Eastern Box Turtle vs Red-Eared Slider
Side-by-side care comparison to help you choose.
| Eastern Box Turtle | Red-Eared Slider | |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Adult size | 4-6 inches | 8-12 inches |
| Lifespan | 30-40 years | 20-30 years |
| Min enclosure | 75 gallon / 48x24x24 in | 75 gallon / 48x18x20 inches |
| Basking temp | 85-90 F | 85-95°F |
| Humidity | 60-80% | 60-80% (water) / 40-50% (basking area) |
| UVB | Yes - T5 HO 5.0 / Ferguson zone 2-3 | Yes - T5 HO 5.0 or 6%, 10-12 hours daily |
| Diet | Omnivorous: 60% protein (earthworms, insects, snails), 40% vegetables and fruits (dark leafy greens, berries, squash). Juveniles daily, adults every other day. | Juveniles: daily commercial pellets and protein (insects, fish); adults: pellets every 2-3 days plus leafy greens and vegetables. Offer calcium and vitamin D3 supplement twice weekly. |