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Should I feed inside the tank?

PostPosted: Mon May 04, 2020 2:33 pm
by malafoca
I have 5 RES and I usually take them out of the tank and feed them in separate containers.

I do this daily around the same time and I have noticed different behaviors of each one:

1. Tortu (around a year old, 11cms long) will eat all no problem, she even comes out so I can pick her up, she loves feeding time.
2. Manchitas (around a year old, 7cms long) will hide as much as possible so I do not grab her. She has not eaten anything the past 4-5 days, she leaves all the food behind.
3. Manolita (around a year old, 9cms long) will hide as much as possible as well, but once I have her she will eat. She did not eat yesterday though.
4. Ragnar (6 months old, 4 1/2 cms long) will eat only around 2-3 pellets, and will eat more shrimp. she hides a bit as well but not as much as her older friends.
5. Lagertha (6 months old, 4cms long) will sometimes come out so I can pick her up, will not eat anything other than dried krill/shimp. I have tried everything!

I definitely do not want to stress them and don't want them hiding. I wish all were like Tortu and just came out for feeding time, but lately it seems they hide from me once I want to pick them up for chow time. Any thoughts or recommendations?

Re: Should I feed inside the tank?

PostPosted: Mon May 04, 2020 5:01 pm
by steve
Wow, 5 in the same tank. I don't think I would feed them at the same time because there will always be one that out-competes the others...Tortu in this case. If I'm feeding something messy, I'll take them out to feed in a container just for them (it's technically a sink just for them). If they are stressed, they will have a better chance to eat in their own tank. So considering that I would take 4 out at a time and feed in the tank.

Re: Should I feed inside the tank?

PostPosted: Tue May 05, 2020 7:45 pm
by malafoca
Thanks! I actually have 2 tanks. 1 with Tortu, Manolita and Manchitas, and another with Lagertha and Ragnar. Ragnar and Lagertha I usually take out together and feed on the same tank since they are still babies and friendly to each other.

Tortu I feed separately, otherwise she will eat everything and leave nothing for the others.
Manolita and Manchitas I am feeding together. Manchitas rarely eats so I think pairing her with Manolita who still eats moderately is good to show her you can eat without bullying

Re: Should I feed inside the tank?

PostPosted: Wed May 06, 2020 5:42 am
by steve
I'm not sure Manchitas will pick up the cues, it's usually every turtle for themselves :)