Feeding and Nutrition :: Tubifex, bloodworms and getting the turtle to eat pellets

[BobDinosaur]

I've been dropping pellets in for our new Western Paint and "he" has refused to eat them thus far. Turnip greens got a few nibbles and I moved a water plant in from the pond to his pool. I was worried about him not eating properly, so I tried a small chunk of Tubifex worms and he hit on it shortly after I dropped it in. I fed him an additional cube and he ate it in mostly one bite, with individual worms floating off to the side.

These are the pellets which came with the turtle and are unlabeled, I could likely get the brand information from our dealer. We have a few cubes of bloodworms left in the freezer that we can try, but do you have any suggestions on getting him to eat pellets like he should?

[adam85491]

How long have you had the turtle? There are enticing tips on this website but you could try soaking the pellets in tuna juice (tuna in water) first.

[steve]

I'd go to the pet store and pick up a fresh container of Reptomin. halfway down this page has some more info: www.redearslider.com/entice_eating.html

[grey goose]

I heard somewhere that Tubifex worms are loaded with fat and should not be fed to turts. My guys get blood worms in a separate container when I do the water change every two weeks.

[marisa]

Tubifex worms are often grown in unsanitary conditions. If you use them, make sure they're "clean." They're not that nutritious, though. Try some San Francisco Bay Brand Aquatic Turtle Food, frozen cubes that contain both fish and plant matter. See if your turtle likes them (one place they're sold at is at Petsmart, in the frozen food section).

[octpusgirl8]

I got the San Francisco Bay Brand Aquatic Turtle Food recently, thought i'd give it a try, and Turtley goes wild for it! I wasn't sure if he would be down with the frozen-ness, but it seems to be his new favorite thing. I would definitely recommend them.

[marisa]

I think the fishy smell is one that turtles find attractive. I just wish they weren't so messy...

[grey goose]

I cut the cubes in half and put them in a separate container, but I can't tell if they are eating it or just shredding it, they make such a mess!

[marisa]

I quarter them. The painteds seem to be able to handle them better and not rip at them as much. My RES can pretty much eatone whole, but he gets his cut in half.