redearslider.com

So a little backstory. I was mowing the lawn when I got what I thought was a rock. Turns out it was this hatchling. I was concerned since I live nowhere near a body of water that might have had him. So I called the game warden who told me NOT to dump him in a body of water. To either call a rescue or put him back outside and let nature run it’s course. So I called the rescue who said their slider pond was overcrowded and I should either keep him or put him back in my yard and let nature run it’s course..so the softy I am I kept him.

Now I find myself googling and YouTubing daily and I have some concerns. He eats well, basks, swims well. But his favorite thing to do is float straight up and down listening to us talking to him and just watching us. Is this normal for red eared sliders to float a lot like this against rocks and plants?

Also here are his current water details

Nitrates 0
Ammonia 0
Chlorine 0
Water Hardness 300
PH 8.4


Some pictures. Sorry for quality

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Hi, sorry for the late reply. Many RES are curious and like to explore. They are very good at floating and swimming, but do need to rest on things in the tank. I would make sure there are no things he can get trapped in, especially underwater. They grow quickly and some decorations can be hazardous.

The little fella looks great and thank you for caring for him!