Baby Yellow Bellied Slider

Question
QUESTION: Hi there,

I'm a student at the University of Missouri studying animal science and hope to go into vet med for exotics. I have a bearded dragon and iguana back home and have had a couple other reptiles in the passt and they are something I'm really interested in so...my friend recently bought me a baby yellow bellied slider as a present...which was thoughtful of her...but I know very little about them. Which is why I'm writing you.

I had a red earded slider for a short period of time that we were holding for someone, but it was full grown.

My slider is about the size of a silver dollar and very healthy looking and active. She eats reptile sticks very well and I've heard they like lettuce, worms, shrimp, etc. so I'm looking into get those. I'm up at college right now and in a dorm room (which makes things harder) so I have limited space, but she gave it to me in a plastic gallon cage (like the ones you keep hermit crabs in) with some water and a dish with sand in it to bask in. That sounds pretty small, but I was wondering if it would suffice until May when I head home for the summer. I had a box turtle in the past and it sounds like they have relatively the same care except for being water turtles, but I was wondering if there's anything in particular they need. I have a 5 and 10 gallon aquarium at home but didn't bring it up for lack of space and since it's so little I didn't figure it would be too bad-off for a month or so until I'm home for the summer.

If it wouldn't be much trouble, I would like to know what the basic care is for my little guy and I also had a couple specific questions. The water up here is VERY chlorinated, if I let it sit out for a few days will it be safe to use or do I need to buy water? Also, I know they can carry salmonella, but I was wondering what the real risk is and whether I should be cautious with who I let play with him.

Thanks for your time! I really appreciate it!

ANSWER: Hello Sarah, the care of Yellow Belly Sliders is very similar to the Red Ear Slider turtle. Almost identical and the care sheets are the same so I will give you the link to a very good site that will tell you everything you need to know:

http://redearslider.com

It is very common that young turtles will not be interested in vegetation until they are older. They know they need there protein and don't always see it as food, so if he doesn't eat at it right away then don't be scared. Its normal. But still try and get him to eat it but offer the commercial diet and insects as well. Be sure the food is bite size so he doesn't choke. Also when feeding vegetation do not feed "iceberg lettuce" as it has no nutrients and is basically water. Try collared greens or dandelion greens.
Feed in the water as they do not create enough saliva to swallow on land and they can suffocate without being in the water while eating.

Oh, and it is never too much trouble to give people what they need to be sure their pet is happy and healthy. This is why I am here, I enjoy it.

That cage is too small but for a month it shouldn't stress him out too much. But ASAP I would get him into a larger enclosure. Bigger the better. Some people (because of price) use Rubbermaid or similar style tubs. They are cheap and have many sizes. So maybe that can be a temporary solution.

I suggest removing the sand basking spot and replacing it with a simple rock. If the sand gets accidently ingested it can cause impaction which can be deadly. So a large smooth rock would be nice. Be sure he can get onto it easily.

Its best to buy water but boiling it will get it back to normal be sure to let it cool completely before putting in the cage. You can also buy what is called "Repti-Safe" which is a water cleaner it takes out the harsh chemicals in tap water. It is sold in most pet stores.

Now the Salmonella, first I would like to tell you some facts about this illness.
-Salmonella is the actual term for the "24-hour flu"
-You are more likely to get Salmonella from a sponge or bathroom then from any reptile
-Regular soap and warm water washing will take off the germs of Salmonella.
-The reason why people stress over Salmonella is because it is very dangerous to people with weak immune systems, the young, or the elderly, it can make anybody sick but usually not enough for a hospital visit.


So now that I have that out of the way, as long as you wash your hands up to your elbows very well after and before handling you should be fine. I would be concerned about people like stated above that are young under the age of 13, elderly, or people with a weak immune system.
However I do not suggest handling him unless it is really necessary as it is very stressful to the animal. It should be avoided as much as possible. But now you know the information you need.

If you need anything else please don't hesitate to ask.
Good luck with your new little Yellow Belly

Again the link is:

http://redearslider.com

another good one is

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi again, I have another question/concern.

I got some rocks for my slider's tank and removed the sand, and gave him fresh water using Reptisafe. I put him under a light as well, but all of a sudden now he's acting lethargic and sits with him mouth open like he's having trouble breathing. He also doesn't really swim when he gets in the water, just kinda floats there and doesn't want to eat. He changed just within the last time I talked to you and now I'm getting worried...What do I do? Is this serious?

Answer
Hello Sarah, it sounds like RI (respiratory infection) which is very serious if not treated as soon as possible.
Symptoms of R.I in aquatic turtles include:
1)Bubbles coming from nose or mouth (this can be normal behavior while under water but on land it is a great concern)
2)Wheezing sounds (not to be confused with the frightened hissing sound turtles make)
3)Severe caughing or frequent caughing
4)Open mouth breathing, usually accompanied by wheezing or excreting mucus
5)Sneezing, normal but accompanied with the others it can be severe
6)Yawning, only with other symptoms as well as yawning is normal if not frequent

Things that might have caused this contagiuos disease: Improper basking and water temperatures as well as exposure to drafts and breezes. These can make him get sick as well as a few others.

The most severe symptom needing immediate medical attention is swimming in an irregular manner, such as swimming in circles, unevenly or lopsided and even swimming upside down.

This is what makes me think your little yellow belly has RI the way he is swimming and not breathing normally.

So find a qualified vet for treatment. It is treatable but fatal if not treated.

Things to do before the vet visit: Raise temperatures; Ambient air temperature and water temperature should be raised 10 degrees F. Eliminate any drafts and cold air around the tank.

So I hope its nothing serious but it doesn't sound good so find a vet. If you can't find one near you let me know I know of a couple websites where herp vets are listed by area (including the UK and Canada) so let me know.

Good luck to you and you little turtle