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Hello, I am new to this forum and a new turtle person. I have an adult male RES that has been in my 1200 gallon pond for about 10 days. I cannot tell if he is eating or not. He has not eaten the carrots and greens that I have left out for him, but he MAY be eating some of the pond plants. I'd like advice on the best way to present food to him, and also on what would be the best way to tempt him to eat. He is very shy, and will hide if he sees me. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Pam

My first thought is, what is the water temperature? If it's too cold he won't want to eat. If that's not the problem, try throwing some fish into the pond if there arent already some in there. And most importantly, don't worry too much. A healthy turtle can go a long time without eating. He will eat when he's ready. Have you offered any pellet food or bugs?

This turtle is new to the pond? If so, where did he come from? Is it possible to put some pond plants where you can monitor them to see if he's eating them? (Perhaps this is hard to do in that 1200-gallon pond?---lucky turtle. )

If you want him to get used to you, I'd bring whatever I was going to offer him to the same spot every day. If he's really shy, I'd leave him with the food and gradually increase the time I'm in his presence while he's eating so that he becomes more comfortable with you. (But remember, he'll grow to rely on you for food.)

You might try offering him some earthworms. What kind of vegetation does the pond have in it?

pbangelo wrote:Hello, I am new to this forum and a new turtle person. I have an adult male RES that has been in my 1200 gallon pond for about 10 days.

WHOA!!! 1200 gallons? My Sheba would LOVE your place.