Hi! Introduce yourselves here. :: New member w/ a 15 yr old slider and questions

[bradv]

Hi im new to this forum, I recently moved my slider to a new area of the house and a new tank. iv had him for about 15 years now, but iv just started looking in depth on how to care for him.

it seems like iv been doing everything right with the exception that iv never had a uvb bulb. should I get one?

he's always seemed healthy and has never been to any sort of vet (I guess I must be doing something right)

I managed to snap a few pictures of him while he was basking so take a look and let me know if you have any suggestions

Thanks

[steve]

Welcome to the forum! The turtle looks good, are you sure you have a male? I would increase water levels, but you might want a screen or frame around the top. A UVB is important, so I would get one as well.

[bradv]

no im not sure on the gender... i thought the males had long nails. i'm considering getting a top so i can raise the water. this one likes to escape.....

I was wondering what foods are good to feed him. iv usually just fed him "turtle food"

[steve]

Males do have longer nails. Most males at that age would have melanism as well. Most RES like to escape or explore... definitely have a barrier or top in place before raising the water levels.

Feeding normally consists of veggie greens every day and a small amount of pellets. You can/should mix it up but it depends on how you want to set it up.

[bradv]

Yah mine sure likes to move. made it all the way down the stairs into the kitchen one day. amazed he/she didn't get hurt because it must have just fallen down them. im going to start feeding him some greens. and probably try and find a mesh top.

do you recommend dried meal worms/crickets aswell?

[steve]

You can use them as treats, but you don't need them. I think using/rotating with a few good pellets is the best idea. There's also canned mini crickets that are cooked and a bit softer for them to eat.

[bradv]

alright. thank you so much for your advice

[Kansasslider]

You can make a simple top with wire shelving and some paint like this.