Hi! Introduce yourselves here. :: Res hatchling will not eat pellets

[Billyhurst]

I ordered a res well started bit recieved a tiny hatching. Illegal over here any thing under 4 inches is. We finally got her water all good and basking as well. When it comes to eating she will only eat live. Crickets, guppy fry, mealworm, bloodworm......when comes to pellet she just spits them out. How bad is this? All gut loaded

[steve]

How big is she and how long have you had her?

[Billyhurst]

She is slightly under 2 inches and I recieved her a month ago

[steve]

Sounds healthy You might do a bit of tough love and offer nothing but pellets (remove anything uneaten after a few minutes).

[Billyhurst]

With no substrate, wife is all over that. How long is tough love? Can I supplement whatever she needs from pellets. Her being conavour is normal correct? I apologize for the bombardment. Thank you. Would like a pic of her set up? My wife and I are new at this but she looks healthy I believe. We are afraid to take her to vet because of her size. Since she is under 4 inches we think think they will take her

[steve]

They are definitely more carnivorous when younger. How long is how long you're willing to try it. Even when active, a RES can go for a long period of time without eating. Try it for 3-4 days and see what happens.

Feel free to post pics. As for a vet, it really shouldn't be a problem if your turtle is under the legal size, but it may be difficult to treat a hatchling for anything.

[Billyhurst]

Does she need to eat pellets or can I supplement what needs from pellets another way? Thank you

[steve]

Pellets aren't necessary, but you will need to supplement a complete diet.