How Long Can Yellow Belly Turtles Stay Out Of Water? The 135 Top Answers

Red-eared sliders have become the most popular turtle pet in most homes thanks to their calm and relatively undemanding demeanor. In addition, they are fairly hardy reptiles and can endure much harsher conditions than other turtle species.

The red-eared slider, like other turtles, is semi-aquatic. But unlike the others, it tends to leave the water and bask on land for longer hours. The red-eared turtle can live without water for up to a week or more.

However, these pets shouldn’t go without water for long periods of time, and there’s a good reason for that. Read on to find out why.

How long can turtles stay out of the water?

In general, turtles cannot stay out of the water for too long. However, how long a turtle can survive out of water depends on the species and the environment in which it lands.

If the environment has cooler temperatures, the creature may stay out of the water for a few days. However, these reptiles can only stay out of the water for a total of about eight hours.

Turtles need water for optimal digestion, metabolism, and to stay hydrated. They will encounter severe digestive problems and become seriously dehydrated if they don’t have access to water.

Red-eared Turtle – what do they need?

Red-eared sliders are some of the hardiest, most versatile, and most rewarding reptile pets you can ever get. They are multicolored, rocking fantastic yellow and green patches, along with notable red patches behind their eyes. These pets are easy to manage, easily adapt to any environment, and are quite affordable.

Red-eared sliders may not require a lot of maintenance and care, but their initial cost can break the bank. As freshwater animals, they need a proper aquarium and not a terrarium like you would use for a terrestrial reptile like a turtle or snake.

You need an aquarium because these reptiles require a good amount of water. The majority of Red Eared Sliders grow up to 7-12 inches. But believe it or not, others can be bigger.

A small Red Eared Slider may need a tank with a capacity of up to 60 to 90 gallons. The golden rule of thumb is to keep 10 gallons of water per clam inch, measured top to bottom.

The ideal water temperature for a red-eared slider

A Red Eared Slider requires fresh water with temperatures between 74 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Baby red-eared sliders require much warmer conditions, around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can maintain the temperature in the aquarium with a digital thermometer. A portable heater also comes in handy when the water seems to be at 70 or below.

Do red-eared sliders need regular moments of sunshine?

Red-eared turtles may be aquatic creatures, but they also spend much of their lives out of water. This period of time may not be as long as that of a tortoise, but it is something to consider.

Make sure you provide all the resources and amenities the turtle will need as they bask in the sun. If you can’t let them outside, get a UV lamp so they can bask and get the necessary vitamin D your pet needs to thrive.

What happens when you let a red-eared turtle out of the water?

The most important thing to understand is that the ambient temperature has a lot to do with what happens to your turtle when it’s outside.

The bodies of these turtles are ideally 68% to 78% water. They are also cold-blooded, which means they cannot regulate their own body temperature.

Because of this, a heated environment causes them to lose excess body water, particularly on the limbs and carapace. The turtle loses water much faster in hot weather than in cooler temperatures. Therefore, only leave it a few minutes if it must be out of the water, at least with a freshwater source nearby.

Cooler weather doesn’t have as adverse effects as hot weather, so the turtle tends to lose water at a much slower rate at this time. So you can leave it outside longer when it’s chilly.

In addition to temperature, humidity also plays a crucial role in how long your red-eared turtle can spend out of the water. Higher relative humidity results in longer hours of sunshine as there is usually limited or no water loss.

Weather conditions such as rain or fog lead to an increase in humidity in the atmosphere. In such cases, the turtle can maintain its moisture, especially on the shell.

When do red-eared turtles go out without water for up to six months?

You must know by now that red-eared turtles cannot survive out of the water for more than a week. However, there are cases where it can take up to six months.

This only happens in winter when the creature is buzzing. Red-eared tortoises go into a kind of “shutdown” during the winter because nothing is growing to feed them at this time.

A turtle’s body turnover decreases during the winter, causing it to become inactive, so the body doesn’t need much energy for sustenance. The heart rate also drops, beating only a few minutes to keep the reptile alive.

These low activity levels and a system that “shuts down” buys the turtle more time, especially since it rarely goes outside to sunbathe when it’s cold.

How to care for your Red-eared Slider

Red-eared sliders are fairly hardy, and there’s little you can do to change that. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t need proper care. In fact, with a little more care, you can help your reptile clock live up to 20 years!

Here’s what you can do.

1. Change water more frequently

These turtles may be small, but they can be messy. For example, they can pollute the water with the food you provide.

Change the water so that bacteria caused by the accumulation of food particles have no place to multiply. Use distilled water instead of tap water.

2. Use a water heater

Red-eared turtles cannot regulate their body temperature. However, you can employ a water heater to keep the temperature at an optimal level, especially during the cold months.

3. Use UV lamps

UV lamps should help when the turtles don’t have enough sun to bask and absorb vitamin D. This nutrient is essential for the maintenance and development of the shell.

summary

Sunbathing for red-eared turtles is just as important as eating, so they need to do this frequently. However, always keep an eye on your pet to prevent them from overdoing their time out of the water as it is not good for their shell and health.

Also watch out for an increased desire to stay out of the water. It may indicate that your turtle is not doing well, the water is too dirty, or other turtles are bullying them in the case of a multi-pet aquarium.

Selected image source: Pixabay

Everyone knows that turtles can hold their breath for a very, very long time. But can you drown a turtle? Here is the surprising answer.

Can you drown a turtle?

Yes absolutely. Although turtles can stay underwater for long periods of time, they cannot breathe underwater. Turtles can drown under the right circumstances.

Can turtles drown?

A turtle can drown under certain circumstances.

What are the right circumstances?

How long can turtles hold their breath?

What can you do if they drown?

How do turtles breathe?

You probably know that fish can breathe underwater. They can do this because they have special organs called gills.

Turtles, on the other hand, are very similar to us. They don’t have gills and instead have lungs. And while their lungs are exponentially smaller than ours, they’re still strong enough to keep them submerged for long periods of time.

However, they have to show up every now and then.

How can a turtle drown?

How easily a turtle can drown depends on several factors. One of the most important factors is what species it is.

Red-eared sliders, for example, typically spend most of their lives in the water, swimming around, sleeping and eating. They feel super comfortable in the water.

However, most box turtles are poor swimmers. They are webbed and prefer to stay in very shallow water.

Turtles are even worse. Not only are they unwebbed, they are completely unaccustomed to the water and would quickly drown if placed in a deep lake or pond.

Can Turtles Breathe Underwater?

This is a tricky question. Turtles can breathe underwater, but not in the way you might think. Unlike fish, turtles do not have gills that can absorb oxygen from the water. Instead, they can move the water using their scales, which contain red blood cells that can pick up small amounts of oxygen from the water.

However, the amount of oxygen turtles receive through this method is very small and can only support a turtle that is buzzing (similar to hibernation) and not moving and not using energy. You can learn more about how turtles breathe underwater by reading my article on what turtles do in winter. A turtle that is actively swimming around cannot breathe underwater.

There are some species of turtles that can stay underwater for a long time and take in oxygen without breathing through their lungs, but they cannot stay underwater indefinitely. Some people are confused and think that turtles can breathe underwater because they often blow bubbles out of their mouths when submerged.

However, this is simply air escaping from their bodies. It certainly doesn’t mean they breathe!

Note: If you ever see a turtle out of the water blowing bubbles, it’s a common sign of a respiratory infection!

Below are essential products you need to keep your turtle healthy.

How long can turtles stay underwater?

All of this kind of begs the question, doesn’t it?

How long can turtles stay underwater?

The truth is, I wish there was an easy answer to that.

Unfortunately, it depends on things like:

The species.

Location.

temperature of the water.

How long can a turtle hold its breath?

Based on my research and personal experience, it appears that most pet turtle species can hold their breath for between 15 and 30 minutes.

Can some species live longer? shorter? Can individual turtles grow longer or shorter? Yes, so remember this is just a general rule of thumb and nothing more.

This article tells you how long red-eared sliders can hold their breath.

Do turtles sleep underwater?

Yes, turtles sleep underwater. Most pet turtle species can sleep underwater for at least an hour before having to swim to get some air.

Now you might be confused as I said in the last section that turtles can usually stay underwater for 15 to 30 minutes. However, that is when a turtle swims and exerts energy. When a turtle just sleeps at the bottom of the water, it uses very little energy and therefore doesn’t need much oxygen.

Aside from sleeping underwater, turtles also sleep on top of the water surface.

Can sea turtles drown?

Loggerhead turtles, for example, can stay underwater for hours. In fact, the longest recorded loggerhead sea turtle is a staggering 10 hours underwater!

Although sea turtles spend 99% of their lives in the water, they sometimes drown.

You probably have an idea why, and yes, it affects us humans.

fishing nets. Sometimes sea turtles get caught in fishing nets, tired from trying to get out and drowning. Unfortunately it happens every now and then.

Can red-eared turtles drown?

Painted turtles and red-eared sliders, which are aquatic turtles, have often been seen staying underwater for more than 20 minutes at a time.

Much like sea turtles, aquatic turtles spend most of their lives in the water, and like sea turtles, they can still drown under the right circumstances.

In my experience, drowning cases of red-eared sliders are quite rare. In all cases that I am aware of, this was due to the owner’s negligence.

As I noted above, it’s almost always the result of the turtle somehow being caught underwater. Usually under a rock or tangled.

Can baby turtles drown?

Baby turtles are often at risk of drowning due to their inexperience and weaker physique.

The most likely cause of a baby turtle drowning in your tank is related to your sun dock ie; The baby turtle cannot climb the ramp and eventually gets tired.

This can happen if the ramp or entrance to your jetty is too slippery, too steep, or just too difficult for a baby turtle. It can also happen if you placed the basket too high out of the water. That’s why I recommend this floating dock.

Drowning is not common in pet turtles, but it can happen if you don’t have an easily accessible tanning dock.

Can box turtles drown?

Certain other species, usually box turtles, are sometimes classified as a drowning risk depending on the environment they are in. Reeves turtles as well as mud turtles are two common examples.

Box turtles tend to tire much, much faster in deep water than aquatic animals, so you need to be extra careful when constructing your tank. Avoid putting too much water in it.

Can a sleeping turtle drown?

I have to admit, this question has certainly crossed my mind.

Many species of pet turtles sleep underwater. In fact, my red-eared slider can sleep underwater for an incredibly long time. Even my box turtle occasionally sleeps in the water.

But does that mean a sleeping turtle could actually drown?

The answer is no.

For turtles that roost underwater (typically aquatic species like sliders and painted turtles), this is perfectly normal. What often happens is that they will naturally rise to the surface (usually just float there) and take a breath or two.

If they start staying down too long, they wake up and consciously swim to the surface for air.

Do turtles breathe during hibernation?

I wanted to make a quick note on a turtle’s ability to breathe underwater. What if they hibernate/brum?

There are certain species of turtles that can take in oxygen from certain parts of their bodies, but that ability is really limited to just hibernation. This happens in the wild during the cold winter months when wild turtles often submerge themselves in mud or water (or both!).

So no, turtles can’t breathe underwater and they certainly can drown.

What are the most common reasons a turtle drowns?

There are 2 main causes:

The turtle has no place to bask or a way to get out of deep water, eventually tiring and drowning.

The turtle accidentally turns around and/or gets stuck under the water and catches her.

Both causes are extremely rare.

Turtles don’t usually drown. They are fairly intelligent creatures and most of the time they can get themselves out of any predicament they find themselves in. It will take a long time to tire a turtle.

However, if the water in your tank is too low and your turtle tips over and cannot right itself, it could drown. Therefore, it is imperative that you fill your tank with the right amount of water.

Can you revive a drowned turtle?

Note: If this situation ever happens to you, please be careful and gentle! I am not a licensed veterinarian. So if your turtle drowns, it’s extremely important that you get it to your local veterinarian as soon as possible!

I have good news and bad news when it comes to resuscitating drowned turtles.

The good news is your turtle may still have a chance.

The bad news is that no matter what, you need to get your turtle to the vet as soon as possible.

Whatever you do, here’s the ONE cardinal rule you must NEVER break when it comes to a drowned turtle.

Never turn a drowned turtle on its back! Second, don’t try to do something stupid like stick a straw in his mouth and give him mouth to mouth.

This is incredibly dangerous and your heavy breathing is likely to damage his internal organs.

If you do this, the remaining air in the turtle may be unintentionally pushed out.

The first thing to do is stay calm. Turtles are different from humans. When a human is rendered lifeless by drowning, you must act quickly. As in, within minutes.

With turtles you have at least a little more leeway in terms of time. Because they don’t need quite as much oxygen as humans do to keep everything inside them reasonably functional.

How to revive a drowned turtle

Here’s some general, good old-fashioned advice for dealing with a drowned turtle:

Take the turtle out of the water and hold it upright so its head is facing down. Very gently, grasp the turtle’s head just behind its ears and pull its neck out until it is stretched, as this water will likely spill out of its mouth. Next, place the turtle upright on a stable, dry surface (NOT on its back). Grasp the front legs and gently pull until fully extended, then push back in. Note that water is likely to drip from the mouth again. Do this with the hind legs as well. Alternately pull the front and back legs until water stops dripping from the turtle’s mouth, this will probably take a few minutes. If the turtle shows any signs of life, such as B. Exercise, good! Take it to the vet as soon as possible! If the turtle is still lifeless, try something else. Gently place the turtle in the palm of your hand and gently grasp its head, then swing your arm from side to side allowing any remaining water to be expelled from its body (be careful!). No matter what happens, you must take it to the vet at this point (even if it revives).

Even if your turtle can be revived, you still need to take it to the vet.

Here’s why.

Lung infection!

Pneumonia can be fatal to turtles and often develops in drowned turtles.

Your vet will likely prescribe antibiotics to ward it off.

The other threat is lack of oxygen, so many vets plug in a small tube that fits into the turtle’s mouth to deliver pure oxygen. Other antibiotics will likely also be administered to stimulate the turtle and force it to get rid of the remaining water in its system.

When it comes to resuscitating drowned turtles, baby turtles often don’t do very well, the younger the turtle the quicker you have to act.

summary

Considering a yellow-bellied slider for a pet? This guide will teach you the basics of the species as well as how to care for a Yellow-bellied Slider. You’ll learn: How big do yellow-bellied turtles get?

how long do they live

Are they good pets?

What care do you need?

Yellow-bellied Slider (YBS) turtles are another popular pet turtle option and are known for their unique yellow markings on their underside and carapace. They can live anywhere from 30 to 40 years in captivity and are moderately high maintenance. With turtles, it’s usually their shell that needs a lot of maintenance. These are closely related to red-eared sliders and require large tanks as adults, as they can average 8 to 12 inches in length.

species overview

Scientific name Trachemys scripta scripta Common name Yellow-bellied Slider, Yellow-bellied Turtle, YBS Adult size Up to 9 inches for males and 13 inches for females Distinguishing Characteristics Brown or greenish-black shells with yellow stripes on their shells with a yellow underbelly (plastron/subshell) with black ones Stains. Distribution North America, more common in the southeastern US (Florida and Virginia) Habitat These turtles are found in freshwater habitats such as lakes, ponds, streams and rivers

How do you look?

Yellow-bellied sliders are known for their olive-green carapace with distinct yellow stripes and a yellow underbelly (plastron) with black spots.

how long do they live

These tortoises make longtime pets as they can live 30-40 years in captivity with proper care.

How big will they get?

