Found a turtle: How to identify, set up its tank, and what to feed it?

Question

my brother found a turtle and wants me to keep it as a pet and take care of it for him. what do i need in order to care for a turtle, like what kind of cage does it need and what food do i give it. also what kind of turtle is it? it is small and the underside of its shell is yellow with spots

Angel Alvarado, LVT · Accepted Answer

What you have is a species of slider. It could be a Yellow Bellied Slider. First, be sure it is legal in your state/county to keep a wild caught slider. You will need a tank large enough to provide swimming and basking areas. The general guideline is 10 gallons per inch of turtle. Choose a strong filter to help maintain water quality. It should be rated for at least twice the volume of the tank. You will likely need to perform partial water changes every few weeks though. Other necessary items include: a heat lamp over a basking area, a basking area easily accessible from the water, UVB lighting and a submersible water heater. Feed a balanced diet of animal protein (feeder fish, nightcrawlers, etc.), fresh greens and vegetables and commercial pellets. A multivitamin and a calcium supplement will also be needed. Consider having the turtle examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to confirm good health or to diagnose and treat any pre-existing conditions. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites. You can review slider care at the link below. Yes, the information is for red eared sliders, but the care is the same for yellow bellied sliders. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

Found a turtle: How to identify, set up its tank, and what to feed it?

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