With their vibrant pink bellies and long necks, pink belly sideneck turtles are gaining popularity as unique and personable pet turtles.
These small turtles, also known as yellow-bellied sliders, originate from South America but are now commonly bred as pets.
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about caring for a pink belly sideneck turtle.
We’ll cover their origins, ideal tank setup, proper diet, and more tips for keeping one of these charming creatures happy and healthy.
Pink belly sidenecks can be rewarding but challenging pets, so make sure you’re prepared for their specialized needs before bringing one home.
Read on to learn all about these pink-bottomed beauties!
Do Pink Belly Sideneck Turtles Make Good Pets?
Pink belly sideneck turtles can make good pets for the right owner.
These small turtles are relatively easy to care for compared to other turtle species.
They stay small, topping out at 5-7 inches as adults, so they don’t require a massive aquarium.
Pink bellies also have friendly, interactive personalities when properly socialized. They will swim to the tank front and curiously watch their owners.
However, pink belly sidenecks do have some challenging care requirements.
They are prone to shell rot without perfect water conditions and frequent tank cleanings.
These turtles also need both land and water space for optimal health.
Additionally, pink bellies can live many years with proper care, so they are a long-term commitment.
While pink belly sidenecks are adorable and can be enriching pets, make sure you are fully prepared to provide the specialized care they need.
Do ample research before deciding if a pink belly will be the right fit for your family.
If you have the time, resources, and dedication to care for one properly, a pink belly sideneck turtle can make a fun and friendly pet.
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Where Did The Pink Belly Sideneck Turtle Come From?
The pink belly sideneck turtle is native to freshwater habitats in Papua New Guinea and Australia.
Their natural range includes streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, and swamplands throughout those regions.
These turtles belong to the Chelidae family, which contains all side-necked turtle species.
Pink bellies get their name from the distinctive pink or reddish underside of their shells.
Other key features are their elongated necks and oval-shaped black shells.
They are small turtles, growing up to only about 7 inches long as adults.
While pink belly sidenecks sold in the pet trade are often captive-bred outside their native region, the species traces its origins back to the wild freshwaters of Oceania.
Their natural geographic distribution is limited compared to many turtle species.
However, captive breeding programs have allowed pink bellies to become popular pet turtles worldwide.
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Pink Belly Sideneck Turtle Price
When it comes to bringing home a new pink belly sideneck turtle, the cost is an important factor to consider.
I’ve found baby pink bellies available from breeders and pet stores ranging anywhere from $30 to $65.
Older, juvenile turtles tend to go for $100 to $150. Adults can cost $200 to $300 or even more depending on age and sex.
The average price for a captive-bred pink belly in 2023 seems to be around $250.
Of course, the purchase price is just the beginning.
Properly caring for a pink belly also requires investing in the right tank setup, lighting, filtration, decorations and accessories.
High-quality food, vitamins, and occasional vet care add up too. Budget at least a few hundred dollars extra to get your pink belly habitat fully prepped beyond just the cost of the turtle itself.
The price tag for a pink belly sideneck may seem high, but it helps ensure you’re getting a healthy, energetic turtle from a responsible breeder.
While they require some upfront investment, pink bellies can provide many years of enjoyment and companionship with proper care.
Pink Belly Sideneck Turtle Tank Setup
Providing the proper environment is crucial for your pink belly sideneck turtle’s health and happiness. Setting up the ideal habitat doesn’t have to be complicated with the right guide.
Tank Size
I recommend starting with at least a 40-gallon tank for a young pink belly under 4 inches.
Once they start growing, go bigger! Aim for a 75-100+ gallon tank for an adult.
The Exo Terra Turtle Terrarium is a great 75-gallon option with both aquatic and land space.
For large adult females, the REPTI ZOO Turtle Tank Aquarium is an excellent choice.
Lighting
Natural outdoor lighting is ideal when possible to place the tank.
Indoors, the Zoo Med ReptiSun UVB bulb provides needed UVB rays and bright, full-spectrum light.
Place a 75-watt bulb over the tank on a 12-hour on/off cycle to mimic natural day/night rhythms.