Adult males average 5-9 inches long while adult females average 8-13 inches long.

📚 Read More>> Turtles That Stay Small

behavior and temperament

Most turtles don’t like being handled and YBS are no different. However, they can get used to it, especially if you get them as hatchlings or hatchlings and allow them to get used to being held.

In the wild, these turtles are active during the day and spend most of their time basking in the sun. They usually eat in the water in the morning.

Yellow-bellied Sliders are inquisitive and pleasant reptiles that make good pets, especially when cared for properly.

How to care for a yellow-bellied slider turtle

Proper care for a yellow-bellied slider turtle requires the right size tank, keeping the water clean, proper warmth and lighting, and proper diet and nutrition.

Shell of the yellow-bellied slider turtle

Tank size and dimensions

These turtles will grow large, so prepare to get a large tank for their habitat. As hatchlings, they can be housed in 15-20 gallon tanks, but generally full grown adults should be housed in 75-100 gallon tanks. Larger tanks are better as they give you more space and are usually easier to clean. If you plan to keep more than one YBS in a tank, add an additional 20 gallons for tank size per turtle. Turtles don’t need deep water levels, so getting a wider tank versus a taller one is fine.

📚 Read More>> Best Turtle Tanks

After the tank, the next investment you should make should be a top quality filtration system, as keeping your turtle tank’s water clean is the best way to keep them in the best of health. Turtles also tend to be messy, so a powerful filter makes cleaning easier. Turtle tanks also need a basking spot that stays completely dry.

Plants (artificial or real) are also a good addition to your aquarium as well as a hiding place for your turtle.

temperature & lighting

light

Turtles, like most reptiles, need adequate amounts of UVA and UVB light to help them synthesize vitamin D3 for good calcium absorption. This helps prevent diseases like metabolic bone disease and regulates their metabolism and digestion. They normally get UV light and heat naturally from sunlight, but need special lamps in captivity.

Full spectrum fluorescent tubes that produce UVA and UVB rays must be installed in your turtle’s tank, preferably above their basking spot with the heat lamp. A mercury vapor lamp provides your turtle with UV rays, light and heat. Tank lights should have a 12 hour light/dark cycle and UV lamps should be replaced every 6 months.

heat

YBS are cold-blooded creatures and need heat in their tanks to regulate their body temperature. The right temperature/warmth ensures a good appetite and metabolism in turtles. Incandescent or sun lamps of 60-100 watts, depending on the temperature in your home, are needed in your turtle’s basking area to maintain the proper temperature for basking.

📚 Read More>> Best Turtle Tank Water Heaters

For reference, the sun’s temperature in their tank should be around 80-90°F, the air temperature should be around 80-85°F, and the water temperature should be around 75-80°F.

What do yellow-bellied turtles eat?

Yellow-bellied sliders are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and meat in the form of fish and insects. As hatchlings and juveniles they tend to be more carnivorous and then become more herbivorous as adults (particularly female adults).

Turtles in captivity are usually fed turtle chow/pellets, small forage fish, or commercially farmed insects such as mealworms, waxworms, and crickets (as treats). Then vegetables such as dark leafy greens ensure a balanced diet.

pond plants

For plants, always avoid those that are poisonous to tortoises, such as hemlock, milkweed, and ivy.

Water Lettuce or Water Weed are plants that are easy to grow in your tank and safe for your YBS to eat. Turtles use this up pretty quickly, so be prepared to replace it often.

Animal-based protein

Turtles can be fed dried shrimp, crickets, roaches, grasshoppers, salmon, and forage fish as a source of animal protein. Fatty foods like fish and worms are usually reserved as treats.

Vitamin/Mineral Supplements

Calcium supplements (usually sold as a powder that you can dust turtle pellets or crickets with before feeding) are a recommended supplement for turtles to help prevent metabolic bone disease. These can also be offered as squid for your turtle to nibble on.

Vitamin A can also be provided, but make sure your tortoise does not overdose on it. Vitamin A from foods like carrots, squash, and dark leafy greens is also a good alternative. Vitamin D is not usually needed as long as you have adequate UV lighting for your turtle.

Common Health Problems

Pneumonia is a common health problem for turtles, especially if you see them swimming a lot. Symptoms of respiratory infections in yellow-bellied sliders include closed and swollen eyes that appear infected. They may also wheeze or drool.

Shell rot is a common health problem in all turtles, characterized by white or yellow spots on their shells that are either soft or crumbly.

Prevent infection and shell rot by keeping your turtle’s tank clean and at the right temperature. Your turtle’s water should be well filtered and clean, and needs water conditioners to keep the water quality at optimal levels for their health.

Metabolic bone disease is another common turtle health problem caused by poor diet and inadequate lighting. This can be painful and life threatening for turtles.

Be sure to contact your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual about your turtle.

How to choose a yellow belly slider

When selecting your Yellow-bellied Slider from a pet store, always look for signs of illness such as: swollen or closed eyes; discharge from nose, eyes or mouth; Lethargy; and shells with soft or rough discolorations.

You should also check if the turtle is responding by checking its reflexes. Do this by quickly and gently tugging or tugging at the legs. The turtle should also try to swim away if you reach for or touch it. Most tortoises don’t like being handled, so this is normal behavior.

In pet stores, a good rule of thumb is to also pay attention to the cleanliness of the enclosure. If the tanks are well maintained at the pet store, you can be assured that the turtle you receive will be in good condition.

Opt for captive-bred turtles, as those caught from the wild are likely to have parasites or other infections that can also affect humans. As always, make sure you get your reptiles from reputable breeders.

Expect to spend around $10-$20 for hatchlings and between $70-$100 for adults.

Can yellow-bellied turtles be handled?

Yellow-bellied sliders, like most turtles, will not handle handling very well. This usually causes them undue stress, but over time they can get used to being treated, especially if you start to get them used to you at a young age. However, they can bite if they feel threatened (and they have fairly strong jaws), so use caution. However, YBS are often considered the more sociable member of the tortoise family.

frequently asked Questions

Are Yellow-bellied Turtles Endangered? No, yellow-bellied turtles are classified under IUCN 2.3 (International Union for Conservation of Nature), which stands for ‘least concern’. They have been successfully bred in captivity and are popular pets. Sometimes these turtles are considered invasive species in some ponds and natural freshwater habitats in the country. These turtle populations usually come from irresponsible pet owners who release their turtles into the wild. Are Yellow-bellied Turtles Good Pets? Yes, yellow-bellied sliders make good pets. Although turtles don’t like to be touched, they are curious creatures. However, remember that they can be messy and it takes effort to keep turtle tanks in tip-top shape. Can you put fish with yellow-bellied sliders? Yes, you can use fish with YBS either as a food source or as aquarium mates. If you intend to keep the fish as pets as well (or use them as extra tank cleaners), choose fish that are small, fast, and can easily escape predation by your turtles. You can also opt for larger fish but stay away from big predators like bass, big African cichlids and big catfish as they will try to eat your turtle. Turtles usually need to be larger than the fish head. Remember that fish need higher quality water with the right water chemistry to thrive. Turtles are a little more tolerant, so with fish you need to be more careful about keeping the water in your tank cleaner. Yellow-bellied sliders do well in water conditions that are suitable for most freshwater pet fish. Can yellow-bellied turtles live in cold water? Yes, yellow-bellied sliders can live in cold water, but there is a reasonable temperature range to keep them healthy (75-80°F). They will survive in colder water, but it will put turtles into hibernation, slowing down their metabolism and not allowing them to efficiently absorb nutrients from food. Indoor tortoises or tortoises kept as pets do not need to hibernate. Do yellow-bellied turtles have teeth? No, yellow-bellied turtles don’t have teeth, but they can bite and they bite hard! Turtles have a type of beak made up of a layer of keratin. These are rigid and, along with their jaws, are used for cutting and chewing food. Do Yellow-bellied Turtles Get Lonely? no Turtles can actually become territorial, especially when kept together in small aquariums. It’s usually best to keep one turtle in a tank, or at least have a 120-150 gallon tank if you decide to keep several.

Conclusion

Yellow-bellied sliders make great pets with proper care (particularly keeping their tanks clean) and can make lifelong companions, as they can live up to 40 years in captivity.

Continue reading

Fast facts and care sheets:

Yellow-bellied Slider

Care Sheet – Yellow-Bellied Slider

Yellow-bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta scripta) – species profile

Slider Turtle care sheet

More information on the yellow-bellied slider turtle:

Virginia Herpetological Society: Yellow-bellied Slider

Other diseases that infect turtles:

Common diseases of aquatic turtles

Do you know that if your water is not in the desired PH range according to your fish, it can lead to problems like algae growth, coral growth, damage to the health of your fish, etc.? We highly recommend doing this API water test kit on Amazon.com so you always know the pH level of your aquarium.

This is a very attractive turtle that is usually kept as a pet and if you decide to introduce them to your home aquarium they will really make a great addition. The yellow-bellied turtle spends most of its time in the water, but occasionally needs to come out of the water to breathe and dry off. The care requirements of this turtle are almost similar to those of the red-eared slider. The tortoise is very popular with tortoise lovers as it is easy to care for. Those experienced in tortoise care will find caring for this tortoise much easier. However, there are other aquarists who prefer to keep the turtle because of its distinctive markings.

Yellow-bellied Slider Overview

Basically, it is known that the turtle is very active during the day and somewhat dormant at night. In the wild, the yellow-bellied tortoise has been known to spend much of the day in the sun. Because of this fact, it is important to provide the turtle with proper UVA and UVB rays. This can be accomplished by ensuring they are exposed to either sunlight or a special type of lamp that emits such rays in captivity. It is best not to bother the turtle with unnecessary handling as this is known to cause undue stress.

Yellow-bellied Tortoise Information Table Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta Family: Emydidae Care Level: Easy/Beginner Temperament: Curious and friendly Color: Brown or black with yellow stripes, yellow body Lifespan: 30 to 40 years Size: 5 to 8 inches Diet: Omnivore, high protein Minimum tank size Capacity: 100 gallons Temperature: 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (water) Water Conditions: Clean, unchlorinated water, not tap water Tankmate Compatibility Big fish that are small and fast

Appearance of the yellow-bellied slider turtle

They are some of the most attractive freshwater turtles available in the hobby hat and will easily add pizzazz to your aquarium. The males of these turtles are usually smaller than the females. Adult males have been known to grow to between five and nine inches in length. The females, for their part, are between eight and thirteen centimeters long.

The adult yellow-bellied tortoise has olive green carapaces with beautiful yellow markings that distinguish them from other tortoise species. In addition, yellow-bellied turtles have a yellow underside with black spots. The turtle’s skin darkens as it ages. The young have yellow-gold lines on their carapaces that fade with age.

The turtle also has an S-shaped mark on its face, also yellow. Yellow-bellied turtles have markings on their bellies that are question mark-shaped. The appearance of the Yellow-bellied Slider is quite similar to that of Eastern River Cooters. However, they are not the same turtles. The yellow-bellied slider is the closest species to the red-eared sliders that inhabit ponds. The turtles have impressive carapaces that can appear brown or even black with yellow stripes. They have yellow undershells which, due to their naming, have black spots (yellow-bellied).

Lifespan of the yellow-bellied slider turtle

The typical lifespan of the yellow-bellied turtle is 30 to 40 years. The yellow-bellied turtle’s long lifespan makes it an ideal pet for people – the turtle’s lifespan is extended in captivity.

Yellow belly slider size

The typical yellow-bellied slider grows to 5 inches at the base and 13 inches for larger specimens. The females of this species are larger than their male counterparts. The young are up to 1 inch long at birth and grow to 4 inches in a year. After the initial growth spurt, however, their growth cycle slows and they only grow 1 inch each year thereafter. The tortoise’s growth rate continues, but slows sharply after they reach adulthood.

Native Habitat/Geographical Distribution in the Wild

The turtle spends a lot of time in the water, although it will occasionally come out of the water to bask in the sun. In terms of geographical distribution, the tortoise is native to North America and is usually found in areas like Virginia and Alabama.

The turtles are usually well distributed in freshwater bodies such as swamps, lakes, ponds, slow-moving rivers, floodplain swamps as well as seasonal wetlands. They typically inhabit shallow waters with abundant aquatic vegetation and soft bottom.

Care and establishment of the yellow-bellied slider tank

Yellow-bellied slider tank size and specifications

Yellow-bellied Slider Basic Grooming and Tank Requirements

A turtle tank that is at least 100 gallons in capacity is best for a single turtle and should contain very clean water that matches the water they live in in the wild. It is usually better to keep a single turtle in the tank as these small creatures can become very territorial.

Related Review: Best Turtle Shells

Optimal tank size

The optimal tank size for a yellow-bellied slider is 100 gallons. The tank should be at least 48 inches long and 12 inches high to comfortably accommodate a yellow-bellied slider.

For more tips on the best posture to hold the turtle, read below:

filter system

The yellow-bellied slider turtle only thrives best in very high-quality and clean water. This therefore urges you to set up a quality filtration system that will ensure the water stays clean and pure at all times. Without a clean water system, the turtle will get many infections and suffer from shell rot. Standard filter types are compatible with yellow-bellied slide tanks.

In addition, you can go worry-free with canister filters for clean water. When choosing the filter, make sure the capacity of the filter is double or triple the tank selected for the turtle. The slider produces a lot more waste than fish. Therefore, you need regular filtering and a deep cleaning of the tank from time to time. Thorough cleaning is not a problem as the yellow-bellied slider is a semi-aquatic species that is comfortable on land.

Canister filters use mechanical filtration, biofiltration, and chemical filtration. The tap water must be neutralized with chemical compounds before filling it into the tank. Tap water and its composition are not safe for yellow-bellied turtles. Regular tap water irritates your turtle’s eyes and nostrils and causes a lot of stress. Some filters also add water conditioners that neutralize ammonia and nitrites in the water.

Mechanical filters use a sponge to capture large waste and food particles from the tank. The mechanical filter media must be washed with aquarium water to permanently remove the large, trapped particles. On the other hand, biological filtration removes harmful bacteria and encourages the growth of beneficial microfauna in the turtle tank. This way the turtle tank is nutrient rich and safe for the turtle. The biological filter can also be washed with aquarium water. Tap water is a strict prohibition for the aquarium environment.

Chemical filtration systems use activated carbon to filter out harmful compounds and water pollutants from water. These carbon filter cartridges have a lifespan of 14 to 30 days. The cartridges must be replaced after a month at the latest. In addition to filters that keep the enclosure water safe, you can give away about 25 percent of the aquarium water you use each week. You can replace this water with unchlorinated water.

We think you’ll like Best Turtle Tank Filters

sun area

These tortoises are very fond of sunbathing when in the wild and this needs to be emulated for them in captivity. Make sure the basking area you provide for your turtle is large enough for her to be comfortable. The material used on the basking area should be non-abrasive to allow the turtle to dry off completely. A heat lamp can be used to warm the basking area with the recommended heat in the 80 and 90°F range.

It is best to hang a UVB lightbulb over the enclosed space for your tortoise. UVB lighting must remain on for at least 12 hours a day and off for 12 hours to support the daily pattern of turtle habits. UVB lighting allows the turtle to naturally synthesize vitamin D, which helps with calcium absorption. The calcium helps them stay strong and avoid metabolic bone disease. Sunbathing is also very important as fungal diseases are at bay for the yellow-bellied tortoise.

substrate

This isn’t important, it’s usually a personal choice of turtle hobbyists, but the truth is that substrate in a turtle’s shell is a recipe for a messy tank. If you choose to install a substrate in your turtle’s tank, please ensure you install a quality water filtration system to keep the water clean at all times. Tanks with substrates also need regular water changes to keep things clean. For the substrate material, it is advisable to use larger gravel that is not easy for the turtle to ingest orally.

