how to feed blind turtle?

Question

We recently purchased a red ear hatchling who has an underdeveloped eye and doesnt use it. He just sits and basks all day. I have recently decided to try to feed him by hand but am unsure how to do this. when I pick him up, he open his mouth to which I put food in and then put him the water to gulp but he just lets to food go. Is there another way?

Answer 1

A turtle hunts partially by sight and partially by scent. It should hunt just fine with one eye and will get used to it.

Turtles MUST be in water to eat and swallow, and they are usually stressed by being held. Turtles can be trained to take food from your fingers, but you do it by holding the food in the water for it.

Underdeveloped eye? or an eye infection? You might want to stop by the medical Care section of http://www.austinsturtlepage.com for eye care ideas.

Answer 2

Hi there. I have 4 red ear sliders. All rescues. When 3 were babies...they refused the turtle pellets at the time. I got bloodworms from the pet store, got chopsticks and put some worms against their mouth. They ate those up quick! I think they're easier to eat because they're so skinny and small compared to other grubs. But mine weren't blind so good luck!

Also, maybe put him in really shallow water to feed him when you're waving the worms at him so he can munch easily. Holding him, trying to get him to bite and then putting him in the water might be difficult to get food in him. Red ears chomp and sometimes spit out when they're eating when you dump them back in the water with food in their mouth. That might be the problem you're encountering.

Answer 3

I think you're approaching this the right way. Make sure you are giving it proper food, don't put the turtle in the water and make sure to follow a schedule, that way the turtle will learn when feeding time comes about.

Answer 4

relies upon what your feeding her. when you're feeding minnows, then merely swing it slowly in the front of her face, letting it gently contact the mouth. If its pellets, then rub them in some fish nutrition, so it receives some heady scent on it and likewise, gently contact round the mouth with it. I not in any respect had to cope with this actual problem. merely needed to provide some options; i love purple ear sliders.

Answer 5

my sister had a blind turtle...she handfed it cat/dog food with a spoon
you might try holding a cricket or worm with tweezers and put it in the turtles face so he can smell or sense it

Answer 6

try getting him worms and when he opens his mouth put it in this is how i have gotten many box turtles to eat u can also try some lettuce but dont give up to easily they eventually get hungry enough