Turtles for Sale

Uncle Bill's most popular turtle species are the Cumberland Slider Turtle and the Sideneck Turtle.  The Cumberland Slider naturally comes from North America.  It is an aquatic turtle who occasionally will leave the water mainly for basking in the light.  They can grow up to 6-12” in length and can live around 20 to even 40 years if cared for properly.  The Sideneck Turtle naturally lives in or near main water sources.  It is an aquatic turtle who occasionally will leave the water mainly for basking in the light, but will remain in the water for the most part.  They can grow up to 5-11” in length and can live around 20 to even 40 years if cared for properly.  A happy, healthy Cumberland Slider or Sideneck Turtle is quite active, generally alert, has a healthy-looking hard shell and skin without lesions or sores, has crystal clear, bright eyes without any swelling, clean vent and nose, and is a regular eater.  Please call ahead to confirm the store location you'd like to visit has Turtles for sale available.

Turtle Diet

Cumberland Slider turtles require a balanced diet of non-toxic, aquatic plants such as water lettuce or anachris, dark leaf vegetables like squash and carrots, comet Goldfish, earthworms, and other insects.  Sideneck turtles require a balanced diet of non-toxic, aquatic plants such as dark, chopped, leafy greens and vegetables, comet Goldfish, meal/blood/earthworms, crickets, snails, and other insects.  Commercial turtle pellet food may also be sometimes used.  Fresh, de-chlorinated water should be provided at all times as well as daily calcium and weekly multi-vitamin supplements.  Young turtles will eat every day while adults should be fed every other day.  A separate container for feeding may be a good idea as these guys are messy eaters.  

Turtle Habitat

At least a 40 Gallon tank with a screened cover should be used as the Cumberland Slider or Sideneck's habitat or tank giving about 10 gallons per inch of shell diameter.  Turtles also tend to drink their swimming water, so keeping that water clean and changing it frequently is very important.  Smooth slate, rock, or large gravel that cannot fit into the turtle’s mouth make good dry area substrates.  There must be adequate space for water so that the turtle may swim freely, as well, with a shallow end where they can soak with their head above the water.  There should be a sloped “docking” area where the turtles can come out of the water and bask.  Temperatures should be kept around 95°F in the warmer end of the enclosure and around 75°F in the cooler end where the water is kept.  Radiant heat is recommended with an incandescent light or ceramic heater as sources of warmth.  Cumberland Sliders and Sidenecks require 10-12 hours daily of UVB rays, so use a full-spectrum lighting system for that while the incandescent lighting will be used for basking hours.  Cumberland Sliders or Sideneck Turtles should not be kept together or with other turtle species.  

Are Turtles Right for Me?

Most turtles do not enjoy being handled frequently and may even try to bite if they become frightened.  However, they are very good swimmers and are great fun to watch!  Occasionally, these guys will emerge from the water to bask in a warm, dry place.  Also keep in mind that any reptile is capable of carrying diseases such as Salmonella, so always washing your hands after touching your pet or any of its habitat items/substances is a must.  For this reason, small children and pregnant women should not handle these pets or their associated items/substances.  Otherwise, if you are looking for an aquatic pet that isn’t a fish, that is something very fun to observe, and is a long-term cold-blooded companion, then this reptile may be right for you.  It is fun and interesting to watch the Cumberland Slider Turtle or Sideneck Turtle's aquatic antics!

At Uncle Bill’s Pet Center, we not only offer Turtles for sale, we also employ a highly trained staff that can assist you in building an appropriate habitat for your new pet, and educate you on the proper care of the animal—making sure you get the most out of your pet ownership adventure!