Feeding and Nutrition

Okay, so last year, the first year I had my turtle, he didn't eat for the who winter and part of the fall. I was worried. I watched as he slowly lost a lot of weight. I think he may have been half-hibernating. He would bask all of the time. No matter what I did he wouldn't eat.

This year, he's already threatening to do the same thing... Only this time, he is in less than perfect shape. He hasn't gain all the weight back that he had lost last year yet. I don't think he can survive it another time :cry:

. I don't know what to do! Could it be the sun that's controlling him right now? I haven't done anything different with his tank. The water's at the same temperature it was last year. Could the sun, which is rising later every day, be making him act like this, preparing for winter?

I picked him up earlier to check how he was doing. The skin between his head and front legs comes no farther forward than the middle of his shell (the part with the larger scales.) He's about 3 inches long. I was worried last year, but this year I'm really worried. He's not even trying to eat my finger, like he normally does... I'll go out and see if I can find a grasshopper tomorrow if it's nice. Maybe I'll let him walk around for a while and soak in the sun...

Is this inside or outside? Sounds like you have him inside. If he is inside he would not be hibernating at all. Sounds like he was more sick and managed to pull through maybe. Even if its outside he should be eating. It is not close for any turtles to be hibernating yet.

Whats your setup like? Basking temps, water temps, tank size, etc? You might want to look into a vet.

Well, he started eating a little today. Basking temps. are around 85 or more, depends on how long the light's on.. Water's usually 75. It's a 10 gallon. I know it's time for a bigger tank, I've been looking. I'd put him in the 55 gallon if I was certain he would not eat the fish in there but I know he would try to... The goldfish are a little big for him but the mollies I've got would be just right.... I've been looking for a 40 gallon tank or bigger. I was thinking that next summer I'll buy a large kiddie pool and let him stay in that in the day and bring him in at night. That way he'd be able to get some real sun and fresh air.

Do you know of any foods I could feed him that would help him gain some more weight? I've been feeding him ReptoMin sticks along with some baby frog food once a week that I had left over from when I had a tadpole. Oh, do you know where I could get some turtle safe plants to but in the tank? I looked at our PetSmart yesterday but I couldn't find any...

Were there any specific species you were looking for?

Not really... Something that is simple to take care of an will do well in the tank. I had just found a list of turtle safe plants somewhere and wanted to see if they had any of them...

Anything they sell that is safe for fish should be safe for RES too. Best bang for your buck would be some anacharis from ebay.

Hmm... I'll look into that. And, I've identified the problem with his appetite! He's developed a love for the frog bites. He won't even bother with his turtle food anymore. Maybe I should pick up some different brands of turtle food and feed him different kinds. Could he be bored with only eating his turtle bites? I offer him dandelions every other day or so. But that won't be an option soon with winter approaching...

Dilation leaves, not flowers. That's what I meant.

My RES sometimes refuse their normal food, but that doesn't usually last more than a few days. I doesn't hurt to try different pellets. Any other veggies you're offering?

Not right now. We don't have any in the house. I'll offering Roman lettuce when we have it.

He is eating a little of his food now. He's still looking for the frog food, though...

What kind is it? I'm curious if it can be used as a treat or to entice eating.

Silvermist464 wrote:He is eating a little of his food now. He's still looking for the frog food, though...

I wouldnt feed it to him anymore, its the best thing for him if he is becoming addicted to it.

Yeah. He's started to eat his normal food again but he just won't eat if it's soggy....

What's his normal food? Koi pellets and Mazuri hold up pretty well in water (at least compared to Reptomin).

Feeding and Nutrition :: Turtle not eating-- thinking half hibernation!

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