Feeding and Nutrition :: Dietary Behavior Changes

[OrangeStorm]

Hello,

I have two red eared sliders, each is about 4 inches long. I used to feed them 2 tsp of pellets every other day. They loved them. They could finish them within no time. We were away for 5 days after Christmas. I put a sepia bone for them to nibble on. After we came back, they don't eat the pellets anymore. They sniff at it first. Sometimes they take a bite then spit it right out. Sometimes they don't even bother to come close. This is very unlike them. However they still eat the dried shrimp and krill. I used them as a treat. So I don't want to feed them dried shrimp on a regular basis.

I was just wondering if anyone had similar experience before. Is this going to be temporary? Will they slowly go back to the pellet diet? Nothing else really has changed for them. They had sepia bone before as a supplement. Pellets are the same.

Thanks.

[xcristina]

Yes, I had the same experience and worries before. It happens to my every winter. She just doesn't seem to like her pellets as she used to, she spits them like she doesn't like them to be dry and crunchy. However, sometimes, when the pellets get soaked, she eats them.
I fed her today, she ate a few, and then wanted to get out of her feeding tub. When back in the tank, I fed her the same uneaten pellets I picked from the tub and she gobbled them.
It only happens during winter, so I think it's a seasonal disorder, as Steve calls it. I wouldn't worry too much, it should be temporary. The main reason I think they're ok is the fact that you mentioned they still eat treats, it means it's nothing wrong with them, they're just being picky. The first winter this happened to Bobo, she ate almost nothing for almost two months, she didn't even want boiled chicken, but, in the end, she was fine.

[OrangeStorm]

Thanks, Xcristina. This is their first winter with me. It all makes sense. I feel much better now.

[xcristina]

You're welcome. Just keep an eye on them for any other unusual signs.

[steve]

Also try a different brand of pellets.