Feeding and Nutrition :: Does anyone have a "holder" of some kind for pelle

[GrantH]

Like the site says... sometimes it is difficult to tell if your RES has been eating because the pellets will eventually disolve in the water. But just dropping the pellet in every day causes it to get hidden, float against the filter, etc. And he is not out on his rock very much.

Do any of you have a screen with edges that you can place at the water surface that you can float the pellets underneath?? Do you normally place food out on the rock for him to discover out of the water?

Are turtles used to a feeding SPOT in the tank? Somewhere I can always put food that he will find it?

[Kallistos]

Actually, almost all Red Ear Sliders will immediately (and I mean it) scarf down their food. You shouldn't be feeding pellets everyday, look under the sticking in this topic. I haven't heard of anyone using that kind of contraption you described. Some owners feed their turtles in a second tank, although feeding in one spot I'm not sure of. They'll just feed wherever the food is. Another observation, what kind of pellets are you using? I mean Reptomin and other major brands don't dissolve very quickly, maybe after 2-3 days...

[industrial_girl_2000]

Reptomin pellets just sink to the bottom after a while, but they are still there a day later. Uneaten pellets can make the tank really stinky/dirty, so I feed my turtle in a separate laundry pan filled with water so that crumbs from food don't pollute her aquarium. Even if a turtle eats all the food, there are still crumbs, unfortunately.

I have never used any kind of holder like you described. Actually, my turtle would probably try to EAT the holder after she *scarfed* the pellets......Oy...

[steve]

GrantH, your comment is especially true for new turtles who are adjusting or are still stressed out. It is important for them to eat, yet we need to keep out distance. If you keep fewer things in the tank except for hiding areas and turn off the filter during feeding, you'd have a better idea if the food is eaten.

A new turtle should not be fed outside its tank, IMO. You can put pellets in the water, they can still smell/see it when they are underwater.

Once the turtle starts to eat, I would suggesting using a pill box to measure out the food and keep feedings on schedule.