Are yellow-bellied sliders illegal?

Yellow belly sliders are legal in most states, however there are some states where no turtles are legal. In Hawaii for example non native turtles are illegal. Additionally federal law in the US states that turtles cannot be sold below 4 inches in shell size.

What do yellow-bellied sliders need?

To meet their needs, they need a lot of space and clean water. This requires lots of equipment, such as an aquarium filter, pump, heater and 100-gallon tank. These attractive turtles also like variety in their diet and thrive on a mix of insects, fresh vegetables and pellet food. Already have a yellow-bellied slider?

Are yellow belly sliders rare?

One of the most popular pet turtles, yellow-bellied sliders, are long-lived aquatic turtles—some live up to 40 years in captivity. This turtle’s native range is the southeastern U.S. from Florida to Virginia.

Are yellow belly turtles aggressive?

Overall, Yellow-Bellied Sliders are highly sociable animals, and even those turtles that are shy at the beginning will become more comfortable in a short period of time.

Do yellow belly turtles sleep underwater?

They can stay underwater for seemingly extended periods and will sleep underwater for 30 to 40 minutes at a time, longer if the water is cool and their metabolism has slowed. When they are ready, yellow-bellies will return to the surface to bask once again and repeat the cycle numerous times throughout the day.

Do yellow-bellied sliders need a heat lamp?

Yellow-bellied slider turtles spend a good deal of time in basking spots, which for captives must stay at the correct temperature through lighting. Your turtle does require a heater on, 24 hours a day, to keep his water at the right temperature.

How long does it take for a yellow belly slider to grow full size?

Yellow-Bellied Slider Size The average Yellow-Bellied Slider will reach their full size by the age of 6 or 7 years, however, it isn’t uncommon for some to continue growing gradually until the ripe age of 9 years!

How long does it take yellow belly sliders to grow?

between 8 and 9 years
Many of them don’t arrive at physical maturity until they’re between 8 and 9 years in age. Once your yellow-bellied slider is around that age, she probably won’t grow much more. Females usually take longer than the males to become mature.

How long can yellow bellied sliders stay out of water?

Yellow-bellied turtles are semi-aquatic turtles and can be out of water for about 6 to 8 hours, depending upon the climate they are in. However, if the environment has low air moisture, they will not stay out for long. That’s because they will need to rehydrate their body more often.

How long can a yellow belly slider hold their breath?

30 to 40 minutes
Yellow-bellies are strong and agile swimmers. They feed while submerged and find their food by sight, scent and perhaps, by touch. They can stay underwater for seemingly extended periods and will sleep underwater for 30 to 40 minutes at a time, longer if the water is cool and their metabolism has slowed.

Do turtles need darkness to sleep?

Many turtle owners wonder if they need to keep the light on in their turtle’s tank at night. Luckily, the answer to that is no. Your turtle will be just fine if the light is turned off during night time hours. It is actually recommended that they are exposed to a natural amount of light and darkness each day.