Urgent Care :: loss of appetite

[dpetrone]

My one RES hasn't been eating for the past week. The other one is still eating normal. They both swim a lot and bask like normal. He also is in the process of shedding, do you think that could have anything to do with it?

How big is your turtle? 4 1/2"
How long have you had it? 4 months

What is the water temperature? 78
Did you use a thermometer? yes
Are you using a water heater? yes
How much water is in there? 30 + gallons in a 40 gallon tank
Are you using a water conditioner? no
Are you using any filtration? yes

What is the basking temperature? 85
Is there a basking light? yes
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? yes
What kind is it or what is it made out of? rock
Is there a UVB light? yes

What have you been trying to feed it? pellets
When was the last time your turtle ate? last week

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 40 gallons
Is the tank near a window? yes
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? moderate

Have you read the Basic Care section? yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? yes

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? no

[Raphulk]

im guessing you watch your turtles eat the food before you leave them, have you ever tried feeding them in separate tubs?

you could feed them in separate tubs each and then leave (to see if your turtle is shy) and then if the food is gone, then wallah.

ive heard of many turtles not eating in front of their owner, or the other turtle in their tank takes all the food.

if that doesnt work, you could try some treats that may entice eating.

[marisa]

If they're both in the same tank, the tank is really barely big enough for only the 4.5 inch turtle...

Does the turtle that's not eating keep his tail tucked in a lot of the time when he's swimming? If so, it's possible the other one is doing something to stress him out.

Do you feed them together? If so, do you watch them eat? Is the other one taking the food if he's not eating it?

You might want to try feeding the one that's eating in a separate container and the one that's not eating in the tank.

[steve]

Some RES are noted to have seasonal behavior/appetite changes. There are other things to consider, especially the comments mentioned above.

It might also be a possible illness -- has basking behavior changed? If it is an illness or injury, you will want to keep them separate until this is sorted out.