Habitat - Indoor :: I think my yellow belly is choking!

[Laurielee]

I cleaned Franklins aquarium out today and went to give him some mealworms, his favorite, he took a bite and spit it back out and started stretching his neck out with his mouth open! He didn't even try for another bite! Any suggestion of something I could do for him? Or just take him to the vet?

[steve]

Not sure if it's choking, he tried to eat it out of water?

[Laurielee]

Yes. But then I let them sink to the bottom to see if he could eat them later. He is still very active, suns a lot.

[steve]

Definitely do not try to feed them out of water. Is he doing any better?

[Laurielee]

Ok..no feeding out of water, noted. Thanks! He still isn't eating this morning which is not like him at all!! He's sunning right now. He is 6", lives in a 55 gallon, floating log basking spot, uvb/uva lamps, heater, canister filter. Water temperature is 82 degrees and basking spot is 90 degrees. Yesterday I did a major deep clean of his tank. New media in his filter and emptied out all his water and refilled it adding water softener and pond algae control. I deep clean every few months and he has always done well. He isn't coughing, wheasing or sneezing.

[Laurielee]

Crises is over!! I just tried feeding him again and he ate it all!! So relieved. The reason I panicked is because he has NEVER missed a meal. I call him my Hungry Hippo. Thanks for the responses!!!!

[steve]

OK great! Don't overfeed him either, skipping a meal or two for them is good

[Laurielee]

Okay. Thanks Steve!