Temperature & Humidity
Use an underwater heater like the Tetra HT Submersible Heater paired with the overhead light to create a 66-80°F temperature gradient.
One side warmer, one side cooler allows regulating body temperature.
Aim for 50-70% humidity. The Acurs Digital Hygrometer Thermometer monitors both.
Substrate & Decor
Enhance the tank’s aesthetic and the turtle’s well-being by adding decorations such as logs, rocks, natural or artificial plants, and turtle ramps.
However, be cautious not to create tight spaces where the pink belly sideneck turtle could become stuck.
These turtles are quite active and enjoy exploring the decor and substrate to find hiding spots and basking areas.
Add fun hideouts like Zoo Med Natural Cork Round Basking Platforms and ramps for climbing.
Create a gradual slope within the tank to establish both a shallow-water basking zone and a dry basking area.
This allows the turtle to choose its preferred basking spot, promoting their overall comfort.
Additional Tips
Ensure there is sufficient vertical space above the water level to accommodate a basking slope or log for the turtle to utilize.
Pink-bellied side-necked turtles can be kept in tanks with varying water depths, and deeper tanks are generally easier to maintain cleanliness in.
For hatchlings and juveniles, a 20-gallon aquarium is suitable for their habitat.
If you plan to keep multiple turtles in the same tank, consider adding an extra 10% to 15% of tank space for every additional 10 gallons to provide them with ample room to thrive.
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What Do Pink Belly Sideneck Turtles Eat?
In the wild, pink belly sideneck turtles are omnivores that eat both plant and animal matter. As pets, they thrive best on a varied diet that mimics their natural food sources.
Protein Sources and Supplements
Feed juvenile and adult pink bellies a combination of commercial turtle pellets, freeze-dried shrimp, mealworms, crickets, small fish, and other meaty foods.
Offer protein 2-3 times per week.
Dust food with calcium and vitamin D3 powder 2-3 times weekly for bone health.
Multivitamins can also fill any nutritional gaps.
Vegetables
A variety of vegetables should make up a significant part of the pink belly diet. Offer a rotation of produce like.
- Kale – A calcium-rich staple leafy green. Chop into bite-size pieces.
- Romaine or green/red leaf lettuce – Rinse thoroughly and chop into strips.
- Zucchini – Grate or finely chop for easy eating. Provides beneficial vitamins and minerals.
- Squash – Small diced bits of yellow squash, acorn squash, or butternut squash.
- Green beans – Slice into thin half-moons. A great source of protein and fiber.
- Broccoli – Chop the florets into very small pieces for a healthy option.
Aim to feed your pink belly freshly chopped veggies 2-3 times per week for essential nutrients.
Fruits
Fruits can add beneficial nutrients but avoid overfeeding sugary options. Limit fruit to once a week or less.
- Apple – Grate a little for a tasty treat. Offers vitamin C.
- Banana – Slice off tiny pieces of this potassium source.
- Mango – Dice soft ripe mango into a delicious snack.
- Melon – Small balls of honeydew or watermelon for hydration.
- Berries – Occasionally offer a couple of rinsed blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries.
Variety and moderation are key for these omnivorous turtles. Feed juveniles daily and adults every other day. And make sure to provide plenty of clean water for hydration.
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How Can You Tell If a Pink Sideneck Turtle Is Male or Female?
Telling the difference between male and female pink belly sideneck turtles can be tricky, especially when they are young.
Here are some tips.
- Males tend to have longer, thicker tails and claws used for mating displays.
- Females have smaller tails and shorter claws.
- The cloaca is nearer the tail tip in males.
- Males have a concave plastron, females have a flat one.
These differences start becoming more apparent around 3.5 inches shell length and are clearest over 5.5 inches.
For young or smaller pink bellies, gender can be uncertain.
I recommend purchasing your first turtle from an experienced breeder who can identify the sex accurately.
Having a knowledgeable mentor can also help you learn to spot the subtle gender differences in pink bellies.
While challenging at first, being able to properly sex your pink belly will ensure you are prepared for mating/egg-laying behaviors.
