All Turtles Message Board

Wings · Level 1 Joined: 30 Dec 2005 Posts: 7 Location: Ohio

Hey, I'm pretty new here. I came to discuss my turtle's lastest, strange eating habit. I've had him for 3 years...all has gone perfectly normal. I would wake up, check the water temp, feed him, and leave him alone. Then at night, if he was hungry, he would eat more turtle food. I'm almost positive that he's a Painted turtle.

But everything got weird when, 4 days ago, he stopped eating. I'm worried...he hasn't ate nearly anything since. I've seen him eating things, which are probably bacteria growing off the rocks, a few times, but not recently.

I just cleaned out his entire tank today; cleaned the rocks, washed out the gravel, cleaned the glass, and put in a new light bulb. I even got him a new filter because the other one wasn't working right. I gave him about an hour to adjust and to check everything out. Next, I took a pellet of food and put it over his head, as I had done before when I hand-fed him. He took it and ate it, so I thought that the problem was solved. But when I put three pellets to float on the water so he could eat, he wouldn't eat them!!

I don't want to hand-feed him forever. Twisted Evil

My dad suggested that he was sick from the old water, but I'm not so sure. What can I do to try to getting him eating his food from the water again?

(sorry it's so long..I just want to explain everything clearly) Smile

_________________
I <3 my turtle, Toby. Smile

dixieee · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2005 10:03 am Post subject:

no it's ok welcome to the board Smile

maybe the water is cold for him to eat? did u notice any signs like basking more than usual, anything with the shell, eyes..?

or it could be bcz of the change. is ur turtle a shy one? does he usually get used to new things/people quickly?

try tuna with him, if nothing's wrong then it should do the job. good luck and keep us posted
_________________
Wed 10/27/2004 is the worst day..i lost my best friend Leo

so now i have a female RES, Green, and a cute stupid male YBS, Mint

5/4/2006 RIP Lemon, u were my first rescue and i'm so proud of u. will never 4get u

Wings · Level 1 Joined: 30 Dec 2005 Posts: 7 Location: Ohio

Actually, I have found him basking more than usual. I'll turn up the heater in the tank and see if that's the problem.

No, he's never shy. In fact, I've got it so when I shake his can of turtle food that he comes to the glass because he knows it's feeding time. Smile

I'll try warming his tank up more and see if he'll eat. Smile

Thanks.
_________________
I <3 my turtle, Toby. Smile

dixieee · Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2005 10:22 am Post subject:

ok be careful about his basking and raise the temps. i still stress on tuna.

good luck and keep us posted
_________________
Wed 10/27/2004 is the worst day..i lost my best friend Leo

so now i have a female RES, Green, and a cute stupid male YBS, Mint

5/4/2006 RIP Lemon, u were my first rescue and i'm so proud of u. will never 4get u