Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got my baby hatchling two days ago and he still has no interest in eating. When we got him, there were feeder fish in the aquariam.But we have tried tuna fish,feeder fish and worms. My father who has previous refference with turtles said I should just let him get used to his envirement, Well , Should I? Could it also be that he has a painted turtle in there with him that is the size of a fist when he is the size of a quarter?
Any suggestions will help.

Thanks,
Kayla

yes, i would be surprised if your painted turtle doesnt eat your baby slider.
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My turtle had that problem when I got it but I think she ate just without my seeing it but I put chicken with her and she loved it. So it might just be the apeal in varieties of food

I took out the Painted Turtle and put a little worm in the cage, went outside to dig for worms, came back and half of it was gone!

Kayla

You are asking for big problems by keeping these 2 turts
together! There are many problems with this including the
little one not eating. He is probably terrified!

Keep them in separate containers until the slider gets
closer to the painted's size.

Linda

The painted turtle is only two inches long, and the lil one is one inch, sorry for saying he was the size of a fist!

I once had a 2" slider that bit the tails off of 2 hatchling snapping turtles.
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Yes, separate them. Also, try hatchling pellets, feeder fish are not the best food source for turtles, they are more of a treat. It may take a week for your baby to settle in and start eating, although my hatchlings started eating right out of the box.
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THe problem for most people is that they are so excited to get a new animal, that they stress the animal out too much. This will happen with fish, snakes, turtles. Let the little ones get used to their surroundings without pestering them constantly. Many animals will not eat if they don't feel safe and secure. Let the turtle get comfortable first, then try some small pellets. Don't stare at the turtle while it tries to eat, simply leave the room. Slowly include people interaction. I don't think you will have a problem once your little one feels safe.

Matt