Feeding and Nutrition :: turtle refuses to eat

[my_manuelita_turtle]

I just got a UV Lamp, to try to stimulate her appetite, I even bought shrimp treats (that smell a lot) because I thought maybe she didnt like the reptomin. So I put the shrimp in the water, but she just passed by and wasnt attracted by the smell. She has been with me for 7 days, and in that time, she has only eaten like 3 sticks of reptomin. Yesterday I tried a small piece of reptomin. Also there´s never waste in the water (still I change it every day). She has only pooped once, last saturday... I really want to do my best taking care of her, but im getting really frustrated, she should be use by now to her new environment.. I guess...

[megcornell]

What is your set up like- include pictures if you can.
Sometimes if the water temp is too cool- the turtle will not eat.

[my_manuelita_turtle]

the set up is pretty small, but I'll buy all the things she needs. But she just ate a full shrimp.... finally

[Bascomb]

my_manuelita_turtle -- I/we need more information. 1. How large is your turtle- 2. How large is your tank.- 3. Do you have uva and uvb. lighting -4. What kind of filter/pump do you have. 5. What is the gph of your filter/pump. 6. What type of food do you use and how often do you feed.- 7. What is the temperature do you keep the water and basking area.- 8. How often do you clean the tank and change the water. 9. Do you have a water test kit to keep up with the ammonia, nitrites and nitrates.

[my_manuelita_turtle]

My turtle is 1 inch, she has a 20gal tank, water temp at 80-82, it has water filter, UVA lamp for heat in the basking area (Im still looking for the UVB light) but I take her out to get some sun when I can. The filter is for a 30 gal tank, it has a motor outside that pumps air, to the tubes inside the tank and the water go through a carbon thing on top. I moved the turtle there on the weekend, so I know it was another environment change because she was in a really little place. But I put everyday reptomin in the water, and she hasnt touch any in 4 days. She ocasionally bites the lettuce, but doesnt eat the whole place. She doesnt seem to have a RI, nothing is coming out of her nose, she isnt breathing by the mouth, she has been basking, there are some days she prefers the water and others she stays almost the whole time basking. I put some cuttlebone yesterday, but she hasnt touched that either. What she has eaten is shrimp, but I cant give her that every day, maybe only like once a month.

[my_manuelita_turtle]

This is the pic of the new tank

[SpotsMama]

What a beautiful turtle. Is Manuelita her name?

She should be eating by now. Is she still lively? Have you tried the pointers listed here?

http://www.redearslider.com/entice_eating.html

[my_manuelita_turtle]

Yes, her name is manuelita. Im frustrated because she just doesnt start eating normal or a lot. The Reptomin, she doesnt even touch it. When I put lettuce sometimes she bites it, the shrimps... thats another story, but I cant feed her with that. I'll try the Reptomin with tuna juice... Other than that I dnt know. I do have to admit that I like to take her out of the tank and to put her in my bed so she can walk, maybe she's stressed, is just that she's so cute that I cant ignore her..

[my_manuelita_turtle]

She spends a lot of time in the ramp, so she can be inthe water but with the head out. What happens if the water temp is more that 82?

[SpotsMama]

Reptomin soaked in tuna juice has gotten many turtles started on a good diet.

And as for handling her while she's little and new, yeah it probably stresses her. While she's young she needs to be a look-don't-touch pet unless you need to pick her up. When she gets older and more confident she may really enjoy getting out to explore and then you can enjoy the close contact.

[my_manuelita_turtle]

ok, I wont be getting her out of the tank unless it is to go outside to get some sun (is that ok?) I hope the reptomin in tuna juiceworks! Thank u!

[SpotsMama]

Going out for sun is a good thing especially if you don't have a UVB bulb yet.

[my_manuelita_turtle]

I soaked the reptomin in tuna juice... she went crazy! not so much about the reptomin but at least she had some bites. I also soaked the lettuce and she had some to. Ill have to continue doing that.

[mikee]

If ALL of your husbandry is correct and your turtle is healthy you can wait him out. I would suggest that you offer some food day one and if he doesn't ea,t offer it day two and own and own. He will eat at some point. I have had them wait me out for five to seven days. If you are not careful he will have you going to the restaurant for him. Good Luck!!!

[marisa]

What a pretty carapace. Have you tried any live food, like pieces of a cut-up earthworm, for example?