Feeding and Nutrition :: Feeding in another tank

Turtle diets and eating habits discussed here.

Post Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2010 11:54 pm   Feeding in another tank

So I've recently started feeding Bowser in a different tank (actually a plastic rubbermaid tote) since his tank gets incredibly filthy even with two filters and removing uneaten food promptly. Mostly because he poops right after eating and when he eats anything, he rips it into a million pieces.
What I've been doing is adding a couple of inches of water along with a few drops of ReptiSafe, putting Bowser in the tote, and feeding him, then placing him back in his tank and pouring the tote water and remaining food down the toilet.
I feed him twice per day, and although it seems like a lot of work, I'm very happy with his super clean tank and he seems much happier with it as well.
And I can't just leave the water in the tote each time...icky....and I can't afford a second tank.

Anyway, my concerns are that he doesn't want to eat much because he's having to get used to being in a new environment each time, and that he only wants to eat chicken.
Back when I fed him in his tank he would at least eat a few pellets, although he preferred chicken.
Now he spends so much time trying to explore (perhaps escape?) the tote rather than eat the food unless it's chicken.
I want him to get his nutrients and not just eat chicken! :?
He seems happy and is very social while in his tank, not so much in the tote.

Is is possible that he'll eventually get used to the tote and associate it with food?
And how about the pellets?
I have so many different kinds of pellets and sticks that he surely likes one of them!
Miss Bowser - 7 inch female RES
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Ashley
 
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Post Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 12:01 am   Re: Feeding in another tank

You can probably skip the Reptisafe if he'll only be in there for a few minutes. I think they get a little stressed in there (when they are done eating) which encourages the pooping.

He should get used to it (and the handling), though you might want a bigger tote if there is little maneuverability in there. Consider trying carrots or HBH pellets, the colors might grab his attention.

If you have a steady water temperature, you can leave him in there longer with the pellets. If he's healthy but just picky, he should go for it eventually.
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steve
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Post Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 10:43 am   Re: Feeding in another tank

Thanks!
He is starting to adapt to it.
I just have to walk away so he focuses only on the food...
...and not the giant shadow from above. LOL
Miss Bowser - 7 inch female RES
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Ashley
 
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