Member-only story

Everything You Need to Know About Yellow-Bellied Sliders

Calvin Fisher

·3.5k Followers· Follow

Published in YELLOW BELLIED SLIDER : Everything You Need To Know About Yellow Bellied Slider

4 min read

1.4k View Claps

87 Respond

Save

Listen

Yellow-bellied sliders (Trachemys scripta scripta) are a species of semi-aquatic turtle native to the eastern and central United States. They are popular pets due to their docile nature and attractive appearance. However, before you decide to bring a yellow-bellied slider into your home, it is important to do your research and make sure you are prepared to provide for its needs.

Size and Appearance

Yellow-bellied sliders are relatively large turtles, with adults reaching an average length of 8 to 12 inches. They have a smooth, oval-shaped carapace (upper shell) and a yellow plastron (lower shell). The carapace is typically dark greenish-brown with yellow or cream markings on the sides and a yellow or orange stripe down the center. The plastron is yellow with black or brown markings.

YELLOW-BELLIED SLIDER : Everything You Need To Know About Yellow-Bellied Slider

by Richard Donald

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1474 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	11 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Behavior

Yellow-bellied sliders are generally docile turtles, but they can be aggressive towards other turtles or animals if they feel threatened. They are also known for their basking behavior, which involves spending long periods of time out of the water on rocks or logs in the sun.

Habitat

In the wild, yellow-bellied sliders inhabit a variety of aquatic habitats, including ponds, lakes, rivers, and marshes. They need access to both water and land, as they spend time basking in the sun and foraging for food in the water.

Diet

Yellow-bellied sliders are omnivorous and their diet includes a variety of plants, animals, and insects. Some of their favorite foods include aquatic plants, snails, fish, and worms. In captivity, they can be fed a diet of commercial turtle food, supplemented with fresh fruits, vegetables, and live prey.

Lifespan

Yellow-bellied sliders can live for a long time in captivity, with an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years. However, with proper care, they can live even longer.

Care and Maintenance

Yellow-bellied sliders require a spacious enclosure with both water and land areas. The water area should be large enough for the turtle to swim and dive, and it should be equipped with a filter to keep the water clean. The land area should be large enough for the turtle to bask in the sun and move around freely.

In addition to providing a suitable enclosure, you will also need to provide your turtle with a diet of high-quality food, as well as regular veterinary care.

Yellow-bellied sliders are fascinating and beautiful creatures that can make great pets for experienced turtle keepers. However, it is important to do your research and make sure you are prepared to provide for their needs before you bring one home.

Additional Resources

* [Yellow-Bellied Slider Care Sheet](https://www.thesprucepets.com/yellow-bellied-slider-care-sheet-1239335) * [Yellow-Bellied Slider Diet](https://www.reptilesmagazine.com/yellow-bellied-slider-diet/) * [Yellow-Bellied Slider Habitat](https://www.turtlesatlas.com/yellow-bellied-slider-habitat/)

YELLOW-BELLIED SLIDER : Everything You Need To Know About Yellow-Bellied Slider

by Richard Donald

4.8 out of 5