Feeding and Nutrition :: ED won't eat!

[that new guy]

Well I just got this turtle as a Christmas gift from my GF (she bought the little guy at a local Chinese flea market), he's probably about 1 1/2 to 2 inches long and he won't eat. I'm feeding (trying to feed I should say) him the turtle pellets that came with him, I've already moved the little guy up to a bigger tank, and given him a basking lamp, the only thing I haven't done and can't get done is get him to eat, should I try something different? cooked unseasoned beef? I need suggestions, I'm worried and I'd actually like to keep the little guy alive

[prettykitty]

yes try to make jello shots for your turtle. Its posted in this section
also try other leading brands of turtle diets.
try to dip lettuce or pellet in tuna water.

[that new guy]

well I've heard they like ground beef would that work? I'm going to try the tuna thing to see if that gets him to eat...

[prettykitty]

they love meat, but thats not good for them. its very bad.
try salmon or tuna in water if u really wanted. add a little teaspoon of cantelope and papaya. they love it

[VeipaCray]

Your turtle may be a little shy at first. I'm not sure how you are feeding it, but put the food in the water and walk away. The turtle is in new surrounding and may not want an audience while it eats.

[marisa]

Can you describe the set-up you have for him more? You said you have a basking light, but does he have a submersible water heater? A UVB light?

What is the temp of the water and basking area? If it's too cool, he won't eat. For a healthy hatchling, the water should be aboaut 78F, the basking area 88 - 90F. Try some bits of boiled white chicken mean, salmon, tuna and tiny pieces of egg whites. These are all high protein foods, and shouldn't be a stable in the diet (they're OK as occassional treats); get some Reptomin Baby (for small turtles) and once he's eating switch him to those with other foods for variety.

[steve]

... and definitely toss the pellets that he came with.