Feeding and Nutrition :: Albino RES hatchlings not eating

[shdwrvn13]

I have a pair of ARES hatchlings with 1-1.5" shells. I got them on the 8th (so it's been 9 days) and have yet to see them feed, mostly they just sit there with their eyes closed (their lids are so thin I can see the iris patterning through them-I do have shaded areas for them to rest in so they don't have to hurt their eyes and there are no signs of eye problems that I can see). I have tried small pieces of half a dozen different foods (Reptomin, Tetrafauna turtle treats, gammarus, thawed bloodworms, small chunks of meat from the cats' wet food) but nothing seems to get all that much of a reaction from them.

I've had a hatchling before who didn't eat for about two weeks but in that case the water was too cold (65...I should have known to check that first...and I even had a thermometer) and just needed to be upped. With these two the water is closer to 76. They did finally start basking on their own yesterday so I'm feeling more hopeful-the other RES I currently have still doesn't bask despite everything I've tried, the only couple of times I ever saw her basking she immediately took a flying leap off the dock and into the water (I thought turtles couldn't jump but she was 2" off the surface of the water in the middle of her jump).

Does anyone have any recommendations for what I can try? One of my guppies I've been keeping in a separate tank to provide feeders dropped a number of babies late yesterday so I think I'll try them or some of the smaller ones from the last batch. My concern is that they won't be able to see the guppies as they are albinos, supposedly they have poor eyesight even if they usually keep their eyes open. I also have freeze dried bloodworms and mini shrimp as well as other wet cat food and greens. How large do turtles need to be to realistically be able to get a rosy red? Most of the ones I see around here are larger than the adult guppies. Also, will a (larger) turtle that's usually too lazy to go after guppies be able to get a rosy red?

I do know that it can take a while before hatchlings will start to eat after you get them but I'm also concerned on how to get them to know that food is there in the first place as they are albinos and eyesight could be a factor. I didn't see anything on the forum that specifically covered feeding albinos and/or vision problems and feeding.

Also, the hatchlings have also appeared a bit more active in the last couple of days so hopefully it's a sign that they're feeling more settled in and may start eating soon but I wanted to ask for suggestions anyway just in case.

Thank you.

[grey goose]

As long as they are active and swimming around they should start feeding shortly. Try to keep things quiet around the tank and avoid handling them. Try offering them krill (dried shrimp, soak in some water for a minute) or tuna, packed in water not oil......hold it right up to their nose and see what kind of reaction you get.
When they swim or move about do they bang into the tank or other objects? That would be a sign of poor sight. They may just have to get oriented in their new tank.
But if they get listless, are basking excessively or show signs of trouble breathing, you may need a Vet.

[dawn9800]

Monday seriously didnt eat for like a week even though everything was perfect so just keep giving it at the same time of day every day and see if that helps

[SpotsMama]

here are some tips on enticing a turtle to eat. Maybe something on here will help:

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

[Bascomb]

Keep the temperatures at the suggested temps and try and not have too much activity around the tank. New environments are tough for them. He will eat ''soon''. b

[marisa]

Try something that moves---cut up an earthworm and give them some of the pieces.

[shdwrvn13]

Earthworms aren't very feasible but I have some rather stupid and lazy baby guppies that they don't seem to be noticing. My babies are slightly more active but I still haven't noticed them eating although I do have some aquatic plants in there so they could be munching when I'm not looking. I've tried everything (minus the worms) on the list as well as few others and still don't get much-if any reaction from them. Part of it might also be that there is such a major contrast between them and my other turtle that I've had for a while...she recently picked up the habit of lauching herself in such a way that her shell slams-loudly-agaist the side of the tank in an effort to get my attention in order to be fed some more. Apparently she's been taking lessons from my cats.

They do seem to be doing better even if I can't tell whether or not they're eating. They do spend a bit of time basking, especially the female-once they even made a "turtle tower" while basking...I just wish I had gotten a good picture of that...

I am planning on getting one of those flat heating pads you attach to the outside of the tank-the lamp seems to be too bright for them...but then I can still see the details of their eyes when they're closed so that would be understandable. I want to see if raising the temp will help as I've noticed that lately it usually closer to 74.

Also, does anyone have experience with ARES with feeding problems? I've heard some people say that occasionally albinos have problems because of their eyesight.

Thank you!

[TheComputerGremlin]

In terms of normal RES, I just gave my 3 month old RES a rosie red minnow and it took him a bit of trying, but he caught him and ate him, so I don't think there is a size limit as to when they can eat fish. My biggest suggestion would be to up the water temp to closer to 78, that increased my turtle's activity greatly.