Water parameters for Yellow-bellied Slider

The water temperature

It is recommended to keep the water temperature at the recommended levels, which can range from 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In order for you to be able to achieve this, you will need to have an immersion water heater installed. It is also recommended to adjust the depth of the thanks water so that the turtle can easily be completely submerged.

The tank also needs to be wide enough for the turtle to swim around comfortably. Some seasoned turtle experts who have kept the yellow-bellied turtle even recommend a depth of eighteen inches.

Feeding the Yellow-Bellied Turtle

The Yellow-bellied Slider is an omnivore that feeds on both plants and animals. They are easy to feed and the following diet should be able to keep your turtle going:

insects

fishes

Aquatic plants that should not be poisonous

waxworms

Chopped Vegetables

mealworms

Commercial turtle food that can be purchased at reptile stores

Commercial turtle food for reptiles

Yellow-bellied slider turtle hatchlings are more carnivorous. The adult is omnivorous with more herbivorous tendencies. The yellow-bellied turtle eats first thing in the morning and spends the rest of the day digesting the food. This difference in diet is accompanied by a difference in growth rate.

Because the young slider grows faster, it requires a carnivorous and high-protein diet. The turtle’s feeding pattern must follow a section corresponding to the size of its head. However, you must feed the hatchling daily, while the adult yellow-bellied turtle must eat every other day. You can add shrimp, earthworms, boiled fish and meat to the diet. Yellow-bellied tortoises are casual feeders, so you need to be very careful with what you feed them.

Behavior and temperament of the yellow slider

The Yellow-bellied Slider is sociable and will easily mingle with such small and well-mannered community mates. If you prefer to let your tortoise live with other peaceful tortoise species, just make sure the space you allocate is large enough. It’s a species of freshwater turtle that likes to come out of the water occasionally to bask in the sun. While not an aggressive tortoise that will not bite when held, it is best not to carry them up all the time to avoid undue stress on them.

The yellow-bellied slider turtle does not like to be touched. It can get used to handling in captivity, but its natural temperament is against handling. It instinctively runs away from touch and handling. To get them used to handling, you need to start the process very early. They are very inquisitive and agreeable when not threatened. The slider has strong jaws and can bite you if it feels threatened.

So you should make them feel at home. These pets are different from your usual pets like dogs and cats. However, they have unique personalities and behavioral patterns that make them interesting. The yellow-bellied slider turtle is diurnal and more active during the day. It loves to sunbathe during the day. They are adaptable, which makes them great family pets.

Common diseases of yellow-bellied turtles and their treatment

Typically, the yellow-bellied slider is a hardy species that will thrive in your aquarium with minimal care. Still, they can catch diseases if their basic needs are not met. They can survive in suboptimal conditions for some time. However, if you want your tortoise to thrive, you must take care of them.

Improper lighting, hygiene, and poor diet can lead to several diseases in a yellow-bellied slider turtle. The most common deficiency in turtles can be vitamin A deficiency. Some common diseases that the turtle suffers from are shell pyramiding or metabolic bone disease. Other diseases include mussel rot and respiratory diseases.

Metabolic Bone Disease – Metabolic disease occurs when the turtle experiences malnutrition or lack of UV lighting in the tank. Symptoms in the tortoise can include weakness, soft shells, broken bones, and crooked legs. The treatment of this disease lies in treating the cause of malnutrition.

The best way to pull this off is to provide the turtle with food insects and meat supplemented with calcium powder. Feed the turtle a commercial diet designed exclusively for turtles. You can also change the lighting system to set up a suitable UV lighting system for the tank. For severe metabolic bone disease, you will need to give calcium injections until the deficiency is resolved.

Facts about yellow-bellied slider turtles

The yellow-bellied slider is the most conspicuous turtle because it has yellow markings and unique black spots.

The scientific name for the yellow-bellied turtle is Trachemys scripta

The Yellow-bellied Slider’s shell is about 5 to 8 inches in size

There is a yellow spot marking behind the eyes in both young and females

The yellow-bellied sliders are a semi-aquatic species.

The yellow-bellied turtles migrate to land to lay eggs in terrestrial nests.

In winter, the yellow-bellied turtle becomes dormant and there is a change in behavior

Yellow-bellied tortoises prefer a high-protein diet.

The Yellow-bellied Slider gets along well with small fish in captivity

Are Yellow Belly Pushers Right For You?

The yellow-bellied slider turtle is a very popular pet for many water lovers. The turtle is a favorite for its markings and distinct structure. The pet is very interesting and different from the usual turtles, which might seem simple and boring. If you want to keep a turtle but won’t settle for the regular ones, the yellow-bellied sliders are the right choice. This species is also very hardy and can live with a medium level of care, making it a perfect choice for adoption. If you want a conversation starter in your living room or dining room, this turtle is for you.

frequently asked Questions

What is the natural habitat of the Yellow-bellied Slider?

The yellow-bellied slider’s habitat is ponds and streams. The Yellow-bellied Slider also lives in sinkholes, swamps, lakes and marshes. They also inhabit the land for short periods. The turtles prefer to stay submerged in the shallows amidst swimming aquatic fauna. However, they move further ashore to overwinter. These turtles also move onto land from unsuitable aquatic habitats during migratory phases.

What are the few behavioral patterns of the Yellow-bellied Slider?

The yellow-bellied turtle’s few behavioral tendencies are its activity. The tortoise becomes more active on sunny winter days than on darker days. In the summer, these turtles don’t sunbathe much. Their solar activity is more in spring and fall – the yellow-bellied sliders mate in spring and winter. The male of this species displays courtship behavior during these seasons. Females build nests for their eggs by digging with their hind feet.

What are the few areas where the Yellow-bellied Slider is naturally sighted?

The few areas where the Yellow-bellied Slider occurs naturally are Southeast Virginia, Northern Florida, Texas, and Central America.

What goes in a slider’s diet?

The slider typically eats insects, tadpoles, small fish, and invertebrates. They are carnivores and usually eat meat. Your diet must be high in protein in nature. However, their omnivorous tendency also helps them eat plants such as algae, leaves, stems, roots, and certain fruits. However, the diet is meat-dominant, with the species sometimes eating water, insects, and frogs.

Are Yellow-bellied Turtles Endangered?

No, the yellow-bellied turtle is not endangered. The turtle is classified under IUCN 2.3, the category of least concern. The beautiful turtle species will be available in every well-stocked pet shop. They make good pets and have been successfully bred in captivity. However, in some natural habitats, the slider is considered an invasive species. This is usually done with a captive yellow-bellied slider pet that is released into the wild.

Conclusion

The yellow-bellied slider is a beautiful turtle that makes a great pet. The Yellow-Bellied Slider is a good choice when in doubt about which turtle to adopt. As an omnivore, the yellow-bellied slider turtle is a very low-maintenance pet for a long time. The species does well in captivity as long as the water conditions and other parameters such as lighting are respected.

You can keep a pet turtle and that would do, I promise. The yellow-bellied slider turtle can be the star of your home with all its unique markings. They can be your lifelong companions due to their long lifespan. These turtles are better suited to captivity with an increased lifespan.

In addition, the species is not endangered. So you can adopt one as a pet without guilt. However, always go to a good and trustworthy pet store to buy your next pet turtle. When choosing your new Yellow-bellied Slider, make sure the turtle does not show any signs of illness such as swollen or closed eyes or a runny nose.

Take a healthy slider with a good quality and a good color shell. Additionally, you should also opt for captive bred tortoises over wild tortoises. Turtles bred in captivity have a lower risk of becoming infected with parasites. Choose the yellow-bellied slider wisely to ensure you have a lifelong companion.

Yellow-bellied turtles are one of the most commonly found aquatic turtles – after red-eared turtles, of course (opens in new tab).

These closely related terrapins share a very similar appearance and identical care requirements. So if you’re comfortable with one, you should be fine with the other!

If you’re new to turtles and prefer something different, or prefer yellow markings over red markings, this species could easily be your perfect fit.

Read on to find out how you can take care of these fun little pets!

Summary of Species

Yellow-bellied turtles are a species of terrapin native to the southeastern United States from Florida to Virginia.

It is the most widespread turtle species in its range and often breeds with invasive red-eared turtles.

Yellow-bellied turtles prefer to live in rivers, swamps, wetlands, and ponds that are slow-moving and deep. They show an affinity for habitats with an abundance of algae and aquatic surface plants that offer them protection from predators.

While these are the habitats they prefer, you can usually find them in almost any type of water source and environment.

Their adaptability makes them such great pets that can put up with a novice’s slight husbandry mistakes or even live in a garden pond!

Wild tortoises typically eat first thing in the morning and then spend the afternoon and early evening basking and digesting their food.

Research has shown that a yellow-bellied turtle’s diet changed with age; Juveniles are carnivores, while adults’ diet consists of 95% aquatic plants.

Appearance & Colors

Yellow-bellied sliders mostly resemble their closely related terrapin relatives, like the red-eared slider.

A key difference is their eponymous yellow, spotted plastron, or belly shell. The abdominal markings are black or dark green and help distinguish this species from the nearly identical eastern river grouse.

Yellow-bellied sliders also have yellow stripes that extend down their legs and neck.

A healthy, intact carapace or “carapace” of an adult yellow-bellied slider is smooth and dark brown or black. Young yellow-bellied turtles have intricate golden lines on their shells, but these fade with age.

However, it should be noted that scientists believe that genetic differentiation is mainly due to differences in habitat.

⭐️ Fun Fact: Researchers have found that the shells of turtles, particularly yellow-bellied sliders, become more asymmetrical as they age. This is particularly common in male turtles.

Yellow belly slider size

As with most aquatic turtle species, yellow-bellied turtles exhibit sexual dimorphism.

Mature females are considerably larger than adult males.

Young yellow-bellied turtles emerge from their eggs at just 1 inch in length and reach about 4 inches by their first birthday.

After that, they only grow about 1 inch per year until they reach their adult size. They will continue to grow throughout their lives, but growth slows down significantly after they reach adult size.

Adult male length: 5-9 inches

Adult female length: 8-13 inches

life span

Yellow-bellied tortoises live a very long time, just like most other turtles (turtles and tortoises)!

However, when compared to turtles, which are thought to live to be over 100 years old, the yellow-bellied slider doesn’t appear to be as intimidating when it comes to commitment.

Healthy captive yellow-bellied turtles typically live about 40 years.

Males can become sexually mature in as little as 2 years, while females can take 8 years before they are ready to lay eggs!

Yellow-bellied Slider Care

Case size and dimensions

Yellow-bellied sliders are considered a medium to large sized turtle, so even the smallest adult will need a 55-gallon aquarium.

When choosing an aquarium for terrapins, the general rule of thumb is to get an aquarium with at least a 10 gallon per inch turtle. For example, a 10-inch yellow-bellied slider would require a 100-gallon aquarium, or even larger if you have the space.

Many savvy turtle keepers have also found ways to use troughs, storage tanks, pond liner, and plastic tubs as makeshift turtle enclosures!

These are typically much less expensive than similarly sized glass or acrylic aquariums and may even allow you to give your turtle even more swimming space.

Because wild yellow-bellied turtles inhabit and dive in deep ponds and rivers, keep the water at least 12 inches deep, or even 18 inches deep for large females.

habitat setup

Yellow-bellied Slider Turtles are primarily aquatic, while traditional aquariums work perfectly as an enclosure, your turtle will need a retreat area to warm up and dry off regularly.

Many commercially available turtle bathing platforms are available and make installation easy.

Again, savvy turtle keepers have come up with several DIY turtle basking areas that are cheaper and more functional than their pet store counterparts. The biggest downside is that these DIY plans are usually not that visually appealing.

PVC, wood, plastic wicker, natural driftwood logs, and clean rock are viable options when making a homemade basking spot for your yellow-bellied slider.

Yellow-bellied turtles are very active and inquisitive turtles, so they will appreciate aquarium decor such as driftwood, statues, live or artificial plants, large river rocks, and artificial caves.

Substrate also enhances the look of your aquarium and enriches your turtle’s habitat, but choose carefully.

Regular aquarium gravel poses a real impaction risk if your turtle accidentally ingests it, which is often the case with this voracious species!

Most turtle keepers stick to river rocks, washed play sand, or leave the bottom of the tank bare.

Bare bottom aquariums are the easiest to care for and keep clean and they pose absolutely NO risk to your turtle.

Large river rocks are safe, but create many cracks and crevices where scraps of food can get lost. You need to vacuum these areas often and well to prevent old food from rotting and contaminating the water.

Play sand is also generally considered safe as long as you rinse it until the water runs clear before adding it to your aquarium.

Unfortunately you will have to take measures to prevent your filter from sucking up the sand particles or you risk the engine dying prematurely.

Keep the depth of the sandy substrate under 2″ to avoid a build-up of dangerous bacteria.

temperature & lighting

Yellow-bellied tortoises kept indoors need extra warmth and light.

Heat is required for digestion, and you need to heat the aquarium water and basking place separately.

Conventional aquarium heaters are good for heating the water. To heat the sunspot, you can use a ceramic radiant heater or a halogen incandescent lamp.

Turtles also need special UV-emitting bulbs to synthesize vitamin D3, which is needed to absorb and utilize calcium.

The standard source for UV illumination is a compact fluorescent lamp or tubular fluorescent lamp.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when setting up the light and sun area. For an optimal UV index, certain distance guidelines must be observed.

UV bulbs need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months. Although they continue to produce visible light, the quantity and quality of the UV light they emit decreases with use.

Ideal water temperature: 75-80°F

Ideal Sunpoint Temperature: 80-90°F

UVB light duration: 12 hours on/12 hours off

water quality

As far as water quality and maintenance is concerned, yellow-bellied turtle husbandry is more like fish husbandry than reptile husbandry!

Because yellow-bellied turtles spend most of their time fully or partially submerged in their water, they are exposed to ALL the contaminants, bacteria, and fungi that the water may have.

water filtration

Aside from UV lighting, water filtration can be one of the most critical aspects of aquatic turtle ownership.

Poor water quality can lead to shell rot, eye infections, ammonia burns, and more.

Most standard aquarium filters are suitable for use in your turtle’s tank. The style of filter that most turtle keepers prefer is a canister filter.

Regardless of what type of filter you choose, make sure it is rated for an aquarium 2-3 times the size of the aquarium you are using.

Yellow-bellied turtles produce much more waste than fish.

Most aquarium filters, including canister filters, use biological filtration, chemical filtration, and mechanical filtration.

Mechanical filtration uses filter floss or sponges that capture large waste and food particles to remove them from the water.

Mechanical filter media should be periodically flushed through a bucket of used aquarium water to remove large particles.

Biological filtration involves the growth of beneficial bacteria that consume ammonia and nitrites, which are harmful and detrimental to your turtle’s health.

These bacteria normally grow inside the aquarium filter, particularly on mechanical filter media, which is why it is important to wash your filter gently and only with aquarium water.

Tap water and excessive force will kill the beneficial bacteria.

Chemical filtration involves the use of activated carbon to remove contaminants and contaminants from water that cannot be handled by mechanical or biological filtration.

