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I bought a 4" RES a few days ago and put him in my outdoor koi pond. I put his food dish right on the edge of the water where he can easily climb into but he hasn't found it yet. Does anyone have any recommendations on how to get him to find where his food dish is like using certain foods that might have an appealing smell to him? I've been trying to throw him pelletts but he is still to shy and the fish eat a lot of the pellets before they can get to the bottom for him. I've also thrown in some water lettuce and anacharis for him to snack on as well until he finds his food dish.

Okay first off RES sliders can not eat out of water... they don't have saliva like humans do... So read the what to feed section and put what ever you want to give him into the water... Try cutting up a baby carrot so that it is small enough for him to put in his mouth.... carrots sink so the fish will be less likely to eat it...

In addition your koi might become food for him.... and it is recommended by numerous people that you don't feed goldfish to RES because of the fattiness of the fish...

I hope I have helped you, and that the others that will comment on here can help you too.

Summer

His food dish is essentially a big water bowl that has water and food in it so I don't think that is the problem. I'll try some carrots for him though. Thanks.

That sounds interesting. Can you post some pictures of the pond with the food dish?

Even though they can't eat without water they can still come onto land and get food then proceed back into the water with it. Also, one of my babies eats food without water...

RES, are accustomed to finding their food in the water. Your RES may never find the food in the dish. Just feed him in the water, and after a while try the dish.

I think you want to see your turtle eat out of the dish? He will most likely just grab it, and leap into the pond. If the dish big and deep enough, he might eat IN it.