Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2016 7:54 pm Re: New RES not eating
As Steve said and this is a general rule of thumb for basically all reptiles new under anyone's ownership needs to have a acclimation period within their new environment but some are good right off the start.
My pair of Albinos needed this period to get adjusted. Frankly I did not like the sellers enclosures and the albinos are now spoiled in a very nice large attractive display tank. The seller though he did have a uvb and uva lighting and heating system, his turtle tubs were in no way shape or form with other priority turtle needs. There for,they would not feed for a few days and when the acclimation period ended, the turtles have been feeding well every day.
On the other note, my hybino red ear who came from the same seller, entered the albinos display tank and at first, I thought that the turtle was more excited with the roomy areas in instantly exploring. This turtle however ate just like 2 hours after it entered the display tank. As both of you stated, water temps between 78 to 80F has always proven the best results.
Also I used thawed out frozen bloodworms in the past to get a turtle eating right then after that, I offered a variety of foods. I have never seen a red ear slider and other water species refuse thawed blood worms myself. I am happy to hear that it is eating and doing better though.
Confirmed Sexed Pair of Albino Red Ear Sliders, Baby Albino and Hybino Red Ear Slider and Adult Normal Male Red Ear Slider