Activated carbon cartridges must be replaced every 14 to 31 days, otherwise they will release harmful compounds back into the water.

In addition to using a water filter, you should remove 15-25% of the enclosure water each week. Replace with cold tap water that is free of chlorine and chloramine.

water treatment

To remove chlorine and chloramine from tap water, you must use an aquarium water conditioner.

If you don’t use an aquarium water conditioner, these chemical compounds used to purify tap water will prevent the growth of beneficial bacteria and irritate your yellow-bellied turtle’s eyes, mouth, nostrils, and cloaca.

Some water conditioners even neutralize nitrites and ammonia.

Always read the packaging material for dosing instructions.

water temperature

As discussed above, you MUST use an aquarium water heater for your yellow-bellied slider. Room temperature water is too cold for year-round conditions.

Many aquarium heaters do not come with a reliable thermostat and are instead preset to heat the water up to 24°C.

This is an appropriate temperature for your pet turtle, but you may want to purchase a water heater with a built-in, programmable thermostat.

NEVER run the aquarium water heater outside of water. It gets too hot and breaks.

Food & Nutrition

Young yellow-bellied tortoises prefer a high-protein (and higher-calcium) diet to sustain the rapid growth they experience during their first few years.

Meanwhile, adult male yellow-bellied turtles remain distinctly carnivorous, but adult females gradually become herbivorous as they mature.

Most commercial turtle foods contain acceptable levels of protein and vitamins that can be used as the main diet for a turtle of any age.

Feed growing babies and adolescents enough food each day to fit in their head (if it were hollow).

Supplement turtle pellets with shrimp, insects, earthworms, and steamed fish or chicken to increase their dietary protein.

For adult tortoises, feed an amount that would fit in your tortoise’s hollow head every other day.

You can offer high-protein snacks to adults no more than once a week.

Since yellow-bellied tortoises are natural foragers, they will always be looking for more food.

It is recommended to always have a large leafy green floating in the aquarium so your turtle can graze to its heart’s content.

Floating cuttlebones with no sharp edges are also enjoyed by many yellow-bellied turtles and are a GREAT source of extra calcium.

Be sure to provide your pusher a balanced diet of vegetables, fresh fruit, live prey, turtle pellets, and nutritional supplements.

Keep in mind that some fruits — like strawberries — can serve as a treat for your pusher.

However, they should not become a staple diet as they will not be able to meet all of your turtle’s nutritional needs.

Possible health problems

While yellow-bellied tortoises are considered a very hardy species that is forgiving and tolerant of husbandry mistakes, they do have requirements that should be met.

While they can survive suboptimal conditions for short periods of time, improper lighting, hygiene, or diet will inevitably lead to disease in your turtle.

shell pyramiding

Cause: malnutrition, excessive dietary protein

Symptoms: Shell shields begin to take the form of a pyramid

Treatment: Feed adult yellow-bellied turtles a species-appropriate, mostly plant-based diet. The shell will always be deformed, but it shouldn’t affect your turtle’s health or life once the feeding is complete.

vitamin A deficiency

Cause: Improper diet (iceberg lettuce, excess meat, substandard or stale commercial pellets)

Symptoms: lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, swollen eyes, discharge of mucus from the nose or mouth, secondary infections

Treatment: Feed a balanced diet rich in vitamin A (pellets, dark leafy greens, yellow and orange vegetables, whole fish, liver). In severe cases, oral or injectable vitamin A supplementation may be needed until proper vitamin levels are achieved.

Metabolic Bone Disease

Cause: Malnutrition (calcium deficiency), lack of appropriate UV lighting

Symptoms: Soft shell, broken bones, bent legs, tremors, weakness

Treatment: supplement feed insects and boneless meat with calcium powder, feed a commercial turtle food, set up appropriate UV lighting. In severe cases, oral or injectable calcium supplementation may be necessary until acceptable vitamin levels are reached.

respiratory infection

Cause: Unhygienic housing or poor filtering, stress, cold, vitamin A deficiency

Symptoms: discharge of mucus or blisters from the nose or mouth, lethargy, loss of appetite, wheezing, stretching the throat to breathe, breathing with the mouth open

Treatment: antibiotics

shell rot

Cause: Unhygienic enclosure secondary to trauma, burns, or bites

Symptoms: Red or slimy liquid on carapace, soft carapace, flaking plates, foul smell, lesions

Treatment: Isolate the turtle in a dry treatment enclosure, clean the lesions daily with an antiseptic, antibiotics may be needed in severe cases

abscess

Cause: Unhygienic housing, vitamin A deficiency

Symptoms: Hard bumps or bumps on your turtle’s skin, especially behind the eye

Treatment: surgery and antibiotics

lung infection

Cause: Unresolved respiratory infection

Symptoms: lopsided swimming, loss of appetite, lethargy, disoriented movements

Treatment: antibiotics

sepsis

Cause: Unresolved infection

Symptoms: Unresponsiveness, loss of appetite, lethargy, pink or red tinge of the skin and carapace

Treatment: Emergency veterinary treatment

Behavior & Temperament

Yellow-bellied tortoises are active, inquisitive animals who love to lie in the sun and explore their aquarium during the day.

They love to eat and will often beg for food or treats. Some turtle owners have even taught their slider to perform basic tricks or behaviors.

Once your Yellow-bellied Slider has become accustomed to your presence and associates you with food, it will most likely follow you out of its enclosure as you move around the room where it can see you.

When it comes to other turtles, yellow-bellied turtles are pushy and territorial, so they SHOULD NOT be housed with other turtles.

You can accommodate forage fish in your tank to encourage exercise and enrichment BUT be prepared for these fish to be ‘missing’…

dealing with them

Yellow-bellied turtles usually don’t like being handled. They should stay in their enclosure where they feel comfortable.

Threatened sliders will either retreat into their shell OR bite!

A fun way to non-violently interact with your yellow-bellied slider is by hand-feeding treats.

Conclusion

Yellow-bellied sliders make appealing, interactive, and relatively low-maintenance pets, so long as their owner has a basic understanding of the species’ care requirements.

If you’ve made it this far, you’ve already reached your goal – congratulations!

Armed with the knowledge of proper lighting, heating, and water quality, you are all set to be the amazing owner of a lucky Yellow-bellied Turtle.

Do turtles make noise?

Although turtles lack vocal cords, they are still capable of producing a wide variety of sounds and noises.

While some of the sounds produced are audible to humans, most are not even within the range of human hearing – as such, we don’t hear them. These sounds serve different purposes.

Turtles communicate with each other and even express emotions like fear through sounds. Some turtles cluck like chickens, hiss and even make high-pitched whining noises.

At this stage you’re probably wondering how do turtles make noise if they don’t have vocal cords? It’s really quite simple, they make sounds by expelling air from their lungs.

Table of Contents

What sounds does a turtle make?

The most common sound a pet turtle makes is hissing. Hissing is generally a sign of fear, not hostility.

This involuntary sound is made when the turtle is scared. So if your pet turtle hisses when you approach it, it’s not because it’s preparing for an attack or is hostile, it’s an involuntary response to a perceived threat – you.

The hissing occurs when the turtle quickly pokes its head into its shell. This expels air from his lungs. The expulsion of air results in the hissing sound.

As previously mentioned, turtles use sounds to communicate, expect turtles to produce sounds when they are aggressive or when mating.

Nervous/stressed turtle noises

Turtles, unlike other pets like dogs, cats, and even other reptiles like ball pythons, don’t like being handled. For example, snakes can be trained by tapping them with a hook when they are fed. This makes a difference to them when they are handled.

Tortoises and tortoises can also be trained to get used to you over time by touching them for short periods and gradually increasing.

This helps build trust between you and your pet.

Nevertheless, this can cause the turtle a lot of stress. It’s not uncommon for a pet turtle to hiss when caregivers first attempt to handle it.

Below is a video of a hissing turtle to give you an idea.

Video about the hissing turtle

Aggressive Turtle Sounds

A belligerent turtle will use noise to intimidate it before attacking. Turtles like the snapper are notorious for making aggressive gestures and noises.

This sound is a combination of heavy breathing and hissing. Other territorial tortoises also make these sounds.

If you plan to house multiple turtles in a single enclosure, it’s important to have enough space and multiple hiding spots so they feel like they have a safe space.

This ensures that each turtle has enough space for itself, which in turn reduces aggressive behavior.

The video below shows the sound of an aggressive snapping turtle.

Aggressive turtle video

Mating Turtle Sounds

Turtles make different sounds when mating. Although this sound is quite difficult to describe, it resembles a continuous scream.

If you breed large tortoises like tortoises, you’ve probably heard this sound before. Interestingly, many people find this mating sound amusing in conjunction with the male’s mating movements.

The video below shows a couple of mating turtles. The mating sound is pretty clear in this video.

Map turtles can also emit low-frequency sounds when mating. This sound may only be low and therefore cannot be heard by humans.

Chirping sounds of the red-eared slider

The red-eared sliders make a distinct chirp. Not only is it specific to this species of turtle, but they also make this sound for various purposes. Sometimes it’s because the water temperature isn’t appropriate, and sometimes they chirp because of an underlying breathing issue, although this is less common.

So if your red-eared slider is chirping, don’t panic. Observe and check for other symptoms. White residue on the body, decreased appetite and a soft skin can be symptoms of possible diseases.

Sometimes these turtles make chirping noises just because they are tired. If a change in water temperature doesn’t stop the noise, see a veterinarian to have your turtle checked out.

Other unique turtle sounds

The giant Amazon river turtles of South America are known for using sounds to navigate the dark and murky waters of the Amazon.

This form of echolocation is unique to the giant Amazon river turtle, also known as the Arrau tortoise.

Low-frequency echolocation is also used to communicate during co-nesting and when migrating to nesting beaches.

The big-headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) is found in Southeast Asia and southern China.

When taken out of the water, the big-headed turtle makes a sound similar to a roar. This is a defensive sound and is meant to deter predators.

Sea Turtle Sounds

hawksbill turtle

Turtles, including sea turtles, produce many low-pitched sounds that humans cannot hear.

Low-frequency sounds are preferred because they can travel better and farther underwater.

While not much research has been done on sea turtle noises and sounds, significant data has been collected on leatherback vocalizations, particularly in mothers and hatchlings.

This data has led to the rejection of previously accepted information about the notion that turtles are deaf and do not communicate with each other through sound.

Several babies of aquatic species including leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Arrau turtle (Podocnemis expansa), Amazon yellow-spotted turtle (Podocnemis unifilis) and Amazon Six-humped turtles (Podocnemis sextuberculata) are known to vocalize before and during the hatching process.

Short term Arrau tortoise embryos begin to vocalize 36 to 8 hours before hatching. Leatherback turtles begin to vocalize after about 51 days of incubation.

The sounds produced include grunts, chirps, and a few others. Overall, herpetologists have divided these sounds into four categories.

Mothers also vocalize to attract the hatchlings’ attention.

Sounds of baby sea turtles

Baby Green Sea Turtles

There are many different reasons why short term tortoise embryos and hatchlings vocalize. Herpetologists have suggested three reasons for the vocalization of short-term embryos and young.

1 embryos talk to synchronize themselves

Short-term embryos talk to synchronize hatching and thus induce joint digging.

This ensures that siblings nested together can easily burrow to the surface and out of the nest.

This is why baby turtles in a nest appear to come out of their nest at the same time.

2 embryos talk to reduce risk

Short-term embryos vocalize to reduce risk of predation. As you can imagine, baby tortoises are quite helpless and more vulnerable to predation than adult giant tortoises.

The journey from the nest to the nearby body of water, where the hatchlings will spend the rest of their lives, is the most dangerous.

To ward off predators, all young animals must hatch out of a single nest and go to the water together.

The sounds produced allow baby turtles to synchronize their emergence from the nest to reduce predation pressure.

3 Vocalize to attract women

Arrau tortoise hatchlings talk to attract adult females. As the hatchlings scampered to the Amazon, they sang.

This attracts female Arrau turtles, which then lead the babies to the flooded forest floors where the turtles feed.

According to research by Richard Vogt, these tortoises can migrate over 40 miles (62 km) in just 16 days with adult females.

Because deep communication is vital to the survival of baby sea turtles, noise pollution (such as ship noise, vehicle noise, and other anthropogenic noises) can adversely affect turtles.

Healthy communication with people

Young Hermans tortoise

Although turtles are not believed to be as communicative as other pets, they do communicate.

As previously noted, your tortoise may hiss when people approach them. This sound tells human keepers to back off as the turtle is nervous.

When tortoises become familiar with their human keepers, most pet tortoises will hiss less and look to the keepers as a source of food.

However, if you pick them up, expect several angry hisses.

Pet turtles may also tap on the glass of their tank when they see you.

Because pet turtles see humans as a source of food, the turtle may try to approach you for food. Turtles will also knock on the enclosure wall when hungry.

Types of Turtle Sounds – Why Do Turtles Make These Sounds?

Turtles make different types of sounds to express different emotions, but how and why do they make these sounds? Their throats are relatively small, but they can make a variety of sounds, some of which we can’t even hear!

Here are some of the most common sounds turtles make:

hiss

Turtles hiss for a variety of reasons, the most notable being the angry hiss. They do this by quickly pushing the air out of their lungs, which is what happens when they retract their bodies into their shells.

There isn’t much room in the envelope, and if they want to fully retract their body, they have to hold the air out of their lungs to make room, which is what creates the hiss. Sometimes a hissing sound can also indicate breathing difficulties.

grunt

The grunt is shorter than the hiss. It is also caused by the emptying of the lungs. When the turtle releases more air from its lungs at once, it produces a grunt.

Cry

If your turtle is having trouble breathing, it may make a crying noise. When there is a lot of mucus in the airways, the usual sound changes to crying.

Roar

A roar is very unusual and specific to big-headed turtles (Platysternon megacephalum). When disturbed, they make this roaring sound that resembles a hiss.

chirp

Most commonly, baby turtles make these chirping sounds due to stress, although changing water temperatures and sometimes even excited eating can make turtles chirp.

This chirping can also be the result of an illness, so watch out for symptoms.

Gargle

Although uncommon, turtles can make a gurgling noise when they are hungry. Some turtle owners have recorded their turtles making the gurgling sound. However, the exact mechanism or reason behind this noise still puzzles researchers.

echolocation

This is another very distinct and unique sound a turtle can make to help navigate and find its way through muddy conditions.

This sound can only be heard in the Arrau river turtles native to South America. Studying the social behavior of these turtles led to the discovery of this echolocation sound, which is common in bats and some marine animals.

Conclusion

Although turtles are not the most sociable creatures on planet Earth, they communicate vocally and non-vocally. When it comes to vocal communication, it’s usually associated with panic and anxiety.

Several freshwater turtles hiss when threatened. If you see your pet turtle hissing, it’s best to leave them alone. Unlike other pets, turtles are quite uncomfortable with most human interactions.

Turtles also hiss when they are aggressive. In addition to the audible sounds they produce, turtles also produce low-frequency sounds. These low frequency (low) sounds are favored as they spread further.

Short-term embryos and hatchlings use deep communication to synchronize hatching and digging out of their nest. Because of this, baby turtles are usually observed at the same time as they head out into the ocean.

Baby Arrau turtles also communicate with mothers through low-pitched tones. This ensures that the mothers can lead newly hatched Arrau turtles to feed.

