Feeding and Nutrition :: Hatchling food questions?

[carolyn17603]

I just got 2 hatchlings about an in. now I have baby pellets left from the last one we had can I use them or do i need the hatchling food? Also is it to early for a turtle bone and also veggies and such? thanks

[jozzep]

As long as the pellets are small, you can use them. I use mazuri pellets for all my turtles from hatchlings to adluts.

[carolyn17603]

The ones I have are Reptomin baby. They are about half an inch. Is that to big?

[blackforces get you]

if you have the large reptomin, just break them up and make them smaller. i used to do the same and they loved it

[marisa]

If the hatchlings are really small, they may have some difficulty even with the Reptomin Baby. I've broken up pieces of Reptomin Baby for small hatchlings. When they can eat the pieces easily, I stop breaking them up.

[Spike 7.62]

Wardley is better than Reptomin and HBH is better than Wardley. I posted a topic a while back breaking down all the nutrient values, but all the info is on the can at the pet store. HBH pellets are small to begin with, but depending on your turtle, you may have to make them smaller.

Its a bit too early to be offering veggies, start that in 5 or 6 months maybe. My RES didn't start eating them consistently for almost a year, but individuals vary. Your hatchlings need protein more now than they will later in life, so offer shrimp/krill/tuna treats as well. On that note, if you use canned fish, make sure its canned in water, not oil. I offer canned salmon from time to time. You can give the bone a try, but I don't know if a hatchling will go for it. Soak it in tuna water to scent it and try that way, but tiny pieces. Id even wait a little bit for that.

On a side note, disregard the feeding instructions on the can. Visualize your turtles stomach to be half the size of its head. The can says to feed for five mins or until the turtle is full, but they will gorge themselves if you offer too much.

-Spike

[JossyRamos]

I have a one inch hatchling and it doesnt want to eat? what can I Do? he is not sick, swims fine and basks fine just wont eat? Tips?

[steve]

Have you looked over this page? http://www.redearslider.com/entice_eating.html

[JossyRamos]

Yes i tried the guppies but he paid no attention.. also the pellets reptomin baby and broke them in pieces... the romaine lettuce squash, and even some fruit but nothing. its been two weeks since i have seen him eat anything but looks healthy and strong. fast swimmer! i dont know what else to do? the other turtles eat fine and even beg. he wont

[steve]

Is he kept with the others?

[JossyRamos]

yes he is kept with the others but they dont hurt him or attack him in any way.

[steve]

It'll still be good to separate and try to feed in his own tank.

[JossyRamos]

i have tried putting him in a separate container put it doesn't work. However yesterday i saw him eating some floating guppies guts leftover by one of the bigger ones so i guess he is eating just not as much as he should or begging.

Thank you for all your help!!!