Yellow-bellied terrapins originate in North America. They became popular as pets in the late 1960's and have been ever since.

 Terrapins can live up to and exceed 40 years old

Housing
Tank/ Terrarium:
Ideally the rule for turtles is the more space the better, although you wont need as much space for a juvenile’s than you do an adult but you will need to upgrade at some point as they grow quite quickly within the 1^st 18months or so. A rough guide of 40L of water (not just tank size) per inch of terrapin is advised, with an additional 20L per inch of terrapin for each additional terrapin, although separation may still be necessary later in life. Substrates such as riverbed sand and a gravel mix can be used for the bottom of the tank. As these terrapins are not truly aquatic they need an area to get out of the water, rocks, bark or specially made platforms can be used to satisfy this need. A filter is also needed for the water to keep it clean and in top condition.

 Temperature/Lighting:
A water temperature of around 25- 27C is needed for hatchlings, dropping to 22- 24C for juveniles, and adults are fine at 20C - 24C. A basking area should be provided where they can dry off completely with a good strong source of UVB, this can be achieved by using a UV strip light (such as a ReptiGlo 8.0 or 10.0) and a heat bulb to maintain a basking temp of 30- 35C for 10-12 hours a day.

An easily accessible pond is fine for adult turtles in the summer months especially when they get to around full size as this gives them plenty of swimming space, ideal water quality, and access to natural sunlight.

 Cleaning:
A water change should be done at least once a week to keep the water in top condition, a gravel cleaner can be used in conjunction when doing this to clean to substrate at the bottom of the tank. A product such as repti-safe should be added to the water to make it safe for the terrapin. 

Feeding
A good quality pellet (like Reptomin) is an ideal basic food, feeding as much as would fit into their head if it were hollow once a day until about 6 months old, then slowly reducing until you are feeding pellets just 2 or 3 times a week by a couple of years old. Live foods are also a good source of nutrition, bloodworm and snails are great for most terrapins. live foods should only be given as a treat once or twice a week instead of a pellets. Frozen food such as prawns, cockles and lance fish are another good variation for turtles.

 Handling
Handling is not recommended unless necessary as they an carry various bacteria including salmonella, but proper hygiene routines like washing your hands after handling using anti-bacterial soap minimises the potential risk. If you do want to handle the best way to get your terrapin(s) used to being handled is by starting with hand feeding. They will quickly associate you with providing food, and lose a lot of their fear of you.

Shopping List
ü      Terrarium/tank.
ü      Filter
ü      UV strip light and fittings
ü      Basking light
ü      Substrate
ü      Environmental enrichment
ü      Repti-safe
ü      Heater

Terrapins carry a form of salmonella, but is usually contacted by ingestion. Good hygiene and washing your hands after handling or cleaning out your terrapin should be good enough to prevent any risk of infection.

We guarantee all animals purchased are healthy and feeding unless noticed at the time of sale. As we cannot be held responsible for their husbandry requirements once they have left us, we only continue this guarantee for 24 hours after purchase. To deter impulse buying we will not give full refunds/exchanges for animals returned for non-health related problems, we reserve the right to charge up to 50% of the purchase price as a handling fee. Please note: this does not mean we will leave you high and dry! We will do our best to help whatever the circumstances.