Is your turtle hissing at you? Did you notice any noises it makes? Let us know in the comments below!

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Turtles that are used to outdoor life can survive the winter in your pond, as can koi and goldfish.

How do you do that?

Well, as one researcher so eloquently put it, they breathe through their butts.

Yes. Nature is strange.

Turtles have some incredible biological tricks that help them survive conditions that would kill most other animals. Here’s everything you need to know:

At a glance: How terrapins survive the winter

Outdoor turtles often spend the winter underwater where temperatures are relatively stable.

Most turtles’ metabolisms slow down during the winter to the point where they no longer need much food or oxygen.

Turtles can absorb oxygen from the water through their skin.

winter deceleration

Let’s briefly return to elementary school science classes.

Turtles are cold-blooded — a fancy word for cold-blooded. That is, their body temperature matches that of their surroundings. If the water is cold, then so is the turtle’s internal temperature. This biology differs from that of warm-blooded animals, which must constantly generate body heat.

Being cold-blooded in winter sounds harsh, but it’s actually what helps turtles survive. When their body temperature drops, their metabolism also drops. And a lower metabolism means less need for food and oxygen.

Most freshwater turtle species survive the winter by immersing themselves in water. Few species can survive a complete freeze, so many will dive below your pond’s frost line, where temperatures remain relatively constant. They may occasionally swim to the surface for food or oxygen, but they generally stay in the water until spring.

Still breathing

How can turtles stay underwater for so long? This is where butt breathing comes into play.

Turtles have lungs and need oxygen to breathe. In winter, however, their oxygen requirements drop significantly. What little water they still need, they absorb through their skin – more precisely through the blood-vessel-rich area around their cloaca.

The cloaca is the universal terminus at the end of the turtle’s digestive tract. (Other reptiles, as well as birds and fish, have a similar structure.) Because this area is so rich in blood vessels, the turtle can use it during the winter to absorb oxygen from the surrounding water rather than having to use its lungs.

The scientific term for this process is cloacal respiration – and it only works in winter. In warmer weather, turtles can actually drown if they stay underwater for too long because they need a lot more oxygen to survive.

Painted Turtles: The Masters of the Cold Weather

Colored turtles – one of North America’s most widespread turtle species – are particularly adept at dealing with the cold.

Adult painted turtles can survive in water as cold as 37 degrees Fahrenheit without food or oxygen for up to 100 days. These conditions would kill most vertebrates in three or four minutes.

However, many turtles can survive in extremely low-oxygen conditions due to their ability to alter their blood chemistry. And painted turtles can survive even longer than most.

While hibernating mammals break down stores of fat to survive winter food shortages, turtles break down a blood sugar called glycogen. This process creates a build-up of lactic acid in the turtle’s body. Lactic acid is the stuff that makes humans sore after exercise, but it can be fatal to turtles.

Some turtles neutralize the acid by borrowing chemicals from their shells and skeletons – much like a natural abdomen. Painted turtles are the undisputed masters of this ability and can survive longer than other turtles in low or no oxygen environments.

Remember: The ability to survive extreme oxygen deprivation is unique to painted turtles. Most other pond inhabitants – including your pond fish – need good gas exchange to survive the winter.

Tips for a healthy winter pond

Ecosystem Ponds are easy to care for and beautiful to look at any time of the year.

So that everything runs smoothly in the cold season, here are a few tips:

Do I have to shut down the entire pond in winter?

It is up to you whether you shut down your pond in winter or not.

If you want to hear your falls year-round, you can keep them going. The water flows through your pipes fast enough to prevent the pipes from freezing.

However, for the greatest possible safety, we recommend that you winterize your pond. When the pump is off, you don’t have to worry as much about water loss or other problems.

For step-by-step instructions, see our winterization guide.

Regardless of whether you winterize the entire pond, you still need to turn off your auto-doser, if you have one, and move it to a frost-free location.

Stop feeding fish

Your fish enter a semi-dormant state called torpor during cold weather. They don’t need to eat in this state, so whatever you give them either stays in their bellies (bad for the fish) or on the bottom of the pond (bad for your water).

Stop feeding your fish when water temperatures are consistently below 55 degrees. Cold Water Fish Food is a great way to help your fish transition into and out of winter. See our seasonal feeding guide for more information.

aerate!

Your fish don’t eat in winter, but they breathe.

Install an aerator to add some much-needed oxygen to your pond and keep open any hole in ice that forms on the surface. An aerator is especially important if you decide to shut down your waterfalls for the season.

If your pond freezes over, carefully create a hole to let oxygen into the pond and bad gases out. Don’t use blunt force to break the ice; anything to shake could injure your fish. Instead, place a deicer or pot of hot water on top of the ice to gently melt it. You can also – carefully – cut a hole with a saw with coarse teeth.

Speaking of de-icers…

Deicers are floating heaters that keep a small hole open in an otherwise frozen pond. These heaters are small enough not to increase the overall temperature of your pond, and their thermostatic control ensures they only run when they need to.

De-icers are a great addition to your winter pond care arsenal. With a running de-icer, you know there will always be a hole open in your frozen pond – even if your aerator fails.

Always use a de-icer in addition to an aerator – not instead of one. If you can only afford one or the other, an aerator should be your first priority.

Yellow-bellied Turtle Overview & Care Sheet

The yellow-bellied tortoise, also known as the yellow-bellied tortoise or yellow-bellied tortoise, is a perfect pet turtle for beginners, although it can grow to be considerably large compared to tortoises. However, as long as this is not a problem for you, they make great show pets.

If you have kids who want a pet turtle in the house and you don’t know which one to get, a yellow-bellied turtle can be a good choice. They are easy to care for, fun to watch and make excellent show pets if you don’t keep them or try to play with them too often.

They are one of the three pond sliders, which also include the red-eared slider and the Cumberland slider.

These tortoises are typically found in the eastern United States, but they can also be found in the UK.

Yellow-bellied Slider sitting on a resting rock

Below you will learn all about the yellow-bellied slider turtle, including basic facts such as: such as where to find them, how large they get, what predators they have, as well as the full breadth of what is required and required to care for any of these animals as a pet.

We’ve put a lot of time into this guide and would love to hear your feedback in the comments below, even if there’s a way to improve this article.

Yellow-bellied Slider Facts and Information

Experience Level: Beginner

Beginner family: Emydidae

Emydidae Scientific name: Trachemys scripta scripta

Trachemys scripta scripta Other names: Florida yellow-bellied turtle, yellow-bellied turtle,

Florida Yellow-bellied Tortoise, Yellow-bellied Turtle, Adult Male Size: 5 to 8 inches (13 cm – 20 cm)

5 to 8 inches (13 cm – 20 cm) Adult Female Size: 8 to 13 inches (20 cm – 33 cm)

8 to 13 inches (20 cm – 33 cm) Average lifespan: 25 years

25 years Average price range: $35.00 – $75.00

How big does a yellow-bellied turtle get?

Yellow-bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta scripta) in pond outdoors

Female yellow-bellied turtles are usually larger than males, making it a bit easier to identify the sex of these animals.

The adult males generally range in length from about 5 to 8 inches (13 cm to 20 cm) while the adult females are about 8 to 13 inches (20 cm to 33 cm) in length.

This video gives a great overview of the turtle itself and also features a female in the Florida Everglades.

Yellowbellied Habitat

Yellow ventral sliders are native to the southeastern United States from Florida to southern Virginia.

You can usually find them in a variety of locations, including swamps, swamps, slow-moving rivers, ponds, and seasonal wetlands.

While they are aquatic turtles and spend most of their time in the water. Like other aquatic turtles, you’ll regularly see them coming out of the water to try and soak up some sun.

Sometimes they are seen in a large group and usually when the basking spot is small they even stack on top of each other to get closer to the sun.

A basking spot is an important part of a yellow-bellied tortoise setup, and we’ll go into more detail on that later in the care sheet.

Lifespan of the yellow-bellied slider turtle

yellow belly turtle sitting in the grass out of the water

Yellow bellies can live 100+ years, especially when properly cared for, although their average lifespan is currently around 25 years.

What do yellow-bellied turtles eat?

These tortoises are omnivores and become more herbivorous as they age. Males are usually more carnivorous than adult females, who are typically more herbivorous.

Young turtles tend to have a higher meat diet as protein is important for early development. As they get older and mature, vegetation tends to become their preference.

Some things they like to eat in the wild are amphibian larvae, snails, insect larvae, fish and small crustaceans, and terrestrial and aquatic plants, including algae.

If you have, or plan to have, a yellow-bellied pet, then doing so will require a bit of focus. Commercial food is of course an option and covers everything as far as diet goes, but the combination of natural and commercial diets is definitely something the turtle doesn’t mind.

Good commercial foods you can feed them include Tetra Reptomin, Zoo Med Natural Aquatic Turtle Food, and Mazuri Aquatic Turtle Diet.

We will also cover food in more detail in the care guide below.

Predators of the yellow-bellied turtle

Yellow-bellied Slider basking on the shore

Young turtles are easily eaten by herons, large fish, and even larger turtles due to an imbalanced shell.

Other predators include larger mammals such as foxes, raccoons, and even domestic dogs.

Both cats and dogs can live with turtles, but you should always supervise them during any direct interaction.

Since these are aquatic species, there really is no interaction between having a turtle pond outdoors or keeping them indoors.

Check out our guides to Turtles and Dogs and Turtles and Cats to learn more about how to deal with them when they live in close proximity.

Yellow-bellied Slider versus Red-eared Slider

Yellow-bellied Slider sitting on bathroom counter from a side view Red-eared Slider sitting on white stones

The difference between a yellow-bellied slider and a red-eared slider is really just their color and trinomial name, as they are both subspecies of pond sliders.

The care of these turtles will basically be the same.

Care Instructions for Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtles

This yellow-bellied slider care sheet covers everything including tank setup, water treatment, water heating, UVA/UVB lighting, sunspot, water and sun temperature, feeding and more.

There is also a frequently asked questions section at the end of the care guide that answers a few other yellow belly related questions.

Yellow-bellied slider tank setup

The following setup is what we recommend for a full indoor setup for a yellow belly turtle. If you plan to keep multiple turtles, you will need either separate tanks or an outdoor pond.

Recommended basic products

Below is a basic product setup list with everything you need for a solid basic setup. We didn’t add substrate (gravel) or plants as they are optional and you can add them later.

We also recommend 150 gallons even if you have a male as a little more space is never a bad thing and also gives you the chance to get some extra turtles or fish later.

Note: For transparency, the links below, as well as many others in this article that relate to products, are affiliate links, which means allturtles.com may earn a commission if a purchase is made. These links cost you nothing but help keep this site free for everyone. For more information, see our Privacy Policy & Disclaimer page.

tank

For a tank, the size you need depends on whether you have a male or female yellow belly slider. Females are significantly larger than males.

The rule of thumb is 10-15 gallons per inch of shell and an additional 5-10 gallons per turtle added.

A typical male will average 18 inches tall and would need a 70-100 gallon aquarium to live comfortably.

A female yellow belly grows to 28 inches and would require a tank of around 150 gallons.

If you plan on having multiple yellow bellies, the recommendation is to add 5 to 10 gallons per turtle.

An alternative to these turtles since they grow so large is to put them in an outdoor pond. This changes your requirements and we have a separate guide on how to build an outdoor turtle pond.

water supply

Treating the water for your aquarium is also important, as tap water is likely to contain chlorine and other chemicals that aren’t good for turtles. API is great and easy to add and use.

filtration

Water filtration is very important for yellow-bellied sliders. Turtles are significantly dirtier than fish, so any filter you choose should be one rated for twice the size of your current setup.

For reference, a 350 gallon per hour capacity canister filter is rated for a 200 gallon aquarium. Our goal in this case is 300 gallons.

SunSun offers a few models including the HW-404B, which delivers 525 gallons per hour of filtration, or the HW-3000, which has an incredible 793 gph filtration.

Both should be good options, and if you don’t want to buy a large filter, you can buy two smaller filters. My recommendation would be to start with one and see how it goes. If you then need some extra filtering, check out a second one.

water heating

The tank water will most likely need to be heated and should be maintained between 76 and 84 F (24-29 C).

You can do this with a simple submersible water heater, just make sure you choose one for the size of your tank. You might even need two to spread them out on either side of the tank.

was standing

As with any aquarium setup, you will need a place to put it. Here you have a few options, you can build one, buy a stand specifically for a tank, or use some other alternative like shelves or a table.

SC aquariums offer one bundled with an overflow tank, but it gets very expensive.

An alternative to this could be buying a workbench. The size of the tank is 72 inches x 18 inches (183 cm x 45 cm), so it must be big.

Don’t forget to think about the weight capacity of whatever you’re using. It should be able to hold at least 1200 lbs (about 550 kg).

lighting

There are two types of lighting you will need in this case, one is a UVB light that will help turtles process their food and absorb nutrients and the other is a sunlight.

Yellow-bellied Slider with Metabolic Disease

A UVB lamp produces ultraviolet light and is vital because if it can’t properly absorb its nutrients and vitamins, it can lead to metabolic bone disease.

When this happens, the tortoise develops shell deformities, such as B. a weak tank or even a pyramid formation.

UVB is something you can’t see or feel, but you can test with a UVB card. You need to do this because UVB bulbs typically only last 6 months and need to be replaced regularly.

The second is UVA light, also known as a heat lamp. It’s pretty simple it just generates heat. Be sure to set the distance correctly so the turtle doesn’t get too hot.

Best UVB and heat lamp for yellow-bellied sliders

The best lighting we think you can buy is a combination lamp like the Zoo Med PowerSun mercury lamp. The reason we like this is that it has both UVB and UVA in one.

You can use a cage style mount like the one from Zoo Med pictured above.

One bulb instead of two means two fewer cords and one less cord to worry about plugging in.

To simulate daytime, you can also add a Zoo Med timer so the light turns on and off automatically.

If you are wondering about the temperature and what you should do to monitor it, don’t worry after the initial setup. We explain it more in the sunbathing section.

Do Yellow-bellied Turtles Need a Heat Lamp?

Yes, yellow-bellied sliders in indoor enclosures without natural sun exposure and heat will need a heat lamp.

Reptiles are cold-blooded and thermoregulate with external heat sources. They can boost their metabolism by raising their body temperature or lowering it by cooling down.

Best basking platform for yellow belly pushers

Group of yellow-bellied sliders basking and piling on rocks

Commercial basking platforms are relatively hard to find for larger turtles like the yellow-bellied slider.

We recommend building a basking spot for your tortoise yourself. Check out our DIY guide for some different options.

Assuming you already have an area to sunbathe, the video below gives a great explanation of how to set up the lighting for your yellow belly.

One tip he mentions is to use a laser temp gun, which I just find super handy for setup, and then use regular spot checks later to make sure the temp is always correct.

Now that you understand why lighting is so important, let’s jump to the specs. The temperature for the sun place should be between 28 and 31 ° C.

Use this laser temp gun to check it, or a manual thermometer if that’s all you have available.

For ongoing monitoring, we recommend also having a thermometer (Zoo Med Thermometer) near the spot so you can see the temperature during your daily routine.

You can use the laser gun occasionally just to make sure things are right, as thermometers sometimes fail over time.

If you’re starting with a juvenile yellow belly and have a smaller setup as your turtle grows, you can read our reviews of the Penn Plax Turtle Attachment, Penn Plax Floating Pier, and the Oasis Turtle Ramp for more information on using one commercial sunbath.

