Urgent Care :: URGENT HELP MY RED EARED SLIDER IS NOT EATING

[CV Cream]

Hi, i just got a baby red eared slider about five days ago, knowing absoulutely noting about him. I have been taking better care of him, now that i have done research, provideing him with a basking lamp, basking area, and i have yet to get a water heater and filter. But the water stays at a normal temp because i shinned the heat lamp on the water, temporarilly, because the water was getting too cold. He seems to be well and actively swimming. Though i am worried about him because whenever i put pellets in the water, he completely ignores it. I think i recalll seeing him eat once since i got him. But i always end up removing the soggy food an hour of two later. He doesn't eat, and i am worried. Help!!

[turtledudee]

hes probably still adjusting

[CV Cream]

Is this normal?

[turtledudee]

yea, infact ive had my res for about 1 1/2 weeks and they didnt start eating until 2 days ago.

[CV Cream]

wow, okay then. I was just worried my turtle might die of starvation. But i'll give him more time.

[jenaero]

I know it's nerve-wracking at first but he won't starve himself. He'll eat when he's ready.

[marisa]

Out of curiosity, what is the water temp? Check it with a thermometer--it should be about 78F. Does your turtle have privacy when he eats?

[CV Cream]

I don't have a a terraium thermometer, but i put in a regular one, and it said L Farenhiet. But i put my hand in the water and it feels a little warm. I Have a basking light shinning on the water, becasue the water gets to cold; i have to get a water heater.
Well, his terrarium is in my room... And so is my computer, which i am on and is also in my room... I didn't know i had to be out of the room for him to eat...?

[Pokey's Grandpa]

I have had my turtle for 4 days and still no eating! I am getting worried but now seeing you guys are having the same issues I feel better. Good luck and at least we are all having this problem together haha

[wetchikn]

I'm new also, but I have learned that my turts run and hide all the time i am near. I kow that they are eating only because I actually counted the pellets before I put them in plus I see the butes of of the lettuce. I rarely catch my guys basking as well, but I set a camera up and I know that they are. I know this may seem a little overboard but I was pulling my hair out with worry.

[CV Cream]

Hey, just an update, I was so relieved to see my tutle eat this moring. Although i think he has trouble eating the food, because it floats, and when he brings it under water, and there is still food sticking out of his mouth, to put the whole thing in he opens his mouth again, and the food floats back up. I think i need to get him non-floating food, idk....

Oh, and to that person who was worried about there turtle not eating, you can rest assured that they will eat with in a week and a half period, they just need to ajust.

[turtledudee]

i dont think they make sinking foods...

[CV Cream]

I dunno wut to do, then

[sonyj]

What pellets are you using? Try baby reptomin, it still floats but is smaller. Or just break the pellets in half for now. Don't worry, it won't be long till he has the hang of it.

[CV Cream]

I have those kind, thanks.