Feeding and Nutrition :: My RES Wont Eat!

[rrcaexx]

I bought an RES for my boyfriend from petsmart, and they told me he was about six months old. She said to feed him rosie reds, not crickets because they are more nutritional. Now Ive read that you arent supposed to feed him fish regularly, but I dont think he will eat pellets or anything else now that he has gotten used to the fish. We bought some pellets and put it in the tank but he tried one and spit it out. How can I get him to eat pellets?

And, how many fish was he supposed to eat? We put 20 in his tank, he ate most of them in a day and then half of the rest. We went back to PetSmart, and she said that was normal because he was growing. Im so confused

[CountryGirl68]

20 fish at one feeding is way too much and they should only be fed occasionally. You should try feeding him pellets and veggies. Stop giving him the fish and he will eventually eat the other food when he sees that he won't be getting anything else. Don't give him any other foods until he begins eating the pellets and veggies. Also, throw in some cuttlebone, it gives them calcium.

[TurtleFreak 65]

I only feed my RES a rosy red minnow once a week, and he's doing just fine. All the other days I feed him romaine lettuce, pellets, carrots, and rarely fruits.

[rrcaexx]

I know I should have researched them more, I didnt know they would take so much effort. But I am grateful I got him, hes great. I hope I get the hang of taking care of him though!!

[steve]

If he is healthy and adjusted to his environment, you can withhold the fish for a couple of days and he will eventually take pellets and veggies.

Here is a link for some basic info:
http://www.redearslider.com/res-guide.pdf