Feeding and Nutrition :: One picky turtle, two owners at the end of their rope

[branfarm]

Hi everyone,

My wife and I have been caring for a Florida Cooter (very similar to RES) for 4 years now, and have had pretty good luck in the food department. We fed her reptomin pellets with occasional treats for years, but about a six months ago she stopped eating the reptomin pellets and we've been on a rollercoaster of trying to figure out what she will eat. We've tried the frozen food cubes with no success, tried vegetables with no success, and even tried soaking the pellets in tuna juice, which worked for maybe a couple days before she went back to turning her nose up to it. About 2 months ago we tried using superworms, which she loved up until a few days ago. Now, when we drop a worm in her tank, she either ignores it, or take a bite only to spit it all back out. Other than her eating habits, her behavior seems normal -- she basks for most of the day, she still swims around the tank, and sleeps in the normal spot at night. The temperature is consistently around 78F, which I've read is the ideal temp for keeping your turtle happy. She's about 7" long (shell length).

Can anyone offer any tips on how we can keep her eating?

Thank in advance,

Brandon

[xfallwithmexo]

By frozen food cubes do you mean the jello shot recipe? That seems to be a huge hit with many turtles including my own who are picky. Try that if you haven't already. It's one of the stickys in the feeding and nutrition area

[steve]

Have you tried minnows? Hold it by the tail to she if she's interested. I'd also try some aquatic plants or some leafy veggies attached with a veggie clip. That way she'll have something to nibble on.

I would also try different pellets like HBH turtle bites.

[Peva]

Try live fish, or just dead minnows. Turt's seem to love eating minnows, especially the deadies.

[branfarm]

Thanks for the tips everybody -- we went with the live fish and she loves them -- for now

[steve]

As with anything else in the diet, be careful not to overdo it. They can be stubborn and only beg for the bad stuff