Feeding and Nutrition :: My turtle won't eat the turtle pellets

[LynnZ]

I bought my turtle about 2 and a half weeks ago from a petstore, and I'm not sure how old he/she is.. but it's just a baby. It's just a bit bigger than an inch. I bought this food called ReptoMin that comes with turtle pellets, baby shrimp and krill. My turtle will eat the shrimp and krill, but refuses to eat the pellets. Why isn't my turtle eating them? If it's diet is just consisting of shrimp, will it get sick? How can I get him to eat the pellets!

[MommaEich]

Two things to try: Make his pellets more appealing by letting then sit in some tuna water or try the "tough love" approach only offer him the pellets and none of the other goodies he will get hungry sooner or later. Just my 2 cents I'm sure other more experienced owners will have better/more advice!

[Jeff]

Congrats on your new buddy!

I got my little guy(or girl) about 3 weeks ago. He wouldn't eat his pellets at all. The fine people on this site suggested that I try tuna. he LOVED IT!! So then I gave him a small piece of tuna, followed by a pellet that was soaked in tuna water(tricks them into thinking it's still the tuna). Now he eats pellets allll the time. Just give him time, he'll come around.

Just make sure that you are not limiting his diet to only the "treats" that you are giving him. Try different things. See the "what to feed your turtle" sticky that's in food section. Also see the main page for tips. There's a great section that gives ways for enticing your turtle to eat...

Also checking your water temps. I keep mine around 78F b/c he's still little, like yours. Try around 78-80 b/c the warmer temps increase their activity and appetite.

Also try making a routine. Feed him at the same time everyday, and try and switch up the foods you offer until he's only on pellets and veggies.

And lastly....search this forum. There is a WEALTH of knowledge out there. And everyone on this site is extremely helpful. Anyone who has ever bought a new turtle is going through exactly what you are. Just make sure your water temps are correct and keep offering him food. Eventually he'll eat.