I heard red-eared sliders pee from their mouth. Is that true?

It is entirely possible he ingested gravel/pebbles prior to his arrival home. As long as he is passing them, there is no cause for concern. Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite, loose stool or a decrease in stool production.

Be sure to feed her in the water. Water depth should be no more than 3-4 inches at her size. You can offer appropriately sized prey such as crickets or dubia roaches. Brine shrimp, tubifex worms and fresh greens and fruit can also be offered. Commercial pellets or sticks should be a staple. Lethargy, swimming crooked or blowing bubbles are typically signs seen in cases of RI. The "gaping" (opening her mouth) could be her attempt to intimidate you. Follow the link below for more information regarding care. The link is for red eared sliders, but care of YBS is the same. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

Thanks for reaching out about Kiwi. When she floats in the water, is one side lower down? This could indicate pneumonia on one side. Respiratory infections, whether upper or lower, are often bacterial, but fungal and viral problems are also possible. Low vitamin A in the diet can also pre-dispose to opportunistic infections. Bacteria can cause disease if water quality is poor. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Other than optimal husbandry (heat support in basking site and water) and a good diet, there is not much else that can be done at home. Good luck.

This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or eventually to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Yes. They can eat a variety of dark, leafy greens and fruits. Start with small quantities and remove any uneaten food when they are done feeding. Avoid iceberg lettuce and celery as they have little nutritional value. Squash, peas, carrots, apple, pear, most berries, kale, collard greens and dandelion greens are just a few items that can be offered.

The info for red eared slider care can be used for other sliders. Their care is similar enough that it will not make a huge difference. A 10 gallon tank will be sufficient for a juvenile. As Puddle grows, you will need a larger tank. The recommendation is 10 gallons per inch of turtle. A filter is not "necessary", but will greatly help in maintaining water quality. Turtles are quite dirty since they eat, swim and defecate in the water. Frequent water changes, every 2-3 days, will be needed to keep the tank clean. Having a filter will lengthen that time to a partial water change every week or so. Be sure the filter is rated for at least twice the volume of the tank.

This could be very normal for him as long as he is still eating normally! If he isn’t eating then I would have your vet look at him. You may consider making his basking platform a little bigger if you’re concerned he is having trouble staying on it. I hope this helps! Red eared slider have great little personalities!