Feeding and Nutrition

Hey everyone!

I just recently got my first RES and have a few questions. To start off though I'll give you some info on his habitat, because I'm assuming that will come up.
He is currently in a 10 gallon tank (planning to put him in a 20 then a 75, so on and so forth as he grows) with a heater, filter, heat lamp, basking area, cave, feeder fish (he likes to chase them but never actually snaps at them) and two plants.

I got him about two days ago and I've noticed he isn't really eating. I tried sticks, butter lettuce, freeze dried shrimp, small pieces of carrot and shredded tuna (fresh, not canned) and he won't try anything. I know it's only been two days and maybe he is just getting used to his new home but I guess I'd just like some reassurance that he is probably okay and to stop worrying and give it time. Since I'm not really experienced and only go off of some things I've read I just want someone more experienced to give me an idea of what is happening.

Second question- I put a piece of a cuttlebone in his tank last night but had no idea I needed to take the backing off first...which I honestly hadn't seen on it, but it was probably there. Is this harmful for him? Or even the fish? I'm just curious, because since it's already too late I'm worried I might make him sick. In the future I'll do it but I guess I'm curious WHY the backing should be taken off.

Thank you!

Second answer first: removing the backing is so that it won't get swallowed. If he's not eating, it's not an issue. Having it in the tank will not cause harm.

Now, as to the eating, I think from making a similar post here when I started and reading others, RES do not like change. Not eating the first few days seems to be the norm.

How big is he? If he's small, he may not eat veggies yet, even if he's eating regularly--but keep offering them. I wouldn't worry, even if it's a few more days. One suggestion I've seen is soaking pellets in the water from a can of tuna. Don't use oil from a tuna can, just water. But I'd give it a few more days.

ljapa wrote:Second answer first: removing the backing is so that it won't get swallowed. If he's not eating, it's not an issue. Having it in the tank will not cause harm.

Now, as to the eating, I think from making a similar post here when I started and reading others, RES do not like change. Not eating the first few days seems to be the norm.

How big is he? If he's small, he may not eat veggies yet, even if he's eating regularly--but keep offering them. I wouldn't worry, even if it's a few more days. One suggestion I've seen is soaking pellets in the water from a can of tuna. Don't use oil from a tuna can, just water. But I'd give it a few more days.

Oh okay, well I will certainly make sure to take off the backing of the cuttlebone, thank you!

He is very little, still a baby. But yes I read to keep offering veggies but he just may not eat them for awhile.
I'm glad to hear that the changes might be the only issue right now...hopefully you're right! I'll certainly give him a few more days before I get really really worried then.
I might try soaking the pellets, thank you for that suggestion! I appreciate your advice (:

Keep us informed. I know I posted worried about our RES not eating. I think it took something like four days.

She turned into a pig that will consume just about anything and beg for more.

You've definitely found the right place place to get help and support.

One question, you mention a heat lamp. Do you have a UVB light as well?

ljapa wrote:Keep us informed. I know I posted worried about our RES not eating. I think it took something like four days.

She turned into a pig that will consume just about anything and beg for more.

You've definitely found the right place place to get help and support.

One question, you mention a heat lamp. Do you have a UVB light as well?

This evening when I came home from work I noticed 2 floating fish bodies missing heads...so I guess he finally ate something!

Yes I have a heat lamp as well as a UVB light (:
I have two separate lightbulbs, one for day and one for night.

Can you give more detail about the 2 bulbs? For the basking lamp, usually an incandescent will be fine.

you can always cut up the cuttlebone into bite size pieces after taking the back if it off. I do this and works great. I just give a little every few days.

I really don't see the need for cuttlebone.

Cuttlebone aren't laying around on the side of the lake or creek. All the calcium (the main reason for feeding cuttlebone) can be found elsewhere in things that you feed him. Mine loves dandelions (extremely high in calcium), and I'm starting to him plantain weeds (also extremely high in calcium). I also feed mine carrot slivers, but there's not a carrotcuttlebone made.

so I just don't see the need for them.

I tried it for s while but they don't eat it so they don't get it. My turtles also eat snails shell and all and carrots. I guess I don't see the need either.

Feeding and Nutrition :: New turtle not eating and cuttlebone question!

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