Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey guys - I know I keep bothering about this, but i just don't know what to do. I have two RES hatchlings that haven't eaten for approximately two weeks. One of their shells is becoming flimsy, I am guessing it is because there is a lack of Calcium and Vitamin D. I have tried moistening food and feeding it to them on a Q-tip to get it between their mouth. I have tried reptomin baby sticks, brine shrimp, warming up the water to about 85 degrees, and today i went out and bought mealworms trying to get something that moved in the aquarium to entice their appetite. If anybody has any suggestions, I would appreciate it so much, I am really worried about them. Thanks

Meredith

Hey,

If you can acquire some earthworms, those might stimulate the appetite. They wiggle and turtles seem to be naturally unable to resist them.

At this point however, if you are still worried, I'd offer bits of chicken, beef, or fish to see if they want that. Although it's not a staple food item and unhealthy in the long run, personally I'd like to see them begin to eat something rather than nothing. In times of emergency, I've offered mine lean pork, squid, canned dog food, etc. This was a while back though and I've steered clear of most of this fatty stuff. Good luck.

JOhnny

I have a friend whose turt wasn't eating and she blended some earthworms, calcium dust and a little bit of water and put it in a suringe with a plastic needle tip and feed him that way. It took her only two feeding and he started to eat. She held him in the water and did it though because she was afraid he would choke. Just an idea.

Definately try peices of earthworm. Also, see if your pet store has frozen blood worms in the fish section. Most hatchlings like those.

Katrina