Feeding and Nutrition :: hatchings not eating?

[LeslieMW]

i just got a new turtle, most likely a hatchling, and it's not eating. i have all of my other turtles favorite treats and it doesnt even notice the food, even when i hold it up to her face. how can i get her to eat? will i have to force-feed?

[TheComputerGremlin]

How long have you had your hatchling?

Often turtles won't eat for a few days or a week or two when they are presented with a new environment. I would just give your turtle a few days to relax.

Also, hatchlings are notorious for being ill. Keep an eye on your hatchling, but give it enough time and space to get comfortable.

[LeslieMW]

alright thanks.

but since you mention them being ill...

it is very active and swims around normaly...haven't seen it bask though.

and there is this thing that when it blinks, sometimes her right eyelid will stay shut...any thoughts?

[Raphulk]

do her eyes seem swollen to you?

[LeslieMW]

no her eyes seem fine. just sometimes i see her keeping her left eye closed.

[steve]

Is it housed with the other turtles?

[LeslieMW]

no, not right now. it's in its own enclosure.

[Red Eared Squirt]

Hey my young turtle isnt doing to well either. I just got him but im worried about how much hes eating. He hasnt even touched his food for the pass few days. What should I do now?

[LeslieMW]

well i'm guessing that maybe they just don't eat until they get completely settled into their new home.

but what i'm doing now is mixing 1/2 water and 1/2 clear unflavored pedialyte.

i think it's working..today i saw my little turtle and it was biting at some of the tank decorations so something is definitely happening. it still won't take food yet though.

[Fuzzy Hamster]

Just curious, where are you putting the pedialyte, in the tank, or in a separate feeding dish?

[LeslieMW]

oh a separate dish

[steve]

Make sure the water is around 80F and try to get him to start eating! Here are some enticing food ideas: http://www.redearslider.com/entice_eating.html

Live prey will probably get his immediate interest, so I would concentrate on foods in that category.

[LeslieMW]

update: stella ate something! horray!
but she prefers to eat the bubbles off the water heater! haha

[malcomb88]

does pedialite really help turtles when they feel bad/or ill? just for future ref. just wondering if i should invest in some.

[TMNTmommie]

I wouldn't go running out to get some right now. It is recommended when turtles aren't getting their vitamins and such. But you'll be fine for right now.