Feeding and Nutrition :: New RES not finding food?

[ashipyor]

I just "rescued" a very very small RES from a purse store in China Town. This is my first turtle (since I was a young child) and I want to do whatever I can to make sure it has a long healthy life however I know I have lots to learn.

Anyway, I just switched to new food (what they gave me at the store was crap) and the little pellets just seam to fall to the bottom of the tank and I'm afraid Tilly won't find them. Any advice? How will I know it's eating them? (I say "it" in the most loving way...not sure what sex yet)

[robind]

What brand of pellets are you feeding? All of the turtle pellets I've ever purchased have floated. That being said, I don't think it'll have too much trouble finding them.

[Daniel3507]

i dont think there are any kind of turtle pellets that float. was it eating the old pellets before you switched?

[TheComputerGremlin]

Both of the types of pellets I use float, at least long enough for the turtle to find them. I use the ReptoMin floating sticks and the HBH Turtle Bites. What brands have you been using that sink? I can understand your concern, often a stray bit of carrot will get missed when it falls to the bottom of the tank. I also feed only in one spot on my tank, so that my turtle (hopefully by now) realizes that all of the food is in that corner of the tank.

[Raphulk]

most pellets float for a while until they sink
when I first had my baby turtle, I literally had to stick the food right in front if his face
just be patient, he should come around


is it possible that your turtle is sick?
make sure the water temperature is around 73-77
it is still winter, so make sure your baby isn't trying to hibernate

[ashipyor]

I'm not sure if he's sick...it's very possible because he has had a rough journey...I just upgraded his light to make it even warmer.

[Daniel3507]

do you have a water heater in the tank?

[ashipyor]

There is not a water heater yet since there is no more than 4 inches of water...he is still not a very strong swimmer. However, I did feel the water and it is nice and warm. He's not basking but he lays in a plant under the light next to his basking rock.

[Raphulk]

it may seem like baby RES are so young that they are not capable of swimming, but the truth is that they can.

the biggest concern would be that they would get tired while swimming, thus you should put some resting areas like a simple zoo med turtle dock or egg crate.

you may be scared about your young one drowning, but he/she really would be fine

you REALLY need to have a heater though, and possible a thermometer

[ashipyor]

Gabe thanks for your help! I went to the pet store today and the man there who is supposedly a turtle expert (this isn't a typical pet store) told me I didn't need a heater. He said that the turtle in the wild wouldn't have a heater and mine didn't need one either. Can I get a heater even though there is only about 3 inches of water? Also...he's not basking, any advice?

[Raphulk]

heaters will work as long as they are completely underwater (I would suppose)
also, because it seems like you have had this turtle in this habitat fairly recent, he/she will need to adapt, so give it time.

if he does not bask after a while, it could be many things, but we should wait and see

the really basic necessities would be adequate tank space, good water temp (heater), UVB and UVA bulbs, and a filter

you should really read up on the main page, the makers of the site have some great input that is the best out there!

[megcornell]

There are a few reasons your turtle might not be basking. Firstly, it's still new and adjusting to it's new home. Some turtles take days if not a week or two to get settled in and start acting normally. Just make sure you keep your eyes out for signs of illness.
Another reason he may not be basking is that your temperatures are likely off. Once you add the water heater and set it to 78 degreesF (this is ideal for baby turtles) make sure the basking area is about 10F warmer. The difference in temperatures is what draws the turtle to bask.