Can baby yellow belly sliders swim?

Yellow-bellied sliders are a semi-aquatic turtle. This means they spend most of their time swimming, but sometimes they come on to land to bask and rest in the sun. To accommodate their lifestyle, their tank setup will need to be mostly water that is deep enough for them to fully submerge.

Do yellow belly sliders have to be in water?

One of the most popular pet turtles, yellow-bellied sliders, are long-lived aquatic turtles—some live up to 40 years in captivity. These turtles spend most of their time in the water, but unlike amphibians, they need to be able to get out of the water to dry off and rest.

Do yellow belly slider turtles sleep?

These turtles mostly feed in the morning. The rest of they day they bask on the shore, on logs or while floating on water. Yellow-bellied slider turtles can sleep underwater for 30-40 minutes at a time. It can be even longer if the water is cool and their metabolism has slowed down.

How big does a yellow belly slider turtle get?

Description. Adult male yellow-bellied sliders typically reach 5–9 inches (13–23 cm) in length; females range from 8–13 inches (20–33 cm). The carapace (upper shell) is typically brown and black, often with yellow stripes.

What does a yellow bellied slider turtle look like?

The yellow-bellied slider is aptly named for the look of its plastron (that’s the bottom part of the shell. It’s bright yellow and usually features black spots. On the top of the shell, also known as the carapace, the turtle is a bit more subdued.

How long can a yellow bellied slider live?

How long can Yellow Bellied sliders live? As pets Yellow Bellied sliders can live anywhere from 30 years to 50 years. In the wild they usually live for 25 to 30 years. The difference is so big because there are a lot of predators and other dangerous things in the wild that will end up hurting the turtle, thus reducing their lifespan.

What kind of tank do you need for a yellow bellied slider?

Yellow-bellied sliders require an enclosure that can accommodate the land and water portion of their environment. A standard aquarium can work fine, but there are also turtle-specific tanks that may serve you better. Some reptile enthusiasts even like to keep their yellow-bellied sliders outside in temperate areas.

How often should I change my yellow bellied slider’s water?

To keep ammonia and nitrate levels undetectable, perform partial water changes every few weeks. In the wild, yellow-bellied sliders are omnivores. They will gladly eat a wide variety of foods in captivity too. However, it’s best to provide them with a diet that’s centered around plant-based foods when the turtles are adults.

How big can a yellow belly slider turtle get?

Adult male yellow-bellied sliders typically reach 5–9 inches (13–23 cm) in length; females range from 8–13 inches (20–33 cm). The carapace (upper shell) is typically brown and black, often with yellow stripes.