Yellow-bellied sliders (Trachemys scripta scripta) are omnivorous animals and thrive when provided with both animal- and plant-based food sources.
Reptiles thrive when fed a diet consisting of commercial turtle pellets and nutritious veggies such as water lettuce, dandelion greens and carrots. Fruit, as well as occasional insects such as worms are also appreciated treats for these aquatic pets; high protein fish and high-fat meats must be avoided however.
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Vegetables
Yellow-bellied sliders are opportunistic feeders that will consume whatever is available. While they prefer freshwater environments, they can also thrive in tanks containing brackish water (50/50 or 1:1). All water should be treated with an eco-safe dechlorinator and regularly tested for chlorine levels and heavy metal contaminants.
These turtles in captivity require a diet consisting of vegetables and fruits to stay healthy. Commercial turtle pellets should be provided regularly along with chopped greens like lettuce, kale and romaine as snacks; fruit treats like strawberries and apples may be given occasionally as treats.
Turtles that can live over 40 years in captivity require a diet tailored specifically to them in order to ensure optimal health and growth, including calcium for shell rot prevention, Vitamin D3 for healthy bones, and protein to foster muscle and tissue development. Aside from commercial foods, fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits should also be offered regularly as treats.
Meat
Yellow-bellied slider turtles require a varied diet that contains both plant- and animal-based foods to remain healthy. Turtles fed solely one type of food are more likely to suffer nutritional deficiencies and health-related problems that compromise immunity, leading to impaired health status and reduced immunity.
Wild turtles are omnivorous animals that eat leaves, seeds, algae and insects as well as fish, frogs and tadpoles. When kept as pets in captivity they thrive on aquatic turtle pellets supplemented with whole foods including diced vegetables and fruits with small amounts of meat added as meals.
Feed your yellow-bellied slider only as much food that could fit inside its head if it were hollow; too much food can lead to diarrhea. Furthermore, don’t offer processed food like cheese, salami, bread or pastas as these may harm its health.
Insects
Yellow-bellied sliders are diurnal turtles and most active during the daytime, spending much of their time underwater when in the wild and only coming onto land to lay eggs in terrestrial nests or go hibernate during hibernation season. Although they dislike being handled directly, yellow-bellied sliders can eventually be trained into being domesticated over time.
These reptiles are omnivores, eating both plant material (algae, leaves, stems and roots) as well as insects, fish and carrion. Their preferred environments for living include lakes, streams, ditches ponds and rivers.
These turtles need a large tank, at least 75 gallons for hatchlings and up to 150 for adults. When choosing your tank’s layout and features – such as filters and heat lamps for water warming purposes – make sure it includes both. Community tanks or outdoor ponds work equally well, though be sure to give the turtle enough room to bask regularly!
Dried Food
As babies and juveniles, yellow sliders are predominantly carnivorous; as adults they become increasingly herbivorous. Commercial turtle pellets should form the bulk of their diet – with additional proteins being provided via foods such as mealworms, earthworms, shrimp, wax worms, feeder fish or steamed fish to meet protein requirements.
Yellow-bellied sliders inhabit water bodies like ponds, marshes, wetlands and brackish water rivers where they hunt amphibian larvae, snails, insects, frogs, crustaceans and fish for sustenance as well as eating land plants and algae for sustenance.
Yellow-bellied sliders in captivity thrive on commercial turtle food and fresh or frozen vegetables, although opportunistically they will eat whatever is available; it is, however, important that they receive a well-balanced diet as these animals are natural foragers and lacking enough variety in their food can quickly lead to them overeating themselves. When overfeeding is suspected, physical signs such as folds of fat in their legs or edges of shell pyramiding up should serve as warning signals – should this happen, consult an exotic veterinarian immediately regarding possible reduction in food intake.
