Feeding and Nutrition :: Turtles Not Eating

[The Ponz]

Hello All!

I work in an airport and a customer tried to bring two of these little guys on a flight...unfortunately they are not allowed to fly on our airline. They elected to leave the turtles in order to take the flight. I ended up coming in later in the day to find the turtles in our break room and I brought them home to care for them. I named them Pacey and Joey because I'm rewatching Dawson's Creek on Netflix right now haha. I'm already in love with them!!

I'm completely new to the turtle world so I've been reading up as much as I can on how to care for them.

They are very active and seem healthy but I'm concerned because they just don't seem to be eating at all.

The person who left them left a container of food with them, Nurtafin Basix Floating Turtle Gammarus Pellets. It seems like they don't touch the stuff. I just put some lettuce in there with them so I'm hoping they will nibble on that?

They are very small, just barely 4". I believe one is male and one is female. Again, they seem active and they get along with each other, I'm just concerned about their eating habits. Any suggestions would be much appreciated, I want these little fellas to live a long happy life!

[ljapa]

Welcome. You've come to a great place to get help.

As to eating issues, there are many stories of turtles not eating when things change, new tanks, different basking platforms, even removing a decoration. Your turtles have gone to a new human, new environment, etc.... I wouldn't worry if they don't eat for a few days. At a week, I might start getting concerned.

The links at the top of the main page have tons of great info on turtle care:

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

Are your turtles Red Eared Sliders?

[steve]

Congrats on the rescue! Water temperature is also very important… a thermometer is necessary and in most cases a submersible heater is too.

[The Ponz]

Update: I was finally able to go get them a new and improved habitat today. They have a new tank with plenty of room for lots of swimming, a basking platform, filter, lamps, and water heater. They are so much happier! And I even witness Joey eating....hopefully Pacey is too!

[dumbork14]

Post some pictures! And welcome

[The Ponz]

Okay, here are some pictures!!


Clearly in love. <3


This was taken the first night I brought them home in the carrying case they were left in, which was unfortunately their home for a couple of days.


I love this picture of Joey in her new home! They were so happy that they had room to swim around and play.

[steve]

Nice pics! You might have to take Joey out to feed Pacey. He should be more comfortable in the tank and that should help his appetite.

[devilduck]

great shots! Welcome!