How Fast Do Pink Belly Sideneck Turtles Grow?
Pink belly sideneck turtles are relatively slow-growing reptiles. Their growth rates can vary depending on factors like diet, environment, and genetics.
- Juveniles often grow about a half inch per month for the first 3-6 months. Their growth is fastest when young.
- After the first year, expect growth to slow to around 1 inch per year on average.
- Females ultimately reach larger sizes than males. They average 8-10 inches long as adults but can get up to 12-16 inches at full size.
- Adult males typically max out around 5-7 inches in shell length.
- Most pink bellies hit full adult size between 3-5 years old. Under ideal care, they may reach maturity closer to 2-3 years.
- Hatchlings emerge quite small at just 2-4 inches long right after birth.
While pink bellies grow steadily through youth, their mature size can take several years to reach.
Providing optimal nutrition, temperatures, and habitat will support your turtle’s growth pace.
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How Long Does a Pink Belly Turtle Live?
In captivity, pink belly sideneck turtles frequently live for 20-30 years with proper care and husbandry.
Reaching this age range is common for a healthy pink belly pet that receives an optimal diet, habitat, and general care over its lifetime.
However, pink bellies are also known for their impressive longevity beyond just 20-30 years.
It’s not rare for a well-cared-for pink belly to survive well past 50 years or even longer! Documented cases exist of pink bellies living 80+ years in captivity when provided excellent lifelong conditions.
The key to a long pink belly lifespan is dedicating yourself to their specialized needs for decades.
This includes providing the proper enclosure size as they grow, a varied nutritional diet, attentive tank cleaning and water quality maintenance, and routine vet checkups.
With dedication, your pink belly can become a true lifelong companion.
While 20-30 years is average, be prepared for your pink belly to potentially live considerably longer.
Their impressive longevity allows owners to enjoy these charming turtles for many, many years.
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Final Thoughts
Pink belly sideneck turtles can make for unique and charming pets, but they do require specialized care and dedication.
By now, you have a solid understanding of their ideal diet, habitat, common health issues, and other key considerations for keeping pink bellies happy and healthy.
While their specific needs may seem intimidating at first, don’t let that discourage you!
Pink bellies offer a big payoff in enjoyment and companionship for years to come if you put in the effort upfront.
Do plenty of research before committing, and don’t hesitate to reach out to experienced keepers for guidance.
If you’re willing to provide the space, time, and learning required to excel at pink belly care, these petite turtles can bring huge personality and joy to your family.
With their vibrant pink bellies and friendly nature, pink bellies will quickly win your heart!
Remember—a well-cared-for pink belly can become a lifelong friend.
FAQs
How big do pink belly sideneck turtles get?
Pink belly sideneck turtles grow to about 5-7 inches long for males, and 8-12 inches for females. Some females may reach sizes over 12 inches.
Do pink belly sideneck turtles need a heat lamp?
Yes, a heat lamp is recommended for maintaining proper basking temperatures for pink belly turtles in an indoor habitat.
Can pink belly sideneck turtles live with other turtles?
Pink bellies can potentially live with certain other peaceful turtle species in a large enough habitat. Proper introductions and monitoring are needed.
How often do you feed a pink belly sideneck turtle?
Juvenile pink bellies should be fed small amounts daily. Adults can be fed every other day.
Do pink belly sideneck turtles eat plants?
Yes, pink bellies are omnivores so they will eat both animal protein and a variety of vegetable plants.
Do pink belly sideneck turtles bask?
Yes, pink belly sidenecks are active, agile swimmers equipped with webbed feet for efficiently swimming around their habitat.
Resources – (for further reading)
Wikipedia – Chelidae
Critter Squad Wildlife Defenders – Pink-Bellied Side-Necked Turtle Fact Sheet
Animal Diversity Web – ADW: Chelidae: INFORMATION
Jesse is a dedicated animal keeper at Lincoln Park Zoo, where he attends to the needs of various mammal species. His hands-on experience and knowledge about animal behaviors and conservation fuel his passion for writing about wildlife during his free time.