they absorb nutrients they need to live through their skin and shells?

 

[Number1Platypus]

Here's my RES eating from a dry bowl and taking it back underwater.

That's so strange, is that how you always feed it?