Feeding and Nutrition :: The smaller one

[jasmiester]

I've had 3 turtles for a long time now, maybe 8 years or more. But theres this one turtle out of the 3 that is smaller. Hes big enough to not get killed by the others, but he does get pushed around once in a while..I was wondering, does he get any food? When I drop pellets and other foods for them, the big ones seem to eat it all while the little one stays at the bottom and occasionally comes up for a bite or two then sinks back down.. Is he eating when I drop the food then leave? Cause every time I watch them eat, he doesn't eat much..

[emma]

For your turtles I would take them out and put them in a small container with enough water just so they can stand in it. And feed them an equal amount of pellets there. You need to feed them the size of their head every other day.

[SpotsMama]

He's probably not getting his fair share. Why don't you take him out of the tank and feed him separately. Alternatively you could take the other two out of the tank and feed the little one alone.

Look for other signs that the little one is being bullied or bitten. If you ever see sores or cuts on his back legs for instance, or if he stays hidden or acts intimidated then you should consider separating him.

[RES123]

Yeah i have 4 baby ones
there is 3 that had grown really quick so its like wow
but this one has grown just a little bit
cept, the little one is the fiesty one haha its kinda weird
but i do take him or her out and feed individually so he gets his share
but now hes starting to eat more when i put them all in a big bowl to feed so its working out well now

but yeah id say also like they said, feed him individually

[Blue Flamingo]

Yes that will definatly happen. I have two res that shared a tank and one is much smaller then the other one. Pretty sure the big one was eating all the food. The little pig!! Just take special care of the littl one and all should be fine. You could even get a divider for you tank, so that it could be all by itself and not get picked on.

[iac637]

we have 3 that are all together and as many of you know one is much smaller he eats his share of the food and has been to the vet he is just much much smaller I think its a genetic thing

[SpotsMama]

It's true that their growth rates vary a lot due to genetics. However in this case the little turtle's behavior implies that he feels intimidated by the bigger ones and jasmeister has observed that he's not partaking in the meal like the others. I think in this particular case the little turtle needs to be protected during mealtime so he gets his fair share.

[jasmiester]

I think I'm gonna begin separating him for meals..he seems to enjoy himself during their bask time, they climb on each other and hes usually the one on the top. I'm not sure if its his nature to be shy or if he is being bullied, every time i go near, he darts for his little hiding spot under the internal filter where the bigger ones cant get to haha..after a few seconds (10 or so?) he comes out but if i make any big motions, he darts back under..

Also, I've tried putting him in his own little container with some shrimps and pellets and I walk away, when I go back, it doesn't seem like he has eaten at all..

[Blue Flamingo]

My little one wouldnt eat outside of the tank, try taking the others out (put them in a box or tub of water) and feed him them. That should work

[marisa]

lol, I hope you mean "feed him there."

[Blue Flamingo]

Yep thats what I ment, since there being mean to him they can just become a little snack. Ya I think that I actually ment to say "and feed him then."