Feeding and Nutrition :: My Turtle Hasn't Eaten in about a Month(HELP)

[turtl3sRul3]

It was starting to get cold out and I brought my turtle inside into his big aquarium. But he hasnt eaten the pellets that he usually eats tons of. And i tried feeding him everything and i dont know what to do. Could it be because he was getting ready to hibernate so he just doesnt want to eat. Please help me. I love my turtle and dont want anything to happen to him

[megcornell]

Can you describe the inside set up? What are the temps of the water and the basking area? If the water is too cool it will slow down a turtle's metabolism and stop his appetite. It can also cause a respiratory infection so it's ideal to have a temp in the mid to high 70s.

[turtl3sRul3]

The tank has aquatic flooring, he has a log to go up on to bask in the basking lite, the water is in the 60 to 70 range. How would i raise the water temp. And i had him outside and then at first i thought about leaving him in the pond but he is young and i wanted to keep him in the big tank i just bought him. 6ft by 3ft. It was cold out so do u think he just stocked up on food or something for the winter. I mean he used to eat at least 20-30 pellets a day.

[steve]

have you gone over this page?

http://www.redearslider.com/entice_eating.html

[RunninWideOpen]

You'll need a water heater to get that temp up. Water temp is very important.....likely the reason he's not eating. They're pretty cheap and you can fnd them in any pet store. While you're there, pick up a thermometer to keep in your tank so you know exactly what the temp is. Again, very important.

How big is your turtle? It sounds like you may be significantly over feeding him. My girls are 7" long now and they only get about a dozen of the regular reptomin sticks, 3 times a week.

If you have been overfeeding, that won't effect his appetite now. I'd say the water temp is the culprit. Hopefully, he hasn't contracted RI or anything else from being too close. Keep an eye on his behavior an make sure he doesn't show any signs of sickness.

Have you checked out the main site for all of the basic care needs?

[industrial_girl_2000]

have you gone over this page?

http://www.redearslider.com/entice_eating.html

Definitely go to this page that Steve mentioned above & read the info.

Also, your water is WAAAAAAAY too cold. Turtles won't eat when the water is that cold. For about $20, you can get a water heater & thermometer for his tank so you can verify that his water is warm enough. The water has to be warm (around 78 degrees F) in order for them to be able to digest their food. This is critical. If the water is too cold, they can also get sick. Correct water temp will also boost their immune system.

[marisa]

You also need to do some reading about how much to feed your turtle.

[turtl3sRul3]

Thanks, I mean he is about 4in and he is active and he basks under the lamp, he swims and he used to love the food. but when i put it in hes not interested any more. Any tips with whats the best food for him that they go crazy for

[turtl3sRul3]

One question. I dont know if i can get the heater until christmas. Is there any thing i can do till then. Like poor warm water in or something. Because i dont want anything to happen to him but i just dont have the money right now. Any further opinions on what i should do please help

[megcornell]

Have you checked heater prices? Most are pretty cheap. I just bought a new stealth heater for my tank for $21.
The key is to have a consistent, warm temperature... so while adding warm water will raise the temp a little for a short period of time, it won't do anything in the long run, and the temp changes may be even more harmful for your turtle.
Get the heater as soon as you can.

[Cim*Forever]

Maybe you could ask for an early Christmas present and get the heater now?

[mikee]

turtl3sRul3 – Please don’t pour hot or warm water in the tank. What you will be doing, is quickly changing his temperature up then down, then up, then down. What your pet turtle needs is a constant temperature of 78 degrees. If he still doesn’t eat raise it to 80 and no more. Unless he is very sick, he will eat. The hot cold, hot cold thing (ain’t) good for your turtle. It will cause RI very quickly.

[turtl3sRul3]

i just saved up money and bought a good heater, thermometer, and a turtle dock. Hopefully he will start eating and be happier. How many watt bulb should i use for the basking lamp.

[SpotsMama]

Lots of people use a 75 watt bulb. You'll have to experiment with moving it closer and further away until you find just the right distance that will heat the basking area to the right temp for your turtle.

[marisa]

Use the wattage that will put the temp in the 88-90F range but won't require the light to be so close that your turtle can touch it or so hot that you have trouble putting the light far enough away from him to get it in that range.