Feeding and Nutrition :: Turtle not eating in separate feeding area

[mariee]

Hello!

I recently removed the gravel from Thomas's tank (he was acting like he was trying to eat it - better safe than sorry!) and when I did I realized just how much of his food got trapped down there and made a mess of his tank. So I've started trying to take him out to feed him in a separate area.

Right now the separate area is just a very large bucket. I'm hoping to get a large storage tub or something similar to use instead eventually. Whenever I put him in there though, he refuses to eat. I don't think he's eaten really since Sunday... I know he will be fine to go a little while without food, but will he eventually learn if I keep putting him in a separate tank to feed him? Does it normally take turtles a while to adjust to the separate feeding area?

Thanks!

[dumbork14]

Yes, I think he will eventually learn. Try to entice him to eat by rattling the bottle/can of pellet while he is inside the separate feeding area (my technique). It may take a while, but sooner or later your turtle will realize that he has to eat. Also, feeding in separate container is actually an advantage -- there will be no more food/protein/oil slick at the water edge of the tank.

[steve]

What's his reaction in there? Try using some treats at first, then switch to his regular stuff.

[mariee]

dumbork14 - that's one of the reasons I thought I should try feeding him in a separate area - his tank was getting disgusting really quickly!

steve - he's pretty calm when I put him in there. Swims around a little bit but mostly just sits pretty quietly. Sometimes he does try to climb out, but it's too high for him to get anywhere. I will try putting some treats in with him tonight. What's something that's really extra-special for a turtle? I have some shrimp, but he doesn't seem to care much for it...

I just put him in for tonight and when I went over and looked at him he was just sitting there with his nose poking out, staring at me like he's very annoyed.

[steve]

Sometimes they don't see it, could that be the case here?

[mariee]

I feel like he should be able to see it. The lighting is the same as when he's in his tank. It's weird.

I got home late yesterday and just fed him in his tank, and he did eat, so I'm less worried about him being sick or something. I guess that just means he's either confused or being picky about eating in the separate area. Hopefully he'll figure it out soon.

[steve]

Sometimes they are a little stressed and look for an exit, not seeing the food. Try to calm him down and let him see the food before taking him out.