Feeding and Nutrition :: eating out of the tank

[kiwigerman]

hi all. yesterday i bought a plastic tub (10 gal approx) to feed George in. i was previously feeding him in his tank but it was getting dirty very quickly and i thought it may help to feed him in a separate tank. Problem is, he won't eat in the new tank. has anyone else experienced this problem, or have idea's on how to fix it?

[scripta_elegans]

I think they have to get acclimated to it. I would try a favorite treat like krill, then leave him alone for a few minutes, and come back to see if it's gone.

[N4784N R4613]

Yes, the same thing happen to me when I started feeding in a big Tupperware bowl. I am afraid, the only answer is tough love. They think, "If i can get food in my tank, then why should I eat it in here." Once they learn that that is the only food source, then they will eat.

[kiwigerman]

thanks n4784n, thats what i was thinking but really wanted to hear it from someone else who had been there b4. how long do you think a 4yr old male RES (about 4.5inches) would safely go without food?

[N4784N R4613]

I would say three the four days, but nothing over a week! And something I forgot to tell you, make sure you walk away, so that he isn't frightened. Mine still will not eat if I am hovering over the bowl.

[industrial_girl_2000]

Everyone had good suggestions here.

He will eventually figure out that the bowl is associated with food. Turtles are great at associating one thing with another....for example, my big Sheba knows that when I take her out of the tank & dry her off, she is most likely going to be fed, and she follows me into the kitchen where her dish is. If you are consistent, you can teach them that "separate dish" equals "food".

A way to a turtle's heart is thru it's stomach.....

[mini]

Rockie refused to eat in a seperate container when I first tried it. But after starving for 2 days, he didn't mind and start eating in the other tank. Now, he can finish his meal in 1 minute. ^_^