Feeding and Nutrition :: Not eating - winter months correlation?

[sweetgarbage]

I have a female RES, around 10 years old. I have a 50 gallon tank, filled up with basking area above, filstar xp3 filter, water temp 75, basking area has coil uva/uvb lamp and ceramic heat lamp. She's active, swimming, alert, comes up to me and is basking.

My problem at the moment is that she hasn't been eating - I've tried to pique her interest with worms, but she wasn't into it. This happened around the same time last year, took her to my local herp vet and he gave her a clean bill of health and a Vitamin C shot and her appetite was back within a few days.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has this happen during the winter months? Does your turtle slow their eating habits? Any other ideas to pique the appetite? If she hasn't eaten by Monday, I am going to make an appointment with my herp vet but I'm just looking to try something else over the weekend.

[steve]

Wow, long time between posts

A few have noticed that their RES go into SAD (seasonal affective disorder), though I can't claim any experience with it. Basically there is a lack of activity (but not lethargy) and pickiness with appetite. How many days has it been when she last ate?

Have you tried any live feeder fish? Maybe you want to try the jello-shot recipe?

Lastly, there is some reservation about Vitamin A shots... it seems as if it is something that is overdone.

[marisa]

Turtles make their own Vit C, so it would be odd to receive a Vit C shot. If you mean Vit A, rather than getting it as a shot, try feeding more foods with beta carotene in them---red peppers, squash, pumpkin, etc. Your RES will use it to make Vit A.

My RES's behavior doesn't really change, but my Eastern Painteds become more picky about what they eat and definitely favor protein-based food as opposed to leafy greens.

How long has she not been eating? If she's been given a clean bill of health, I'd try feeding her less (or less often) so that when she does see food, she'll be more apt to eat it.

[sweetgarbage]

Her not eating has been over a week - the behavior started after I was away for a few days. My timer is broken so I asked my roommate to turn on the light for the day and I suspect that maybe it was forgotten. So the room was pretty dim for days if that is the case.

I've upped the temperature of the water and am leaving the the coil lamp on for longer hours to try to jump start the metabolism. I will definitely try the beta carotene rich foods more - just need to get her started eating something!

[steve]

Any luck?

[sweetgarbage]

Not yet

She's still very active and alert so I am trying not to worry so. Still waiting to be able to make a vet appointment. But because of the snow here, the office was closed today. I am hoping they reopen tomorrow.

[sweetgarbage]

She started eating this morning. Ugh, finally, what a little stinker!

[steve]

Good to hear! I think a veggie clip will help when they're picky about eating.