But again, these most likely won’t be able to support your tortoise as it grows and matures.

Alternatively, etsy has a few where people have built them from PVC pipes, but for the cost I think you could build your own for less and just as well if not better as it will be specific to your setup.

Food for yellow-bellied turtles

Yellow-bellied slider food is fairly easy to come by as there are many commercial options.

The following 3 are the best yellow-bellied turtle foods that are commercially available.

Reptomin is made by Tetra and has been around for a long time. It is in the shape of worms, so the turtles like to eat them. They also provide the calcium that turtles need to complete their diet.

Zoo Med Turtle Food took a different approach and instead processed it into pellets. For more information, see the full formula listing on Zoo Meds’ website.

Mazuri turtle food for aquatic turtles is another complete diet option where they claim no additional food is needed to complete the diet. It even takes care of the carnivorous side of things.

You can view the full product data sheet here.

When you feed your yellow-bellied turtles, you should add the commercial food for 5 minutes. So basically give them as much as they can handle for that period of time.

After that you should remove all leftover food from the tank. This will help keep your tank a little cleaner as everything will eventually settle to the bottom of the tank.

While the commercial foods above will suffice, live foods are also an option and may contain crickets, mealworms, waxworms, bloodworms, and daphnia.

You can also put some small minos in the tank if you want to give them some exercise.

Another option is to automatically feed your yellow belly. You can buy an automatic feeder like this one from Zacro and program it to automatically feed your turtles.

The only downside to this is that you can’t remove the excess, but you could test the amounts that are dispensed as you drive and adjust accordingly.

Yellow-bellied slider eggs

If your yellow belly slider lays eggs and is alone in the tank and has never been near a male, they will likely never hatch as they have never been fertilized.

As a precaution, if they have placed them in the tank and you do not have a nest box then it would be a good idea for you to build one at this time or move the eggs to an external one where the environment is appropriate.

When you move them, be careful not to turn the eggs at all.

The eggs must remain in the exact same position that you found them. If you rotate them, you kill the embryo, if there is one.

Normally a turtle will not lay eggs unless they have a place to put them where they can be buried, so this would be an unusual situation if you have an indoor setup.

The video below shows a yellow-bellied slider laying her eggs, which is pretty cool to watch.

Yellow-bellied slider turtle hatchling care

Young yellow-bellied turtle in owner’s hand

Assuming you have some new hatchlings that have just been born, you need to be extra careful with them.

They should move to their new home which has been provided with clean water and a dry area with heating.

If it takes a little while for the egg to break out, you can already move it and place it in its new enclosure on a wet paper towel.

I think it goes without saying that you don’t have to put a hatchling in a 150 gallon enclosure. It should be a little smaller and handier.

For more information on breeding aquatic turtles and caring for hatchlings, see our Turtle Breeding Guide.

frequently asked Questions

Yellow belly tortoise on angled rock

How can you tell the age of a yellow belly button piercing?

The age of your yellow belly can really only be an approximation unless you know when it was born. Assuming you don’t know, there are a few things you can check.

You can check the rigidity, length and width of the case, count the rings of a shield, check its sexual maturity and finally, if it is no longer alive, do a skeletochronological test.

To see how you can follow these steps, take a look at our complete guide to finding a turtle’s age.

Is my yellow-bellied turtle male or female?

Telling if your yellow-bellied turtle is male or female can be fairly easy once they are already fully grown. Adult females are significantly larger than males.

There are other things to check, including the length of their claws. The claws of the males are much longer than those of the females as they tickle the female when mating with them.

Tails are another thing to check as the female has a short stumpy tail with the opening closer to the carapace than a male.

Another telltale story is the plastron. Males have a concave plastron (meaning it goes inward or dips into the body), while females have a smooth plastron.

For more information on determining your turtle’s sex, see our in-depth guide.

Where can I buy a yellow-bellied slider turtle?

Yellow-bellied sliders are sold in many places.

When purchasing a yellowbelly, you should always check to see if your breeder is a captive breeder. The above two both specialize in breeding turtles in captivity.

This means that none of the turtles are wild caught. Wild caught tortoises can carry diseases or parasites and will not be happy about becoming a captive pet as they are used to being free. This type of behavior can be seen in other pets as well, as animals that are used to the wild do not thrive as pets and are prone to anxiety, stress, and health issues.

Additionally, taking turtles from the wild is bad for the ecosystem and leading to the extinction of wild populations.

Always make sure where you buy your turtle that they sell captive bred turtles. Many pet stores and online stores sell wild animals, so be aware. That would not be safe for either you or the turtle.

Disease is another aspect of a pet turtle that you must consider at all times. Wild tortoises can carry bacteria like salmonella, which can also affect humans. While salmonella usually causes short-term symptoms like fever, stomach upset, and diarrhea, in rare cases it can affect people, possibly even leaving you hospitalized.

To prevent the spread of this bacterium, the sale of very small turtles is banned in the United States.

How much does a yellow belly pusher cost?

You can expect to pay about $35.00 for a hatchling and about $100.00 for an annual. The benefit of buying a yearling is that it has been raised and should have a lower risk of mortality.

How do yellow-bellied turtles mate?

Yellow bellies perform a small mating ritual to seduce the females by raising their long claws in front of the females face to entice the female to mate.

For a more in-depth guide to reproduction, check out our Tortoise Breeding Guide, which walks you through the entire tortoise breeding process.

Are Yellow Belly Pushers Illegal?

Yellow belly sliders are legal in most states, however there are some states where turtles are not legal. In Hawaii, for example, alien turtles are illegal.

In addition, federal law in the US states that turtles cannot be sold under 4 inches in shell size.

Check out our in-depth guide to turtle laws for a breakdown of each state’s laws.

After all, it is illegal to release turtles into the wild. Turtles not native to a site ecosystem can devastate an entire ecosystem. Red pinnae, for example, are classified as one of the most invasive species for this very reason.

One aspect of releasing a turtle into the wild is that it is cruel to release a domesticated animal into the environment. If the turtle has been a pet for too long, it may not have the necessary resources to properly survive and may end up being devoured or injured.

If you bought your turtle from a store, it may carry some diseases and germs that may not affect them directly but could be transmitted to other turtles in the area. Even if your turtle is from the same ecosystem, it is irresponsible to release them into the wild as they could pose a threat to other animals in the area.

What fish can live with yellow-bellied turtles?

Yellow-bellied sliders can live with a variety of fish, including plecos (great for algae control), koi, catfish, tetras, guppies, and more. This makes them great pets if you have an aquarium as they can thrive with other species of fish.

Read our guide on which fish can live with turtles to learn more about managing their habitats and how you can extend the fish’s lives by providing them with hiding spots.

Conclusion

Yellow-bellied tortoises make good pets, but they grow quite large and also live very long lives. Once set up, they are relatively low-maintenance and maintenance can even be automated. For people who want a decent sized tortoise as a display pet for their home, these tortoises can be a good choice.

They are also very easy to care for, making them perfect pets for beginners who don’t have much experience caring for these animals.

Although these tortoises don’t require a lot of effort once set up, you have to keep in mind that they have a much longer lifespan than other pets. If you choose one of these, make sure you’re ready for the commitment that comes with it.

Don’t forget to leave any questions or comments in the comment section. In this yellow-bellied tortoise overview and care sheet, we’ve put together everything you need to know to ensure your pet lives a long and healthy life. Don’t forget to leave any questions or comments in the comments section below!

If you are interested in similar topics related to turtles and keeping them as pets, we have a large number of informational articles on our site covering their lifestyle, diet and other things you need to be aware of. You are also welcome to take a look!

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The Yellow-bellied Slider is a subspecies of the terrapin and is native to parts of the United States. It is the most common turtle in its range and is very popular as an aquarium pet. Yellow-bellied sliders are often confused with red-eared sliders, which unlike the former have red or orange stripes down the sides of their heads, as they share both traits and also share their natural range.

Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Reptilia Order: Testudines Family: Emydidae Genus: Trachemys Scientific name: Trachemys scripta scripta

physical description

Size: A healthy adult male typically reaches 13 to 23 cm (5 to 9 in) in length, while a mature female of the species is larger at 20 to 33 cm (8 to 13 in).

Weight: You have a very light mass. On average, they weigh between 7.7 and 13.8 g.

Shell and Body Color: This turtle’s shell is a typical brown and black coloration, often with bright yellow stripes, while the skin is an olive green color with distinct yellow markings on the legs and nape area.

Yellow-bellied Slider

Sexual Dimorphism: There are no visible differences between the sexes, except that males are naturally clawed and smaller than females (mentioned above).

life span

In the wild, the tortoise can live for a maximum of 30 years, while the lifespan of this species in captivity is more than 40 years

distribution

The reptile is native to the southeastern parts of the United States, specifically from Florida to the southeastern regions of Virginia.

habitat

Yellow-bellied sliders mostly prefer still waters such as ponds and are found in slow-flowing rivers, swamps, floodplain marshes, etc., and often inhabit seasonal wetlands such as Carolina Bays. Aside from shore excursions, these reptiles mainly stay in waters where submerged and floating vegetation is plentiful.

Yellow-bellied Slider Yellow-bellied Slider Image

behavioral characteristics

These tortoises are semi-aquatic and are one of the most commonly found species of giant tortoises. They rest singly or in groups on tree trunks, stumps, or rocks, during the fall and spring, or anytime the weather is cloudy or mild and the sun is shining. They communicate with each other through touch and vibration and have very good eyesight.

These turtles have a habit of stacking on top of each other at the pond side. They are diurnal and usually spend the night asleep underwater. But you can also see them swimming on the water surface.

In winter, when the temperature drops, they usually become dormant. Your activity level drops, especially when temperatures drop below 10°C.

They usually winter between November and February, often underwater, under the banks of ponds, hollow tree stumps, etc., and come out between early March and late April.

While they prefer to stay mostly aquatic, they would sometimes move onto land to lay eggs in a land nest or to and from their hibernation sites. They are otherwise mild-mannered; However, males are sometimes aggressive towards each other during the mating season.

Male Yellow-bellied Slider Female Yellow-bellied Slider

diet

These reptiles are omnivores, feeding on both plant and animal matter, including insects, dead fish, tadpoles, aquatic crustaceans, and other meat products. Plant compounds in their food list include fruits, seeds, leaves, stems, roots, and algae. However, they tend to be more carnivorous as their diet is 70% animal and 30% vegetable.

Reproduction & Life Cycle

The mating season of these sliders is spring when the male yellow-bellied sliders have been observed to display courtship behavior by performing a specific mating dance. However, some individuals have also been seen in autumn and sometimes in winter.

After mating, the female yellow-bellied sliders begin constructing their nest cavities by digging up dirt with their hind feet, where they lay their eggs shortly thereafter. Litter size (number of eggs) varies between individuals and is influenced by factors such as body size and age.

It takes about three months for the baby turtles to hatch. The hatchlings stay in their nests through the fall and winter and come out the next spring, after which they enter the water for the first time to begin feeding. The young sliders reach the age of sexual maturity when they are about 4 to 5½ inches long.

Yellow-bellied Slider Eggs Baby Yellow-bellied Slider

adjustments

They have the ability to inflate their throats to keep themselves in limbo. The brown and olive coloration and the bizarre and bright pattern on the turtle’s shell create a visual paradox that helps them camouflage among the grasses and other terrestrial and aquatic vegetation.

predators

In the wild, yellow-bellied sliders’ main predators are raccoons, striped skunks, Virginia possums, and red foxes.

state of preservation

Given their static population and growth rate, IUCN 2.3 has listed them as “LC” (Least Concern).

Yellow-bellied Slider Size image of a Yellow-bellied Slider

Interesting facts

Aquatic turtles can be found in or near water. Most aquatic turtles leave the water to bask on land, but spend most of their time in the water. They require both water and dry land to bask in their habitats, as well as the appropriate temperature ranges and light to stay healthy. Because they require a fairly complicated habitat and often carry salmonella bacteria, they don’t make ideal pets for very young children. With proper care, these animals can live for several decades.

Use a sufficiently large habitat (at least a 40-gallon hatchling tank) with a screened lid so your turtle cannot escape. A good rule of thumb is 10 gallons per inch of turtle; Adult tortoises need more space as they grow.

Aquatic turtles should be fed a calcium supplement without vitamin D (either dusted lightly over food or provided as a cuttlebone in the tank) 2-3 times per week and a multivitamin once per week.

Turtle care

Proper water quality is critical to the health of your aquatic turtle. Make sure you give them as much living space as possible. While turtles are social, you should avoid overcrowding, which can negatively impact water quality and cause aggressive behavior.

Where to buy a sea turtle

Turtles are available from your local Petco location. Please call ahead to check availability.

significant other

Male tortoises should not be kept together as they are likely to fight. Two females can usually be housed together. Males and females housed together breed. Don’t house different species of turtles together.

Health

Signs of a healthy turtle

Active and alert

Eats regularly and has a bowel movement

Smooth, hard shell with no lesions, pitting or soft spots

Clear, bright eyes with no swelling or discharge

Supple skin without wounds, lesions, swelling or discoloration

Clear nose and vent

Warning signs (if you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian)

Eye, nose or mouth discharge

Discoloration, bumps, soft spots or pitting on the shell

Lesions, swelling or discoloration of the skin

lethargy

Frantic swimming or side swimming

Abnormal droppings

Sneezing, runny nose, or difficulty breathing

Swollen eyes

Blisters from your eyes, nose or mouth

Overgrown beak

Swelling on the sides of the face, near the ears

Common health problems in aquatic turtles

Health problem Symptoms or causes Suggested action Health problem Gastrointestinal tract parasites Loss of appetite, listlessness, weight loss; possible diarrhea and rectal prolapse Suggested action Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Health problem Respiratory infection Open-mouth breathing, eye, nose and/or mouth discharge or blisters, sneezing, decreased appetite, lethargy; can be caused by improper temperature or lighting in the habitat. Consult your veterinarian and make sure the habitat has the right temperature and lighting. can be caused by an unclean habitat, inadequate habitat temperature or lighting, or an unbalanced diet. Contact your veterinarian; Make sure your tortoise has a balanced diet and provide adequate habitat cleaning, temperature, and lighting. commonly caused by vitamin A deficiency, unbalanced diet, and inadequate habitat temperature and lighting. Consult your veterinarian for appropriate treatment

frequently asked Questions

What do sea turtles eat? Aquatic turtles will eat commercially available pelleted food, leafy greens and chopped vegetables, and occasionally insects, worms, rosette, goldfish, fruit, and freeze-dried shrimp as treats.

Aquatic turtles will eat commercially available pelleted food, leafy greens and chopped vegetables, and occasionally insects, worms, rosette, goldfish, fruit, and freeze-dried shrimp as treats. What is the best turtle for a pet? Red-eared sliders, painted turtles, and mud turtles can make great aquatic turtle pets with proper care and feeding.

Red-eared sliders, painted turtles, and mud turtles can make great aquatic turtle pets with proper care and feeding. How long do sea turtles live? With proper care and nutrition, they can live 20–40+ years.

With proper care and nutrition, they can live 20–40+ years. How do I care for an aquatic turtle? Aquatic turtles need a large enough tank with water for swimming and feeding, an area for sunbathing, floating food (including turtle pellets, leafy greens, and chopped vegetables), cool and warm zones in their habitat (heated with incandescent or ceramic radiant heaters and immersion heaters, and with multiple thermometers monitored), UV light, and calcium and multivitamin supplements. Your tank needs daily spot cleaning, weekly partial water changes, and deep cleaning every 2-3 weeks. The tank size will need to be increased as your turtle grows.

