Feeding and Nutrition :: Putting in separate container to feed

[Thismegan]

We took our little turtle out of his tank to feed him, because he gets the tank so dirty so fast. But he did not like that at all. He wouldn't even look at the food he was just freaked out. So I end up giving into him and feeding him in his tank, dropping the food in front of him. So my question is....How do you get him to eat in a separate container? Also, am I spoiling by putting the food right in front of him in the tank?

[Kallistos]

It may take awhile for him to get used to feeding in the seperate container, keep trying and he'll start to realize that he's not going to get killed. I really don't think giving him the food that way is spoiling him, as long as he gets the proper nutrients nothing else really matters.

[grey goose]

I've got three turtles in one tank. One will gladly eat in a container, one will sometimes eat, but not without making a big fuss, and one looks like he's going to have a heart attack the minute I put him in!
Some turts are ok with it some aren't.....

[SpotsMama]

If it were my turtle, if he seemed too stressed about the separate container, then I'd just feed him in his tank and clean up the mess. Most of the turtles get braver when the get older, though, so you might try it again from time to time and see if he won't come around.

Here's another thought. You might try feeding him something absolutely irresistible to a turtle - like shrimp! - in his separate container to help with with the transition. After he's had a good experience in the separate container, then maybe he'd be willing to eat his pellets there too.

If the tank gets really dirty really fast, it could be that you need a larger tank (more water to dilute the mess) and/or a stronger filter.

[industrial_girl_2000]

If it were my turtle, if he seemed too stressed about the separate container, then I'd just feed him in his tank and clean up the mess. Most of the turtles get braver when the get older, though, so you might try it again from time to time and see if he won't come around.

Here's another thought. You might try feeding him something absolutely irresistible to a turtle - like shrimp! - in his separate container to help with with the transition. After he's had a good experience in the separate container, then maybe he'd be willing to eat his pellets there too.

If the tank gets really dirty really fast, it could be that you need a larger tank (more water to dilute the mess) and/or a stronger filter.

Well put!

[cam722]

One thing you have to remember about feeding in a separate container is that the water should cover the turtles.. they usually see their food by it floating on top of the water. It also should be the same temp as their tank water.

[Muirner]

maybe even pull the water from the tank to use in the separate container. It could count twards a daily water change?