Feeding and Nutrition :: Eating less in winter?

[kikicool]

Hi there. My turts are in a tank with all the necessary lighting, heating etc. However, they are near a window, too.

I wrote a little while ago because I noticed they weren't eating, except egg whites. Now, I noticed they *do* eat, but not a lot: a few bites from romaine, maybe five pellets... today I gave egg whites and sure enough, they went for them voraciously, but then didn't eat them all!

Is it possible they are eating less because it is winter, and the daylight out the window is messing with them? The temperature is a steady 75, sometimes a bit higher.

Other than not being terribly hungry, they seem just fine: basking, swimming, watching me, very alert and active. Advice?

[BullDog]

They're not eating because they know if they hold out for long enough, they'll get the "good stuff" (egg whites).

Time for some tough love! Just feed them veggies and pellets for the next few weeks. Egg whites should only be a very rare treat (once a month, at most).

[kikicool]

Well, that's what I had figured... and it that WAS what I was doing. I've now given it three times in about... 6 weeks. but today, they're barely even eating the egg whites either!

[Daniel3507]

i have heard a few stories about turtles slowing down in the winter so that could be it. not positive though

[Raphulk]

i have heard a few stories about turtles slowing down in the winter so that could be it. not positive though

this was my initial thought as well.
when I first had my turtles I had no heater, so the turtles were naturally trying to hibernate throughout winter

but since you do have a heater and stuff, it is probably bulldogs theory that is correct.

just be cool and calm, and dont give in to feeding them their treats on a daily basis

[novroz]

I have been there!! tough love is hard but it has to be done.

my turtle wasn't eating for 3 days till she finally give up and eat her veggie

[kikicool]

I think there is a misunderstanding: they are eating all sorts of foods, not just egg whites. They are eating pellets and veggies too. They are just not eating a lot of anything. A few weeks ago, I mistakenly thought it was the egg whites, and have been doing the tough love thing: just veggies and pellets. Out of concern for their lack of appetite, I gave them egg whites again the other day--and noticed that they aren't really eating much of that, either. So now I'm asking if they slow down, or if there are other reasons they aren't eating a lot--of anything, including treats. Any ideas?

[BullDog]

I've also had stories of turtles slowing down a bit in winter. Double check the temp with two thermometers, if you've got two.

Have you checked the water recently? Sometimes turts can slow down because of poor water quality.

Other than that, just keep an eye out for other unusual behaviour: lethargy, sounds, not basking, etc. and if anything else crops up, it could be time for a vet visit.

[SpenceMasta]

my turtle slows down every winter for the past decade, she spends more time hiding in her cave and eats less, its fine as long as you dont see sickly symptoms like extreme lethargy, for example even though she basks less my turtle will still bolt for the water or swim away if someone creeps up on her or drops something making a loud sound or vibration, if your turtle has no reaction to these potential dangers then its probably too slow and is a cause for concern

[kikicool]

Thanks for the answers. SpenceMasta, that's just what she's doing. Very speedy to fly off the dock when I come in, she's pretty active actually, just doesn't seem as hungry. Thanks!

[kikicool]

Oh and Bulldog: yes, I checked the water. Once of the first things I did. They're in good shape there, too. Phew! Thanks.