How to find or make a large dock for two yellow-belly slider turtles?

Ideally, you'll need a tank between 75 gallons and 125 gallons. The general rule for turtles is 10 gallons per inch of turtle. Popular sites to search for tanks would be local yard sale sites or "List" sites. Be sure any tank you get from either of these sites don't leak. Check the local Petco as well. They have "$1 per Gallon" tank sales occasionally. Another affordable, but not aesthetically pleasing, option would be to use a plastic stock tank. These tanks are used as water containers for livestock. You can find them online or in stores such as Tractor Supply Co.

The images are a bit blurry. It can be difficult to keep those little guys still! It does look like a YBS. They are not native to the UK and are typically captive bred. They are quite easy to keep. They need warm, clean water, a water heater, a basing spot with an overhead heat lamp, UVB lighting, a balanced diet consisting of animal protein and plant matter, calcium supplementation and multivitamin supplementation. For now, keep water depth no deeper than twice the length of the shell. As it grows, you can increase water depth. Maintain water quality via filtration and regular water changes. Feed a varied diet of prey (appropriately sized feeder fish, earthworms, crickets, etc.) and fresh greens and vegetables. Use a calcium and vitamin supplement and provide UVB lighting. You can review slider care at the link below. It is titled for Red Eared Sliders, however, Yellow Bellied Slider care is the same. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

An adult slider should have at least 10 gallons of water per inch of shell length. Bigger is always better though, so if budget and space allow then try for a 75 or even 90 gallon tank. Provide a UVB light source unblocked by glass, plexiglass or fine mesh. Heat sources (for the water and for basking out of the water) are also necessary. A basking platform out of the water should be provided. Use a filter that is rated for at least twice the volume of any tank you choose. This will help maintain water quality. You can read more about keeping sliders at the links below. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/

Without an image, it is difficult to determine what is going on. Ideally, you should have the turtle physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. He or she may be able to diagnose and treat the underlying cause. In the meantime, maintain pristine water quality and proper environmental parameters. Keep water depth at no more than twice the length of the shell. Provide a UVB light source, filtration and a water heater. Feed a balanced diet including protein (feeder fish, nightcrawlers, etc), fresh greens and vegetables and commercial pellets. You can review slider care at the links below. (Yes, they say Red Eared Slider, but care for Yellow Bellied Sliders is the same). http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/ http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

Those are a pair of yellow belly sliders. They are common throughout your state. Returning them to the spot you found them or to the nearest body of water would be recommended as well. If you plan on keeping them, check local, state and federal wildlife laws first. Care of this species is identical to its cousin, the red eared slider. You can review care at the link below. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

Looks like ulcerative shell disease which is often called SCUD or 'shell rot'. It comes in two primary forms. The dry form is often associated with a fungal infection and the wet form is often associated with gram negative bacteria (and usually develops after an injury to the shell). This looks to be the dry form. Treatment consists of cleaning the area with a diluted Betadine solution (1 part betadine to 10 parts water). Put it on the affected areas, let it sit for 5-10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. I would do this twice a day. Also dry docking for 4-8 hours a day is strongly recommended. Go over all your husbandry carefully - ie: water quality/chemistry, lighting, diet, etc. as usually this is a husbandry issue. This article is very informative. https://www.amazingamazon.com.au/murray-river-turtle-care-short-neck-turtle-care Hope this helps. Best wishes!

Thanks for reaching out about Shelley. Starting with a good website such as the San Diego Turtle & Tortoise Society (instead of just copying it to here). At the minimum, a 30-40 gallon aquarium. Set up for a haul out area under a basking site. The basking site should reach 90+ degrees and also include ultraviolet B radiation (special bulb). Food can consist of turtle pellets (purchased in small quantities, used in 3 months, with the remainder thrown away). Fresh chopped vegetables can also be offered but it usually takes a while for turtles to accept it as food. Testing water quality and cleaning regularly. Good luck.