Yellow-cheeked turtle: keeping, profile and food
The Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtle is also known as the Yellow-Bellied Pond Slider and Yellow-Bellied Terrapin. This species, originally from Virginia in the United States, is one of the most well-known aquatic turtles and has gained great popularity worldwide.
Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtle Profile:
- Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta scripta
- Size: between 15 and 25 cm
- Weight: approximately 1 to 2 kg
- Age: 40 to 55 years
- Distribution: originally Virginia and Florida
- Habitat: quiet, slow-flowing waters
- Housing: garden pond or aquaterrarium
- Diet: omnivorous (animal and plant matter)
- Behavior: diurnal
- Hibernation: yes, for approximately two to three months
Appearance of the Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtle
The Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtle gets its name from the yellow patches on the sides of its head. Its dorsal shell is brownish or greenish, and its ventral shell is yellow.
There is a significant sexual dimorphism in Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtles. Males reach a size of about 15 centimeters, while females can grow up to 25 centimeters. In some cases, individuals can even exceed 30 centimeters in size.
Habitat of the Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtle
The Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtle is native to the United States, specifically Virginia and northern Florida, where it inhabits calm waters. Due to its popularity as a pet, it is now also found in many other countries in the wild.
This includes Germany, although it is still unclear whether the introduced Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtles actually reproduce or if they are primarily former pets.
Housing the Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtle
Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtles can be housed in a garden pond or an aquaterrarium. Regardless of the specific type of housing, maintaining excellent water quality is crucial for their well-being.
An aquaterrarium for Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtles should have a minimum floor area of 1 x 1.50 meters. Since these turtles spend most of their time in the water, the aquatic area should occupy a significant portion of the enclosure. The water should be approximately 50 centimeters deep and maintained at a temperature of around 27 degrees Celsius in summer.
Additionally, it is important to provide a suitable basking area for the turtle on land. Therefore, equipping the aquaterrarium with appropriate lighting is essential.
When housing them in a garden pond, it should be noted that the winter temperatures in our latitudes are usually too cold for Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtles. It is advisable to keep them in the garden only when the water temperature reaches 20 degrees Celsius or higher.
Just like the aquaterrarium, the outdoor enclosure should have a suitable land area for basking. It is also important to secure the entire enclosure with a fence to prevent the turtles from escaping.
Diet of the Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtle
Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtles have an omnivorous diet, meaning they consume both animal and plant-based foods. In juvenile turtles, the proportion of animal components in their diet is relatively high. As they age, plants gradually become a more significant part of their nutrition.
Regarding animal-based food, Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtles include fish, seafood, and various insects in their diet. Additionally, they enjoy eating various aquatic plants.
We recommend providing your Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtle with a high-quality turtle feed. You can order suitable products directly from our online shop.
Lifespan of the Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtle
There are no reliable data regarding the lifespan of Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtles. However, under good captive conditions, they usually live for 40 to 55 years.
Hibernation for the Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtle
Like many other turtle species, Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtles undergo hibernation. This typically occurs when the ambient temperatures consistently drop below 15 degrees Celsius. The water temperature for hibernation should ideally be around six degrees Celsius.
Since winters in Central Europe are usually too cold, it is not advisable to let Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtles hibernate in a garden pond. Instead, it is recommended to house them in a suitable hibernation aquarium in the cellar. In this setup, the water temperature should be gradually reduced and then slowly increased at the end of the hibernation period.
The two to three months of hibernation are essential for both young turtles and adults, contributing significantly to their long and healthy lives.
Breeding and Reproduction of the Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtle
Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtles mate in spring and autumn. Female turtles can lay eggs up to four times a year, with each clutch containing approximately four eggs.
For egg-laying, females seek out a sunny, dry spot above the water surface. They dig a hole for egg deposition and carefully cover it after laying the eggs. The incubation period is approximately three months.
Female Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtles can also lay unfertilized eggs. Therefore, it is crucial to provide them with a suitable place for egg-laying, even without males. Otherwise, they may develop egg retention.
Buying a Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtle
Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtles are not currently endangered, and unlike many other turtle species, they do not need to be registered with local authorities.
However, if you are considering buying a Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtle, it is important to be aware that their care requires a certain level of effort, and they can live for a long time.
Do not make the decision to purchase one lightly and ensure that you can provide a permanent, species-appropriate environment for your new pet.
Leave your comment