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So a couple days ago I purchased a baby RES (I was told she's only a few weeks old) from the pet store. I bought the exact pellet food they had been feeding her in the store. However, I haven't been able to get her to eat anything since!! I've read through this site and got some tips (for example: soaking the pellets in tuna fish water, feeding canned tuna and veggies, etc...) I've also tried feeding her in a separate smaller container, as her 5 gallon tank seems to swallow her. Despite this though, she has not eaten a single morsel! Next I tried increasing water temperatures and finally got so desperate I even attempted hand - feeding, but with no success.

I did read about stress caused by unfamilliar surroundings. But i'm wondering if anyone has any tips, tricks, or words of encouragement. Anything helps.

I'm extremely worried!!!

it takes them a while to eat. i bought a RES at a pet store and or about the first three days it wouldnt eat at ALL... nothing. and it worried me. but wait a few days it would probably eat

If you haven't, pick up a good pellet like Reptomin and read this page http://www.redearslider.com/entice_eating.html

I agree with blackforces get you, but you need to give our turtle a bit of privacy too. It's only a baby in a new home... avoid excessive handling and tank changes (if it's setup correctly).

Thanks guys, I guess I need to stop being so worried. The pellets she's been on are "Nutrafin Basix Floating Turtle Pellets" which is what they were feeding her in the store.

What are your thoughts on live plants and feeder fish - should I buy some to put in the tank so she can catch them? My concern is that shes only about 1.5 inches and she may be too small to catch them or be introduced to plants.

Feeder fish and plants are fine. Even if the fish is bigger than bite size, they can always manage It's a little harder to get them to eat greens, why eat veggies when you can have fish right? but it's good to introduce greens to their diet early, even if they don't seem to like them as much.

I'd definitely try the feeders. She might want to eat then.

vear: I hope so. I'm a little reluctant to try the feeders because they might carry diseases. But its been almost a full 3 days now since shes had something to eat so at this point, I think its definitely worth a try. Thanks

Well, where would you be getting the feeders from?

vear: PetsMart I suppose..

When you do get them, you might have to hold the feeders by the tail. It's unpleasant, but if it helps get your RES eating, then don't be skittish.

Thanks everybody for all your great advice! I think Charlotte may have eaten some tuna this morning! However, she still dosen't want the pellets. I've moved her to a small container with just a bit of water (enough that she can cover her shell) and she seems to be happier and doing better!!! She does have a RI though, and no vet will see her till next week so hopefully she can remain stable until then!

My two new bitty RES didn't really eat either, until just yesterday or so. I put them in a small, separate container with the sides blocked off so they couldn't see me or the rest of the room. It was like a little turtle fort, but it worked! I also break the pellets in half and put them in the water a few minutes before I put the turtles in - it lets them soften up a bit before Spock and Kirk go after them

Hey guys,

I'm happy to report that Charlotte no longer has an RI and she's been eating her pellets and is as happy as can be I give her 4 pellets a day, but she will eat as many as I put in front of her given the chance! I'm so happy she's doing well and I thank you all for your excellent advice!!

if you try giving your turtle different foods maybe it will help