Hey all. I have had a baby Florida softshell hatchling in with my smooth and spiny brand new 20 gallon for about a week now. I bought him last Thursday and he has not eaten anything yet. He just buries himself in the sand and hides all day. He seems to be in good health otherwise. Whenever I feed the other two turtles they eat like crazy and the Florida simply stays hidden, or hides at the sight of me. Do you think he will start eating on his own or should I concerned? The tank is a 20 gallon long filled with about 4 inches of sand and another 6 inches of water on top of that. They also have four live plants and a basking spot provided by a piece of slate rock. The other two hatchlings bask, eat and swim actively. What should I do here?
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Florida Softshell hatchling won't eat!
Replies (1)
SOUTHERN FLORIDA CORUCIA RESEARCH CENTER (SFCRC)
Location: LEE/1
Hello,
Florida softshells (Softshell's in general for that matter) hide in substrate. This is normal. They are also largely nocturnal. Keep this in mind when observing feeding. If it is obvious that she/he is not eating, offer variety. -Feeder guppies, aquatic turtle pellets, flaked fish food, etc. We have a rescued hatchling florida softshell here at the present time. He was crossing 441 and was about to be creamed.
I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Brian
SFCRC