Aquatic turtles need a large enough tank with water for swimming and feeding, an area for sunbathing, floating food (including turtle pellets, leafy greens, and chopped vegetables), cool and warm zones in their habitat (heated with incandescent or ceramic radiant heaters and immersion heaters, and with multiple thermometers monitored), UV light, and calcium and multivitamin supplements. Your tank needs daily spot cleaning, weekly partial water changes, and deep cleaning every 2-3 weeks. The tank size will need to be increased as your turtle grows. How big do sea turtles get? Aquatic turtles do not reach adult size (about 10–12 inches long) until they are 5 to 8 years old, depending on the species.

Additional care sheets

Notes and Resources

Ask a Pet Care Center associate about the selection of Petco products available for the care and well-being of your new pet. All products have a 100% money back guarantee.

Because all reptiles are potential carriers of infectious diseases such as salmonella, always wash your hands before and after handling your reptile or habitat contents to prevent the potential spread of disease.

Pregnant women, children under the age of 5, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems should consult their healthcare practitioner before purchasing or caring for any reptile and should consider not keeping a reptile as a pet.

For more information on reptiles and diseases, visit cdc.gov/healthypets.

The information on this care sheet does not replace a veterinarian. If you require additional information, please contact your veterinarian.

By Joe Cortez

One of the first challenges a new tortoise owner faces is establishing an appropriate environment for their pet to thrive in. Creating the right space requires more than a heating element and the right diet, as turtles also need an aquatic space. In many cases, a swimming area is an important part of a habitat to keep turtles happy and healthy throughout their lives. Here we answer four common questions turtle owners often have about turtles and their ability to swim.

Can all turtles swim?

One of the main differences between tortoises and tortoises is their environmental differences. Turtles require plenty of water to live, but they are not purely aquatic reptiles. Because of their aquatic nature, many pet turtles are excellent swimmers. “Turtles imply water,” said Dr. Laurie Hess, owner of the Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics in Westchester County, New York. “Most turtles live in water and tortoises.”

However, not all turtles need the same amount of water. Red-eared sliders, one of the most common species of pet turtles, like to swim in a large aquarium, while other turtles (like the eastern box turtle) only need a shallow swimming area. In addition to turtles and tortoises, there is another subgroup called terrapins. They are a semi-aquatic set, typically living in brackish or muddy waters, and may also spend time outdoors on land. Before deciding on a species of turtle, you should understand its unique habits and swimming needs.

How do turtles swim?

Since many turtles are aquatic reptiles, swimming is part of their daily activity. The red-eared slider is very water-loving and enjoys both swimming and diving in its aquatic home. Turtles use all four legs to swim and stretch them out to move through the water.

“Turtles have webbed feet and they use them to paddle,” Hess said. “They will dive and paddle around and then come back up to the surface to breathe.”

When a turtle has finished swimming, it seeks refuge in its basking spot. Stopping at a basking spot is more than an exercise break, instead basking allows the turtles to increase their internal temperature and absorb nutrients from a full-spectrum light source. For this reason, red-eared turtles should have a platform or pedestal to climb out of the water to sunbathe and recharge their batteries.

Can Turtles Breathe Underwater?

Although turtles are aquatic reptiles, they cannot breathe underwater like fish. Instead, turtles have to surface to take in oxygen while swimming, Hess said.

“[Turtles] need to breathe out of the water,” she said. “You’ll see them blowing bubbles in the water, but they have to be above water to breathe.” It’s important to distinguish this from an upper respiratory infection in turtles, which also blows bubbles on land.

However, some common pet tortoises may be able to take in oxygen through special skin in their cloacal cavities (a cavity where the intestinal, urinary, and genital canals empty in reptiles). This method is primarily used during brumation, a hibernation-like state that wild turtles enter during cold weather. Many experts recommend avoiding brumation in pet turtles, as it can lead to long-term health problems, including induction of egg laying, depletion of the body’s energy reserves, and infection if food or stool is left in the gastrointestinal tract.

Can turtles drown?

Since turtles can’t breathe underwater, it’s entirely plausible that they could drown. However, adult turtles are very smart even in the water and can maintain their own oxygen levels by swimming at the water’s edge or surfacing to breathe. In her many years as a veterinarian, Hess said she has never seen a turtle drown.

However, that doesn’t mean a turtle can’t get sick from overexposure to the water. Without a suitable basking spot, turtles cannot adequately dry themselves or shed their old shells. As a result, turtles can develop shell and skin problems, such as: B. Armored pyramids. Carapace pyramids form when the top of the carapace (shell) grows abnormally and is likely caused by too much protein in the diet when the turtle was young.

Because turtle health is greatly affected by water quality, it is important to maintain a good filtration system and change some of the water around your turtle on a weekly basis. “If you have water, you have to be prepared for water maintenance,” Hess said.

Although some turtles love to swim, others may not need as much contact with the water. By understanding your turtle type and its unique needs, pet owners can ensure their turtles stay happy and healthy throughout their long lives.

Image: Vladislav Sinkov / Shutterstock

I love my pet turtle and love to share tips on caring for these reptiles.

How long can turtles stay out of the water? What Do Pet Turtles Eat? Find out everything you need to know here. David Dilbert from Pexels via Canva.com

How to take care of a turtle

So I think every kid goes through a phase where they want a turtle. I made myself i had three

My first turtle, Squirtle, ended up in a complete disaster because I had no idea what I was doing. In my state of North Carolina, it’s illegal to own a Yellow Belly Slider, and that’s exactly what it was. So I couldn’t really take her to a local pet store and say, “Hey, tell me how to take care of this.”

I was a young teenager, recently 13 and proud, so of course I had that typical teenage disease called laziness. I had no intention of sitting there looking up information; I wanted my mom to do that for me. So I decided to write an article for the parents of kids who want a turtle. Here are the do’s and don’ts, proper care, setup, and risks of a pet turtle. I hope this helps determine whether or not a turtle is an appropriate pet for your child/children.

This is my red-eared slider, and yes, his name is pup.

Is a Turtle Right for My Family?

That’s the biggest question of all. If you honestly think your child(ren) won’t care, then don’t get one. A tortoise has special needs that must be met to ensure good health and long life. Most people overlook this aspect when getting a turtle.

If you get a dog or cat, they will have special needs, grooming and vet expenses, toys, etc. Although turtles don’t need that much, they will die if not cared for properly. On the other hand, if they are well cared for, they can live for long periods, even decades.

The setup: habitat, tank and water supply

The tank must be at least 40 gallons.

You need both a land area and a water area.

You must have a heat lamp. Turtles bask in the wild because the sun helps them produce a vitamin necessary for good health; Your lamp will act as the sun. Without them, your turtle will die over time. This is where I went wrong with Squirtle. Different species of turtles require different temperatures. Aquatic turtles cannot retain heat for as long as tortoises. Around 80°F during the day, 70°F at night.

Turtles need 12 hours of sun a day!

Also, don’t take your turtle in and out of the tank; it can severely impair his immune system.

Keep your tortoise away from other pets who may harm them. If you look back at the Puppy’s picture, you can see some discolored lines on his carapace. The previous owner’s dog caught him. Luckily he came out with only a few scratches on his shell.

Any kind of wood shavings in the habitat is a big no. These can be fatal if eaten and encourage the growth of fungus and mold.

Your turtle should have some kind of shelter; This can be wood or stone.

Many people want to add plants to the habitat. Just make sure they aren’t poisonous to your turtle if they are real, as they will try to eat them. Things like duckweed, water lilies, and water hyacinth are all poisonous.

Tap water is another big no. The chemicals in the water can negatively affect the PH value. Use natural spring water for your drinking water and unchlorinated water for the swimming area. (You can let tap water sit for 24 hours before adding it to the tank to remove the chlorine.)

keep the tank clean. Would you want to live in a dirty house?

As with any other pet, good hygiene is a must. If you handle your turtle, wash your hands before and after handling them. Some turtles carry salmonella. Washing your hands beforehand will prevent you from giving your turtle anything harmful, and washing afterwards will prevent them from giving you anything.

The Diet of a Turtle

What should I feed my turtle? It’s not a dog, so table scraps won’t do. You should feed your turtles with the same attitude I wish for myself: a healthy, balanced diet.

Most turtles eat a variety of things from berries to live fish.

Vegetables? Yes. Lettuce, kale, spinach, alfalfa, and clover are good choices.

Live prey can include: earthworms, crickets, mealworms, and forage fish (goldfish and guppies). Make sure you don’t give your turtle too much live food. It’s best to keep them separate until feeding time, as there’s a good chance your turtle will overeat.

Fresh liver is a great meat choice for your turtle, but make sure all meat you give, except live prey, is cooked. Chicken, freshwater fish, and cooked egg whites are all great choices.

The older your turtle is, the less protein it will need, so be careful when feeding.

Also, it’s good to have food sticks in your turtle’s diet. I use Tetra ReptoMin.

Seems like a lot of work? It’s not that much. You don’t need to prepare separate meals for your turtle. If you’re making fresh chicken for dinner, cut off a small amount and cook unseasoned and away you go. To make a salad? Tear off some lettuce and put it in the feeding bowl.

What to feed a turtle

Vegetables Live prey Cooked fish Lettuce Earthworms Chicken cabbage Crickets Freshwater fish Spinach Mealworms Boiled egg whites Alfalfa Fodder fish – Clover – –

Risks of owning one

There really aren’t that many risks of having a pet turtle.

Salmonella: There’s always a chance of salmonella, but only if you don’t practice proper hygiene.

There’s always a chance of salmonella, but only if you don’t practice proper hygiene. Bite: Turtles bite. They may not have teeth, but they bite, and they bite hard. I’ve been bitten a few times, but that usually only happens if you poke their faces.

turtles bite. They may not have teeth, but they bite, and they bite hard. I’ve been bitten a few times, but that usually only happens if you poke their faces. Illness: If you notice mottled patches on your turtle’s skin or cloudy eyes, it may be due to a poor diet, but it’s always good to take them to a vet who knows reptiles.

If you notice mottled patches on your turtle’s skin or cloudy eyes, it may be due to a poor diet, but it’s always good to take them to a vet who knows reptiles. Death of the Turtle: And if your child(ren) tend to get attached to things, there is always a risk of the turtle dying. If properly taken care of, it shouldn’t be a problem for a long time.

Is getting a turtle the right choice for you?

You and only you decide. I’ve had my turtle for almost three years now and I’ve had no problems other than the problems with his scratched shell. I love my tortoise and I think it makes an excellent pet that can teach children responsibility.

I hope this article helps you with your turtle decision, whether it’s for your child or for you!

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this content is correct and truthful and does not replace formal and individual advice from a qualified professional.

Sun24 on August 13, 2020:

Duckweed is good for my turtle. Do your research before reading this.

moon751 on June 29, 2020:

what temperature should the cage be for a decorated wooden turtle????

Anonymous on June 13, 2020:

Can I bring my red-eared slider into my garden?

Karenk77 on 06/08/2020:

Hello, I bought 2 new musk turtles today and put them in my setup but unfortunately both died a bit confused. Could someone please shed some light on what I might have done wrong

ABC123 on May 12, 2020:

Turtles’ nails grow long if I cut them

Washing dummies on May 3rd, 2020:

I think it was good but I wish you could have given me more information about my turtle needs PPPLLLEEEAAASSSEEE

Big Son on November 10, 2019:

lol rookie mistake ayush.

ayush on November 10, 2019:

I kept my turtle in water under the sun for 2 hours now it is no more

kc on 08/15/2019:

I have had a baby pet alligator snapping turtle for 3 years and I have kept her in a smaller tank with a fish toy and she is doing fine. They will eat any type of fish food and make a great pet. So this girl said they need 40 gallons of water in nuts, my tank is 5 gallons. bye1

jayden on 08/05/2019:

spinach can be very bad for many turtles. do some research on nutrition beforehand. red-eared sliders (a common pet in the us) cannot eat spinach

Karen1972 on July 26, 2019:

Some of the things she said are rubbish, she never said anything about different species of turtles having different needs like different water temperatures. The same goes for the tanning area, only they need two different types of light to tan. She never mentioned that the aquarium needed a pump/filter. All types of turtles are cold-blooded, so they need a water heater to keep them warm in the water. As for the plants she mentioned, not all are poisonous, turtles can eat duckweed and hyacinth plants, but not all species of turtles eat plants or fruit. She also says something about tap water being a big NO but then goes on and says U CAN LET THE TAP WATER OUT 24 HOURS, B4 PUT IT INTO THE TANK TO REMOVE THE CHLORINE. All I have to say is do your research properly because laziness will kill your turtle then you will wish you had done the proper care.

Big Son on July 16, 2019:

This is bullshit, the truth is every aquatic turtle would rather have dirty water where they can’t be seen. And you don’t have to cook any food for your turtle at all. What do you think they eat in the wild? And your turtle doesn’t need to be separated from your live prey. It won’t overheat. And tap water will not harm your turtle at all. This is really nonsense. And don’t feed your aquatic turtle vegetables or fruits that they won’t actually eat in the wild. I hope I could help

Jay on April 30, 2019:

my turtle died

AJ on January 11, 2019:

I put my RES turtle (3 inches) in a feeder and let it eat for 2 hours like I always do, but this time when I came back it was dead. I found it strange because it usually swims and doesn’t have to swim once… Did he drown?

Angela on 11/12/2018:

I have a 2 inch baby Red-eared Slider that is illegal to own as it is two inches under the legal length. I give him food but he won’t eat it. I’m worried and wondering what to do. Any advice would be helpful.

Deana on September 20, 2018:

Duckweed is good for turtles, I don’t know where you got that from. I always feed my turtle duckweed.

Melissa on 08/06/2018:

Hello, I have had my yellow belly turtle for 21 years now and I never let him under a heat lamp or UVB lamp although I have read that turtles need one, he reacts badly to it and I always make sure the lamp is not on nah, but no matter what i do, his eyes get red and then they water a lot. Other than that he’s doing great, he’s now 9 inches long and I’m making a new run for him this month. I can’t wait is this normal now?

Stephen & Aileen on July 14, 2018:

We must RES turtles. A female and a male. The female is twice the size of the male. Recently we noticed that the female was nibbling on the male. Push him out of the sun area. Basically, it looked like she was bullying him. So we separated them before anything serious happened. I’ve read that it could be a mating thing or a territorial issue. But how do we know we made the right move?

Set on June 11, 2018:

One last thing, turtles need 10 gallons for every inch of shell diameter, so a Red Ear Slider needs over 20 more gallons per turtle than 20 gallons per turtle. Male tortoises are generally much smaller than females, but less colorful

Set on June 11, 2018:

Another thing, the basking area needs to be 100% dry, water heaters are a must, but you’ll want a keeper to cover it if a turtle can’t get 100% dry, mold, fungi, and even shell rot can occur if a turtle gets sick you need to keep the basking area around 95F

Set on June 11, 2018:

They left out the UVB light that the turtle needs to process calcium. A lamp that produces both UVB and UVA is ideal, e.g. B. a Murcery vapor lamp. Water hyacinth and duckweed are non-toxic to many aquatic turtles, I believe water hyacinth is only toxic to dogs. Water lettuce is a fantastic fast growing plant, fast multiplier or floating plant to help remove turtle waste such as ammonia and nitrates. Duckweed, on the other hand, expect their high protein content.

