Feeding and Nutrition :: Crushed Sinus Turtle

[Lizzia]

Hi Turtle Talk,
OK, so Jeffrey, the RES which I am trying to rehabilitate, won't open his mouth for me to put some baby food for him to eat. I've tried watermelon like the vet said. He won't eat that as far as I know, so what should I do? I guess what I'm trying to ask is how can I get his mouth open so I can get some food to nourish him?
Thanks and May God Bless You All,
Lizzia

[steve]

You might have to agitate him so he'll defensively open his mouth. Are you going to try using a syringe to force feed him?

[Lizzia]

Thank you steve for you suggestion. I am going to use a syringe to put the food in his mouth. I have tried to open his mouth with my fingers, but he has glued it shut, I think. No, just kidding, I do see him open and close his mouth in the water.

[steve]

If he withdraws into the shell, also try rubbing his chin a bit. He won't like it though.

Have you tried soaking him in a Pedialyte solution? I think some people use a 1:1 water mix to allow turtles who are not eating to drink in some electrolytes.

[Lizzia]

Thanks steve, I will try both suggestions! Hopefully he starts eating so he can, hopefully, fully recover!