Feeding and Nutrition :: RES having trouble eating

[kenc333]

Hi I'm a new poster here, but I've been a reader for a few months now and I've always appreciated the help that's provided here.

I've had a RES for about 5 months now, who's about 2 inches in shell length. All the temperatures are set up as recommended and she's eating and basking pretty normally, but she's been having some problems eating recently. Whenever I drop some pellets into the water for her to eat, sometimes she has trouble biting the food, and will often miss it several times before eventually reaching it. She does have fewer difficulties when I feed her outside of the tank in shallower water, however.

I'm not sure if this is common, or if she has problems with her eyes (but they do not appear to be swollen), or swimming (though her swimming & buoyancy looks normal to me.) Any insights into this issue would be greatly appreciated, and I am happy to supply any additional information if it is needed. Thank you so much!

[steve]

When this symptom occurred, has it become progressively worse? Does she look off, like her head is tilted a bit?

[kenc333]

I don't think it progressively got worse. There was a brief period where she stopped eating (I don't know if it was an illness), but when she started eating again, she just had the difficulties I mentioned. When she's in the water trying to eat the food, her head doesn't tilt in any noticeable way.

[steve]

How do they eyes look? Clear? Any rubbing or closing the eyes for long periods?

[kenc333]

Her eyes look as clear as they always have, but she closes her eyes while basking sometimes (and while she sleeps of course.) She rubs at her face when she's in the water though, but she's also been shedding skin on her face more recently so I thought that was the cause.

Thanks for the replies!

[steve]

The above sounds normal. They sometimes have a hard time seeing food when their head is poking out of the water. I would keep an eye out for any coordination problem (like constantly missing food and erratic swimming).

[kenc333]

Okay thanks. Her swimming seems normal; it's just missing food that's been irregular. Hopefully with a little time, she'll get the hang of it again!

[kenc333]

Hi, I'd just like to update that my RES is eating normally again! =)

Thanks for keeping me from worrying too much

[cutepanda86]

Great!!

[steve]

Great to hear it!