A painted turtle and a red eared slider are both beautiful animals. Since they are aquatic turtles with several similarities, people frequently try to mate them. As you have reached here, you probably got that same idea.
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A painted turtle and a red eared slider are both beautiful animals. Since they are aquatic turtles with several similarities, people frequently try to mate them. As you have reached here, you probably got that same idea.
But is it a right choice to mate a painted turtle with a red eared slider? Well, technically there is nothing wrong in making these two species meet. However, there are several practical and health-related issues to consider.
So, if you have made up your mind about making these two species mate, here are a few things you need to keep in mind. Read on!
Can A Painted Turtle And A Red Eared Slider Mate?
Yes. A painted turtle and a red eared slider can mate because they have many similarities in lifestyles.
However, it is better not to mate them together because of their genetic differences. Also, they transfer parasites and diseases to one another when kept together.
The offspring as a result of this mating is a hybrid and they are usually not healthy and do not live long. So, it is always better to make similar species mate and breed. Purebreds do not typically have genetic abnormalities. They live longer than hybrids.
Is It The Right Choice To Mate Painted Turtles With Red Eared Sliders?
Although painted turtles and red eared sliders are different species, they both belong to the Emydidae family. Thus, you can get them to interbreed. But they are from different genus, which means mating them might not be a good decision.
Red eared sliders belong to the Trachemys genus and painted turtles are from the Chrysemys genus. They produce hybrids when they mate. Mixed genes in hybrids is typically the cause of different health problems.
These health problems in hybrids can turn fatal in some cases. Even if they are successfully born, hybrids typically have a shorter lifespan than the pure-breeds. The best you can do is to keep these two species separately. It will give both their offspring a shot at a longer lifespan.
Another reason for painted turtles and red eared sliders to not mate is that it’s dangerous to females. The male turtles bite the neck of the female while mating. It can lead to severe injuries, and even death in the worst cases.
All in all, there is technically nothing wrong with getting the turtles to mate. However, it is a dangerous prospect both on a short-term and long-term basis. So, even if you plan to mate them, make sure you consult a vet or a reptile expert first.
Challenges To Overcome In Mating Painted Turtles And Red Eared Sliders
The care requirements are not the same for these two species of turtles. Getting both the turtles to adjust in a habitat means a lot of compromise for one of them. So, before you try to get them to mate, here are the challenges you must overcome:
1. Difference in habitat conditions
Both these two species are aquatic turtles but their habitat preferences are not the same. Red eared sliders like fast moving water. On the other hand, painted turtles like slow-moving water with loads of vegetation. Therefore, if you want to keep the two species together, you will have to offer a habitat to meet the needs of both.
Moreover, red eared sliders want a warm basking spot of around 90 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit. Painted turtles prefer it a little cooler at 85 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Size differences between the species
Red eared sliders and painted turtles might be from the same family but they have size differences. A painted turtle is typically four to six inches, while a red eared slider tends to reach eight to twelve inches.
This major size difference makes it hard for these two species to successfully mate. You need to check the sizes of the turtles that you are planning to keep together.
3. Differences in diseases and parasites
The diseases and parasites that typically affect these two species are vastly different. Thus, there is a high chance that the offspring will inherit both sets of health problems.
If you have planned to make these two species mate, check to ensure that the turtles are healthy. Refrain from making them mate if there is the slightest instance of health problems.
4. Temperament issues of red eared sliders
Red eared sliders tend to be very territorial and that makes them aggressive towards another turtle. Therefore, if you have made up your mind about keeping the species together, make sure their temperament are similar.
You should only keep two turtles together when they have a cooler temperament. It will mitigate any chance of conflict.
5. Prior breeding grounds of the turtles
A turtle that has been bred in captivity should never be kept with a wild-caught one. The latter tends to be aggressive and territorial by nature. They might also carry parasites and diseases that will pass on to your healthy turtle.
If you want to mate these two breeds, try to get two turtles that are both born in captivity.
Can A Painted Turtle And A Red Eared Slider Live Peacefully Together?
Painted turtles and red eared sliders are similar in terms of their lifestyle. Since they have a lot in common, they are pretty compatible when living together. They will be content and peaceful together.
Similarly, these two species also live happily with other species that have a lot common with them. For instance, a Florida red-bellied cooter is compatible with both. In general, basking turtles have no trouble staying together, though you should consult a vet beforehand.
However, it would be wrong to assume that these two turtles will get along just fine all the time. They are usually peaceful with each other but conflicts can arise due to size differences.
Aggression is common when two turtles of different sizes are kept together. If you note that these two turtles are constantly trying to nip each other, separate them immediately. It does not matter if the turtles are of the same species or not. Nipping is a behavior that has to be addressed at once.
Can A Painted Turtle And A Red Eared Slider Stay Healthy Together?
A painted turtle and a red eared slider can stay healthy together if they have no prior afflictions. If you take care of the differences in lifestyle requirements, your turtles will fare even better.
But turtles from different locations tend to transmit several parasites to each other. It can lead to several health problems and many of them can be fatal. Some turtles are more prone to parasite attacks than others. This is another reason why two separate turtle species are best not kept together.
What Is The Right Age To Keep Painted Turtles And Red Eared Sliders Together?
Age is a crucial factor to keep in mind when you want to keep red eared sliders and painted turtles together. A young turtle should never be kept with an older one because the former is more playful and energetic. They can start harassing the older turtle with their playfulness.
On the other hand, the older turtle can start bullying the juvenile. You might see the older turtle taking all the food and the basking spots.
In worst cases, the older turtle might start nipping the younger one. Red eared sliders are territorial and aggressive by nature in some cases. Therefore, it can be an even more serious issue keeping an older slider with a younger painted turtle.
So, if you want to keep two turtles of different species together, ensure that they are of similar age.
As you can see, there is more than one thing to keep in mind when making a painted turtle and a red eared slider mate. It is always better to make similar species mate, though this mating is also possible.
