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Hi. So here's my issue (not sure if it's actually an issue)

I received two turtles for my birthday this weekend. One is a res named Raphie, the other is an ornate rio grande res named Leo. I have them in a 33 gallon tank thats about 1/3 full of water, with a heater keeping the water temp at 80 degrees, basking area with a basking light, and canister filter running. Their uv light was ordered and should be here tomorrow. Anyway, Leo (the rio grande res) was eating like a pig on friday and saturday. He has been gobbling mini shrimp and live guppies. I read that they should be eating pellets also because of issues with shell pyramiding, etc, so I have been offering him nothing but pellets twice a day, but he wont eat them. How long do I keep this up before I cave and offer him something else? Will he starve if I dont give him anything but the pellets he refuses?

So that's Leo's issue, now on to Raphie (res). I have had the turtles since friday morning, and Raphie has not eaten anything yet. The first day, he was very active, but now he just kinda hangs out in the corner and basks just a little. I did read about issues with one turtle being more dominate in a tank and feeding them in a separate tank at separate times. I have been trying that since Saturday and still nothing. How long do I let him not eat before I panic?

Hi, welcome to the site! It sounds like you have a pretty good setup going.

What is the temperature of your basking area and how big are your turtles? You should only be feeding as much food as would fit inside their heads if they were hollow. Pyramiding occurs when turtles eat too much protein, which happens regardless of if the source is pellets or live prey.

I would try soaking the pellets in tuna juice for both of your turtles to entice them to eat. Maybe try and give Raphie a worm or something live, when Leo is out of the tank to see if he will eat then. Somtimes turtles are just a little finicky when they enter a new habitat.

Good luck!

Thanks! The basking area is between 88 and 92 degrees. Leo is basking much more than Raphie, though I have seen him come out of the water a little today. I have been following the rule if feeding them portions the size of their head and I have soaked the pellets in tuna water and no go for either if them. Both of them are about 2.75 inches, though Leo is just barely bigger. I will stop and get some worms tonight and see if that works. Would I maybe be best to feed Raphie in the tank when Leo is out? It seems to be upsetting him to take him in and out of the feeding tank.

Apple wrote:Thanks! The basking area is between 88 and 92 degrees. Leo is basking much more than Raphie, though I have seen him come out of the water a little today. I have been following the rule if feeding them portions the size of their head and I have soaked the pellets in tuna water and no go for either if them. Both of them are about 2.75 inches, though Leo is just barely bigger. I will stop and get some worms tonight and see if that works. Would I maybe be best to feed Raphie in the tank when Leo is out? It seems to be upsetting him to take him in and out of the feeding tank.

Are you feeding them in a tank separate from the one they live in? Some turtles, especially smaller turtles, are skittish about that. I would feed them in the tank they live in, but separately until you know that Raphie is eating well.

Have you seen the link for turtle jello shots on this forum? Sometimes those work well for people and they pack a lot of nutrients.

I was feeding them in a separate tank than their home. Tonight I am going to try just removing Leo and feeding Raphie while Leo is out. I did read about that jello stuff and I am definitely going to try it. Any recommendations as to where I can find that type of gelatin? I checked the local grocery store today and they do not carry it.

Raphie just ate some mini shrimp! No pellets, but at least its something. Phew!

^That is good! Maybe he is just adjusting to his new home and needs time. You don't have to use that specific brand of gelatin, just buy plain gelatin, as opposed to lime green jello or something xD.

I'm surprised nobody picked up on this yet, but you are feeding too often. Juveniles (less than a year old) should be fed once per day, after about a year, they should be fed pellets every other day, but make veggies (red leaf lettuce, etc) available all the time, they will graze on them when they get hungry.

PridgNYC, don't worry. I was only offering food multiple times a day because they hadn't eaten. Now that they both have full bellies, I won't feed again until tomorrow night. Thanks!

Good, they also like routine as well. Same basking hours every day (by hours, I mean at least daylight cycle), and same feeding time.