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Strange Eating Differences

PostPosted: Sat Dec 06, 2014 12:58 am
by jen188
My two baby RES turtles have their own personalities; one is bigger and will almost anything, except for any veggies I offer him. The other turtle has refused to eat for about a little over a week, but used to have a healthy appetite, although still not as food-crazy as his companion. I've tried many of the suggestions to get them to eat their veggies, like romaine lettuce, tuna-juice soaked lettuce, chopped baby carrots, once a bit of hard-boiled egg, turtle jello shots, but to no luck :( . Sadly, its winter and I have a hard time getting my hands on aquatic plants and the big guy will only eat pellets. The other one has been rather lethargic, spends a lot of time out on his dock, (I'm thinking it may be that I because of the lack of uvb light, but I ordered one and I hope the little guy improves), and he just refuses to eat anything I offer him, although his companion is a food glutton and will even resort to taking his food off the dock if the little guy doesn't eat it. I tried feeding the little guy in a separate container, but he still doesn't eat, although I noticed him making weird noises when I took the two out of their tank for a cleaning. Neither of them like being fed out of their tank, not even the bigger turtle. Thanks for any tips you guys can give me :D

Re: Strange Eating Differences

PostPosted: Sun Dec 07, 2014 10:30 am
by steve
It's normal for one to be more aggressive. Can you take the larger one out while the smaller one eats?

Re: Strange Eating Differences

PostPosted: Sun Dec 07, 2014 1:07 pm
by jen188
I have tried feeding the little one in the tank, but he doesn't wat, even if I offer him shrimp. He hasn't eaten for over a week, should I try to hand feed him? My mom noted that he wanted to eat when we put food in front him, but he couldn't (he has been staying on his dock for the majority of the time. I hope the little guy isn't sick :(

Re: Strange Eating Differences

PostPosted: Sun Dec 07, 2014 1:18 pm
by steve
I'd separate them, give him a bit time to adjust but try some live minnows. Hold it by the tail and let it wiggle in front of his face.

Re: Strange Eating Differences

PostPosted: Sun Dec 07, 2014 2:05 pm
by jen188
I haven't installed a UVB and heat lighting system yet. I know that I should have one, but the set should be coming very soon. Do you think that if I installed the turtle lamp set, the little guy might start eating again? And I may try the live fish suggestion. On another note, he seems to be using his mouth to breathe occasionally and recoils when I try to offer food right in front of him, and his eyes are a bit swollen when he sleeps. He's awake now, but I worry if he doesn't eat soon.

Re: Strange Eating Differences

PostPosted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 1:33 pm
by steve
The UVB is more for his calcium and shell, I don't think it has a major impact stimulating appetite. I'd worry too if a baby is not eating. If the live prey doesn't work, you should consider having a vet check on him.