If the turtle is drinking the Pedialyte and Ensure-then yes, that is enough to keep him alive for awhile. It is not good as a permanent diet of course- and it is no different than tube feeding him as long as he is drinking it. I would not recommend tube feeding unless the turtle becomes weak or lethargic and loses a more weight. Now it's only 2 grams, right?

Try adding a UVA light-that is a plant grow light. I was caring for an injured wild turtle hatchling over the winter months a few years ago. He was not eating, but a few days after adding the UVA light he began to eat waxworms and small superworms. I really think the UVA helped increased his appetite and made him "happy". He was more active after the addition of the plant grow light.

Have you tried feeding him in a separate tub yet? I would fill a small plastic box with a centimeter of water and tilt it up at one end with a book so most of the water goes to the lower end. Add a few bugs or worms-it's OK if they go into the water-cover the box with the top and leave him alone in a quiet room for about an hour. See if he eats.

Good luck-don't give up
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Tess Cook
www.boxturtlesite.info

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