Jolyn Hayward on May 01, 2018:

I have a mother turtle and her baby. The mother has just started trying to bite her baby. Is this normal behavior?? Should I separate them?

B on March 14, 2018:

There are also turtles that do not grow very large at all, for example the common musk turtle, which can sometimes and usually only grow to 2 to 3 inches, with the larger reaching 4 and a giant 5 inches. You wouldn’t need a 40 gallon tank that’s only 2 inches long. Perhaps you shouldn’t generalize about all turtles, as there are hundreds of different species

B on March 14, 2018:

12 hours of sun? That means they would literally sunbathe half the day. no swimming, no eating. sunbathing only Depending on the species, they require a maximum of 4 to 8 hours. In fact, some species do not bask at all. Some of your information is inaccurate and 12 hours of bright light can actually stress your turtle. The sun doesn’t even rise 12 hours a day. I’m just saying. Study a little more and update your article

Bianca on January 25, 2018:

Hello, my turtle’s scales seem to be coming off but only around the edges and has been since I got them two weeks ago (Is this normal??). I’ve never seen him on Basking Rock either. I’m not sure if he’s sick or still getting used to his pelvis.

This is a class pet so I’m trying to make sure we have a healthy turtle!

Anna5000 on August 21, 2017:

I had 3 yellow-bellied sliders. Even though I have a big tank with 27C water temperature, a nice sunbathing area and a UV lamp for turtles, even if I kept the water clean and fed the turtles properly and I have a strong filter in their tank, they all died . Today my last turtle died after a few weeks of agony. I don’t understand what I did wrong. She began to stay in the sun place day and night, refusing to eat and not opening her eyes. This happened to the other turtles I had too. I was hoping this little one survived… I took proper care of her, just as stated. I increased the temperature in the tank a bit to support their immune system, but they died anyway. I feel guilty now for having them, I think they will live if I never bought them. I don’t understand, what was I wrong about?

Betty Gates on July 24, 2017:

Thanks for loving your post. I’ve had my yellow-bellied sliders for 3 years now and they’ve grown! From an inch around to nearly 8 inches now, but even a 55 gallon tank is too small for them. Unless you can dedicate your whole house to them. It’s a very good idea to think long-term. Get turtles that don’t get too big, or get ones that are native to your area. Luckily my son is building a pond in the backyard for my two turtles and fish. Use your head…unless you want to eat turtle soup (yuck). If you have red and yellow-bellied turtles, please get fish for the tank. Get goldfish and also baitfish (small minnows). You won’t eat the goldfish unless they’re the only ones left. But I’ll eat the little baitfish (never heard of it! Try it, they don’t want oily fish). At 0.5 to 0.10 cents, the piece replaces the bait fish. It becomes a very good indicator of water quality (like the birds that died in the mines years ago). Eventually, if your fish die, your turtles will die too. Now my babies will thrive and bask in a natural sun. I completely ignored that they also need vegetation. Please take 5 minutes and look at everything. Protect turtles and humans too.

Gabi on 04.07.2017:

I found a turtle in the wells. It’s a yellow-bellied slider. I live in Korea so I knew she was a pet. Thank you very much. I hope I take good care of her.

Sinrick on June 05, 2017:

My friend and I have a 7 year old female Red Eared Slider who died last night. If I had read this article before we bought our red-eared slider, her tragic death could have been avoided. We prayed and asked her forgiveness for being such a lousy owner. For those few months, my friend only changes the water once a week (using an underwater filter). The temperature here in the Philippines is as high as 86.0°F. Your male Red-Eared Slider is still alive and is about 6 years old now. Is it still worth keeping the male or do we have to release him? I’m very depressed and scared that the male pusher might die too. :'(

Me on May 24, 2017:

I’ve had my red ear pusher for 14 years…he’s never had land and when he has it he flattens it or pushes it out of the water…he’s always had tap water in his tank…he’s 100% healthy

Trinity Stehley on April 29, 2017:

I have a wild box turtle on my driveway. How do I care for them?

Jay on April 18, 2017:

can you take it out sometimes

Patricia on February 10, 2017:

You must actually have a UVB lamp acting as the sun along with a heat lamp. Zoo med makes a good combination that is not very expensive. Both lights are critical to your turtle’s health.

rhaquel on January 16, 2017:

Never give the turtle the wrong food

Jennifer Kendrick on January 02, 2017:

I have 4 turtles, I have a 20 gallon tank for the 2 large turtles and I have 2 small turtles in another tank, the large ones are new to the family so what should I do? I feed them like I should, it’s normal that they want escape tank

Anand on November 20, 2016:

Excellent article, I had a tortoise and he died today, I’m sad.

nijhum piyal on October 28, 2016:

This will help me a lot to care for my new baby turtle. I usually give him/her 10 to 12 pellets and 2 to 3 boiled rice. is it enough for him? it is 3/3 and 1/2 inch i size

Leon on September 17, 2016:

Thank you for your attention. I have no. Just trying to get info. I had one but he died. But I also want a turtle for Christmas.

Yes on August 11, 2016:

My turtle recently moved into its shell. What to do. Food in the tank give water in the tank no actions. Dead?

Anton on 08/01/2016:

They say we shouldn’t take them out of the tank, but what if that’s the only way to clean the tank? If you clean it by hand, you need to take out the turtle

Lois on 05/08/2016:

Thank you for this helpful, direct comment.

James on April 22, 2016:

That really helped, thanks a lot, you look really pretty

riya agrawal on March 13, 2016:

yes it has thnxx

R Johnson on February 23, 2016:

We’ve had our two painted turtles for over five years, there was a learning curve but I’ve got it now, they like me and I like them 🙂

They have a 40 gallon tank with a turtle topper platform for basking, a good strong sun lamp, lots of good food and fish to hunt. I know where they came from and maybe one day they will return home when they are big enough to be no more a morsel for a fish or a bird.

supercalafragilisticexpedadocias on September 13, 2014:

I caught a yellowbelly at the pond and now I know how to take care of it 🙂

EmilyNSams (author) from North Carolina on June 08, 2014:

Definitive! If you allow them, they will eat feed. It’s actually quite common to give him one occasionally as it stimulates his natural prey drive.

edcasa on June 04, 2014:

I have a yellow belly turtle. I feed him his food (sticks) every day as planned but I have small gold eaters (fish) but it seems he has little interest. Is that normal?

Hurleygirl on July 05, 2013:

Many Thanks!! I caught a painted turtle at a nearby creek and had no idea how to take care of it! 🙂

Shardae on September 11, 2011:

Thank you, this article was very helpful 🙂

wowedding from the USA on 08/05/2011:

Welcome to Hubpage~

EmilyNSams (author) from North Carolina on 08/04/2011:

Thanks very much! 😀

Tom Cornett from Ohio on August 04, 2011:

Great first hub! Caring for each pet can be a chore…but it’s worth it. Welcome to HubPages. 🙂

EmilyNSams on 08/04/2011:

Thanks very much!

Polyannalana from USA on 08/04/2011:

Agreed, I had a turtle around that age; Good luck and welcome to Hubs.

Polly

Yellow-bellied sliders require a turtle tank as an enclosure. This is because they require fully submerged sections without the risk of warping or leaking. The yellow-bellied slider turtle can grow up to 300 mm (12 in) long and needs a lot of space to live happily. For this reason, we recommend a tank that is at least 1200 mm wide.

The tank should also be large enough to provide the turtle with swimming areas, so we recommend a minimum height of around 300mm. A ramp and dock should be used to ensure the turtle has a place to get out of the water and bask.

As juveniles, the Yellow-bellied Slider can be kept in a 900mm enclosure, but this will need to be upgraded as it grows. There are no ill effects of having them in the enclosure for life right away, so we usually recommend that you start with full setup.

In captivity as pets, yellow-bellied sliders usually do well with commercial pellets designed for turtles. They also appreciate diced fresh vegetables and fruit. Lettuce, in particular, is a common food for yellow-bellied sliders. Sliced ​​cuts of meat, including seafood such as shrimp, are usually beneficial to these turtles as well. You can also offer your yellow-bellied pet snacks “once in a while” – think waxworms and mealworms. Variety is key to their diet. If you’re ever unsure if a food is right for your slider, talk to an exotics vet before ever feeding it.

Yellow-bellied Slider Fact Sheet

Class: reptiles

ORDER: Testudines

FAMILY: Emydidae

GENUS & SPECIES: Trachemys scripta

Eared turtles are among the most conspicuous and most commonly found giant tortoises. In spring or fall, or when the weather is mild and sunshine is mild, individual or groups of eared turtles may rest on logs, stumps, or rocks.

ID

They are brown or olive green, usually with a distinctive yellow patch on the side of the head. The lower jaw is rounded. Yellow-bellied sliders’ carapaces average 5 to 8 inches in size; The record is about a foot. The yellow spot behind the eye is the most prominent marking and is most prominent in juveniles and females. The yellow underside of the tortoise shell is sometimes marked with round dark spots; These markings may be reduced in older tortoises. Adult males can also become very dark.

HABITAT

Slider turtles are plentiful in the ponds and streams of the Southeast. The Yellow-bellied Slider is found in a variety of habitats including Carolina Bays, sloughs, sinkholes, oxbow lakes, swamps, rivers, lakes and ponds. Sometimes they travel overland between bodies of water.

MOVE

Yellow-bellied sliders are a semi-aquatic species. Apart from shore excursions, the animals stay in the water where underwater and floating vegetation is plentiful. They come ashore to lay their eggs in a nest in the ground. The animals also move on land to and from wintering sites or alternative foraging grounds and leave unsuitable aquatic habitats. The periods of greatest overland and water movements are usually in spring and autumn. In winter, eared turtles are dormant, but the animals are sometimes active on sunny winter days. Summer is a period of low solar activity compared to spring and autumn.

BREED

Mating occurs in spring, although courtship behavior by males has been observed in both autumn and winter. In early spring, the females use their hind feet to dig nest cavities into which they lay eggs. The number of eggs depends on the size of the female. The young hatch in about three months. The juveniles stay in the nest through the fall and winter. The next spring, the hatchlings emerge from the nest and enter the water to begin feeding.

FEED

Juveniles prefer a diet of insects, dead fish, tadpoles, and other meat products. Adults also prefer a high-protein diet when it is available. But slider turtles can subsist on a vegetative diet, although their growth rates can be significantly lower than turtles, whose diet consists primarily of meat. Plant materials in the eared turtle’s diet include algae, leaves, stems, roots, fruits, and seeds. They feed on larger invertebrates such as aquatic insects and vertebrates such as small fish, tadpoles and frogs. Turtles are usually unable to capture healthy fish.

DID YOU KNOW? Sliders and other turtle species can live for more than a quarter of a century. These animals show no signs of senility at this age, as research has shown.

Researchers at SREL found that the two best techniques for capturing turtles (which are returned to their habitat after tagging) are baited waterfalls and terrestrial floating fences with pitfalls. The floating fence about two feet high encloses a habitat; Buckets are buried every 30 feet or so on either side of the fence. Animals moving in and out of the habitat fall into the traps.

Most male yellow-bellied sliders reach reproductive age when they are between 4 and 5-1/2 inches long. The length of females at maturity varies from population to population. It is under 6-1/2 inches in some and over 8 inches in other populations. RESEARCH

Researchers at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory have been studying slider turtles and other species for more than 25 years. Some of the key findings are: mud turtles overwinter on land; Clutch size can be determined by X-ray photography; and low radioactivity levels are occurring in turtles at the Savannah River site. The long-term perspective of turtle researchers at SREL has led scientists to believe that senility does not appear to be a trait of eared turtles.

OFFER

Throughout the Southeast from Southeast Virginia to Northern Florida and into Texas and Central America.

Due to World Turtle Day, May is an important month to raise awareness of the amazing tortoises and tortoises we see at our clinic. We hope you enjoyed following us on Twitter @ExoticPetVets as we’ve been tweeting about the yellow-bellied slider all month. But if you missed one of our tweets and want a reference, here’s a summary. Did you know?:

The yellow-bellied slider turtle (Trachemys scripta scripta) is a semi-aquatic turtle; This means that while they spend much of their time in the water, they also need access to land where they can rest and bask in the sun.

In the wild, yellow-bellied sliders are found anywhere freshwater habitat is available, including ponds, streams, lakes, swamps, and ditches. They prefer to be in shallow water with lots of vegetation.

Yellow-bellied sliders are endemic to the southeastern United States; Specifically, their natural range includes southern Virginia to northern Florida.

Introduced populations of yellow-bellied sliders have been found in other parts of the US, including Pennsylvania, New York, New Mexico, California and Arizona.

Because yellow-bellied tortoises are often kept in captivity, these introduced populations are believed to be the result of pets that either escaped or were released intentionally.

Yellow-bellied sliders are medium-sized turtles. They are considered sexually dimorphic because there are obvious physical differences between males and females.

Adult female yellow-bellied sliders are noticeably larger than their male counterparts, reaching 20 to 33 cm (8 to 13 in) in length. The males are between 13 and 23 cm long.

Male yellow-bellied sliders also have longer and thicker tails, and the claws on the front legs of the males are longer than those of the females.

Yellow-bellied sliders have elongated heads with erect snouts. They also have yellow stripes on their heads. There are also yellow stripes on the neck and legs, but these stripes are a bit thinner.

Like other slider turtles, yellow-bellied sliders have rounded lower jaws, which distinguishes them from other turtle species, all of which have flattened jaws.

The upper part of the yellow-bellied slider’s shell (carapace) is usually deep olive or dark brown with a yellow pattern throughout. The lower part of the shell (plastron) is usually yellow with at least two large black spots.

The yellow-bellied slider’s shell changes as the turtle ages. The yellow pattern on the carapace is prominent in juveniles, but it fades and the turtle darkens and becomes more difficult to identify with age.

Yellow-bellied sliders are omnivores, which means they eat both plant and animal matter. Their diet in the wild includes insects, snails, small fish, tadpoles, leaves, fruits, algae, and stems.

Young yellow-bellied sliders eat more animal matter. As they mature, they become more herbivorous.

Yellow-bellied sliders are diurnal (diurnal). They eat mostly in the morning and spend the rest of the day in the sun.

It’s not for nothing that we chose the yellow-bellied turtle as our animal of the month for May. That’s because this Sunday is World Turtle Day. It is celebrated annually on May 23rd.

Founded in 2000 by American Tortoise Rescue, World Turtle Day aims to raise awareness of the world’s tortoises and tortoises, their environment and the threats they face from human activities.

Yellow-bellied sliders have a long list of predators, including raccoons, foxes, skunks, alligators, and otters.

It’s no surprise that humans pose a threat to yellow-bellied turtles for a number of reasons. People have been known to photograph sliders basking in the sun. Motor vehicles, boat propellers, and habitat loss are also man-made threats.

Yellow-bellied sliders defend themselves by tucking their heads and legs into their shells. If they get startled sunning themselves on land, they quickly slide into the water. They can also bite when they feel threatened.

Yellow-bellied slider turtles can live between 25 and 30 years on average in the wild.

If you would like to have a yellow-bellied slider in your family, be prepared to make a very long-term commitment. With proper care, they can live an average of 40 years in captivity.

Always wash your hands after handling turtles or turtles — including yellow-bellied sliders — because of concerns about the bacteria Salmonella.