Feeding and Nutrition :: One of my turtles is a lousy eater

[Slats]

I have a question: One of my turtles has been unable to properly eat since he was given to us. He tries his hardest but can't snap properly (he misses either left or right or high or low). The other turtle is so good that he would take all the food if I let him. So I have to help the first turtle by holding the food steady and guiding it into his mouth when he snaps. And I have to keep the second turtle away from him while he tries and tries and tries to eat. When I don't help him, either the food eventually slides into the filter or the other turtle eats it all so I have to stand there everytime I feed them and assist, Has anyone gone through this? Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

[steve]

Does he have a vision or coordination problem? Is he weak from not eating enough? My male RES suffered from a coordination problem for several months... he would keep missing his food and then he would just give up. I think you may have to separate them to make sure he eats and adjusts.

[missibsu]

Would it possible to set up a seperate feeding container for the one who eats ok. That way your other turt would have the space and time to himself to try without the other one hogging the food.

[marisa]

I've found that some turtles are better at snagging food than others. Assuming there's nothing wrong with him, feed him separately from the other turtle in another container of water. If he's being fed in deeper water now, I'd have the water level in the container just over his shell, so it's easier to grab the food.