| Yellow Belly Turtles are one of the most popular | | | | Yellow Belly Turtles, like others in their family, |
| types of turtle to keep as pets. Contained in this | | | | naturally produce a lot of waste. You should, |
| article is some basic information, which has been | | | | therefore, invest in the best filter you can afford, |
| collected from experts and owners alike, about | | | | which should keep the water clean and clear for the |
| Yellow Bellied Sliders. With these tips and advice | | | | longest time possible. Another point to consider: Small |
| added to your own knowledge, you should be able | | | | and colorful pebbles, sold in pet shops, may produce |
| to decide if the | | | | a pleasing aesthetic effect to your pet's housing, but |
| Yellow Turtle is the right kind of pet for you to | | | | they will only make the cleaning of your turtle's house |
| purchase. If you are presently an owner, this | | | | more tedious and difficult. Perhaps it will be best, |
| information will provide you with useful counsel on | | | | then, to steer clear of these decorations. |
| how to make your pets healthier and thrive. | | | | Like the majority of turtles, the Yellow Turtle is |
| As its name suggests, the bottom part of the shell | | | | omnivorous. This large array of food options makes |
| (known as the plastron) of a yellow belly turtle is | | | | feeding your pets simple and easy. Plants such as |
| predominantly yellow, highlighted with green specks | | | | elodea can be left in the water where you keep your |
| along the edges. | | | | turtles. |
| It is interesting to note that this species has the | | | | You can also provide your yellow belly turtles with |
| capacity to interbreed with other species, such as | | | | escarole, romaine lettuce, collard greens, freshly killed |
| Red Eared Sliders. Mating can take place in spring, fall, | | | | fish, and small insects. As turtles have become more |
| and summer. The female Yellow Bellied Sliders are | | | | and more popular in the pet trade, |
| normally larger than the males. | | | | commercially-prepared reptile food and vitamins are |
| As hatchlings, this type of turtle requires an aquarium | | | | now manufactured and available in the market. These |
| filled with up to 10 gallons of water. The Yellow | | | | can also help in keeping your turtles healthy. |
| Turtle will, however, need more space as it grows | | | | As time progresses, your pet will eventually associate |
| older. You should also make sure that their housing is | | | | your approach to his feeding time. Whenever you |
| large enough to allot an area in which the turtles can | | | | move towards him, if you notice the turtle swimming |
| wander around, bask, and dry off completely after | | | | back and forth expecting food, bear in mind that |
| they have finished swimming. Even though direct | | | | there must be a limit to the amount of food you |
| sunlight is always the best choice for their lighting | | | | should offer your pet daily. Do not overfeed him, |
| needs, you can improvise if necessary by placing a | | | | because obesity is a common problem in pet turtles. |
| UV-B heat lamp in their tank in order to maintain an | | | | Turtles are said to require more time and effort from |
| average temperature of 89-95 degrees Fahrenheit. | | | | their owners than other pets, but this should not |
| As your turtles grow, it is also advisable to provide a | | | | discourage you from keeping them. Yellow Belly |
| nesting place for the females. Make sure to construct | | | | Turtles are excellent additions to your household: |
| a place that will be safe for the female to lay her | | | | Your care and love ensure that they will be with you |
| eggs on, and for the eggs to hatch. | | | | for years to come! |