Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Everyone,

I have 2 small red eared sliders. Recently, one of them has started to eat less and less. He does not seem to be totally sluggish and inactive, but he has been exercising less and less. He used to eat Reptomin from TetraFauna and Nutrafin Turtle Gammarus Pellets. He still likes to eat TetraFauna Gammarus Reptotreats. I tried some greens too, but he is uninterested. I'm going to take him to the vet soon, but I was wondering if there was something I could do before the visit. He lives with another turtle of the same size in a 25 gallon tank that is 74-78 degrees F throughout the day with a basking light, dry-out spot, etc.

Happy New Year too

Thank you!

It's possible that the other turtle is intimidating this one. Just like any animals they tend to establish a pecking order & sometimes they won't eat if they fear a cage/tank mate.
Try feeding it in a container alone and see if it will eat without anyone or the other turtle watching.

You could also try a variety of live foods, different types of worms, crickets, fish.

The vet appt. is still a good idea though, it never hurts to have a wellness checkup.
-----
PHRatz

Ok Thanks for the advice!

Another note: the two turtles have lived together since birth and have gotten along just fine. The turtle of concern is male and his tank-mate is female--so I don't think domination is the problem; if it were, I think it would have been the other way around. But this is just my guess...is it possible?

the vet visit is tomorrow :]