Why is my red eared slider's appetite change?

Question

I had recently bought mealworms for my red eared slider from my a petshop near my house and my turtle loved them but the nexy day when i put my turtle in a separate container to feed it like I always do it would always try to climb. I've always feed it in the same container. What do you think is happenning? Oh and also i feed it reptomin turtle stix. My turtle is about 3 inches. I got it when it was the size or a quarter. Its 1 years old.

Answer 1

Assuming there has been no temperature drop since it is summer, I think the answer is a bit more simple than most responses indicate!

Mealworms and large crickets can clog the gut, since the material that makes their crunchy exterior doesn't digest easily. This is a more common problem in toads, but can happen in turtles, too.

Since your turtle is likely a tad constipated, follow all the recommendations made her to make sure he's warm enough to properly digest and clear out his gut. Turtles can be little gluttons when they like a food. Mealworms are quite fatty, and as you see, might be throwing off your turtle's digestion. Although he might be willing to eat just as many again, make sure you feed him less at a time in the future until you are sure whether or not this was the problem.

Answer 2

how often are you feeding? some turtles don't need to eat everyday, although mine seem to always be looking for a meal. My turtles won't even feed in a separate container, they just swim around and try to climb out. they only eat in their tank. Most turtles will readily eat zoo med turtle flakes if they won't do the sticks or pellets, but if you've had your turtle for a year they may just be picky, or sick and have no appetite. give em a few days to come around, if not, see a vet.

Answer 3

instances where a RES refuses to eat, you need to first make sure the water temperatures are correct (75-78F). Temperatures that are too cold will inhibit appetite and reduce activity. If you are a new red ear slider owner, you need to understand that you must feed them in water. You can simple drop food in and in some cases feed by hand. You may NOT want to try that initially, since being in a new environment will be very stressful and distracting.

RES must eat in water and food that is alive, has a strong odor and/or bright color usually work well. For instance, water from canned tuna fish may be used to moisten pellets to strengthen taste and smell. Remember, foods that are used to encourage eating are not a staple food or even the optimal treat. They should be rarely used or not at all and is only a temporary solution. Remember to not over feed and overcompensate for previously missed meals. Here are some suggestions from the previous lists to try to entice a reluctant RES.

Live prey Feeder fish
Guppies
Rosy red minnows
Crickets (pinhead)
Earthworms
Mealworms


Processed / cooked / canned foods Boiled egg whites
Boiled white chicken, turkey meat
Salmon (Canned - in water)
Tuna fish (Canned - in water)
Bloodworm (Midge fly larvae)
Crickets (pinhead)
Gammarus (shrimp)
Mealworms (freeze-dried)


Related Topics: Overfeeding
Methods to Entice Eating Pellets, Vegetables

Pellets should be the staple of our turtle’s diet. If you haven’t done so already, you should purchase a new can of reputable pellets. As mentioned earlier, soaking pellets in tuna water is often worth an attempt. The strong taste and smell can make a pellet more appetizing. You can quickly dip a pellet in this water or you can marinate or soak for a short while and let it dry a little to harden up.

You can also crush and mix pellets with other foods (see above list). However, try to stick with pellets and gradually increase the pellet concentration. New turtles, whether a hatchling or adult, may be very reluctant to eat in a new, distracting environment.

Over time, pellets will dissolve and break apart in the water. Do not assume your turtle is eating because you no longer find pellets in the water. Remember to not over feed and overcompensate for previously missed feedings.

Since vegetables should be an important diet of RES, especially older ones, turtle keepers have also been able to apply this method for vegetables. It is worth noting that younger RES are more carnivorous and will be more accepting of pellets and prey. You should continue to offer it, regardless if your turtle shows interest. One option that has also worked well for others is adding aquatic plants. They are relatively maintenance free and will live in your tank until eaten. Make sure you rinse any aquatic plants before adding them into your tank. They are known to harbor snails, which your turtle may even be interested in but can over run your tank.

Answer 4

It could be that you feed it to much and remember that mealworms should be fed to every other day because they are a bit fatty and if you feed them alot they it might cause them digestion problems, try feeding it pellets or lettuce for a change...

Answer 5

Could be many reasons. What is his setup like? Heat basking area? UVB lighting? Water heater, water filter, frequent water changes, vitamins? RES need a large variety in their diets. Check out the diet section at this website for complete info:

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-red_ear_slider.htm

Answer 6

it could be too cold . We had this problem before and putting the tank on a warm spot solved it.

Answer 7

they do that so time it is normal