Feeding and Nutrition :: Eating shrimp, but no pellet

[BlueDoraemon]

Hi,

Any ideas why my red ear slider is only accepting shrimp but not pellets? He hasn't been eating for about a week. The only thing he accepts are shrimps and tuna. He's also been pacing back and forth in the tank for two days now.

[Sarah89]

It could be that he isn't eating pellets because you are giving him shrimp and tuna? Did he have an owner previous to you? Do you know what he was fed before you got him? How long have you had him? Turtles will learn to eat what is given to them for the most part.. Tuna and shrimp have a lot more protein than pellets do. Make sure not to let him eat to much of it, and give him plenty of veggies! (: Keep an eye out for replies on this post. A more experienced memeber may be able to help you. My turtle has never denied a pellet.

[BlueDoraemon]

I've had him for about a little over a year...never refused pellets.

[Sarah89]

If he is generally use to pellets the only explanation I could think of would be that as turtles get older they get more herbivourous.. But he is eating shrimp. I really have no clue.

[octpusgirl8]

It may be that you've spoiled him with the tasty treats. Turtles are clever when it comes to getting the foods they want. Try not giving him anything but pellets/veggies for a while, it won't hurt him not to eat for a few days.

[BlueDoraemon]

He stopped eating for a week, so I started giving him shrimp and tuna..

[res08]

maybe the pellets are spoiled? where do you keep them and is the lid always tight? I store my turtle and fish food in a cabinet to keep dark, dry and cool. Stable temperature is important to prevent foods from spoiling.

[steve]

If he's healthy, then let him be stubborn and don't give in.

[joeybsmooth]

Do you cook the shrimp, or what?