Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have 2 hatchling RES, acquired Sunday at a herp show. They're not eating.

Currently in a 20-gallon filtered indoor aquarium. We're attempted pellets, live worms, live (and drowned) small crickets, and (out of desperation) tiny bits of sliced turkey. Going to get some frozen bloodworms today. Thus far the babies are terrified (one is adjusting, the other is not) and haven't eaten. (Someone on the General Turtle forum recommended romaine; we'll try that today, too.)

How do we coax them to eat?

Thanks!
Leslie

Id say they probably just need time to adjust. Make sure they have a place to hide, theyve had a rough life so far on the herp show circuit. Lots of stress from giant animals called people always looking at them. Give them some privacy, and make sure the water is warm around 80F. They will usually come around. Also make sure theyre always fed in water, as they can not swallow unless they are in water.
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iturnrocks.com

Actually they can swallow if they are not in water. I just wanted to make this point because one of my new rescues was kept out of water for over a year and was forced to eat and drink on dry land.

Sad but true.

For some reason whenever I get a stubborn one that is not eating... frozen krill always brings them right out of it. Being that they are newly aquired, I would give them a little more time. Also, you have to take into consideration where you purchased them from. The stress and trauma of being packed up and taken to a show where hundreds of people touch you and gawk at you.... also do you know where the person you bought them from got them? Were they WC or did he/she breed them?

If by this sunday they still have not eaten, Take them into your local vet (any vet can do this) and have them administer them a Vitamin B shot. Vitamin B will stimlate activity and appitite. It is possible that they were kept in a cold environment before the show and are slightly dormant or approaching a winter-state.

I would strongly suggest getting them in a bigger tank too. Two in a 20gal is not nearly as big as it needs to be. You need 10gals for ever inch and assuming each one is 4 inches you need an 80gallon aquarium. You and your turtles will be much happier.

Good luck.

i took his/her 'baby turtles' to be around like an inch each, but even when they are this small, the 20 gallon will not last long at all!
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~ Evie

Pets:
RIP 0.1.0 German Shepherd {Dusty}
0.1.0 German Shepherd/Collie mix {Shadoe}
0.0.2 RES turtles {Booger & Snot}
1.0.0 African Clawed Frog {Bingo}
0.0.2 Snail {Gary & Larry}

Grrrr... I really hope they are not that small.

Shame on the people who sell them.

i cant say anything.. mine are that small (or at least they were)... i love them when they are small, but i know that most people dont look up the info on how to care for them or anything else! it's a shame how many people buy them and think that they can live in a 10 gallon tank forever! thanks to these people who are only out to make a buck.... i believe in the circle theory "whatever goes around, comes around", these people will get what is coming to them eventually!
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~ Evie

Pets:
RIP 0.1.0 German Shepherd {Dusty}
0.1.0 German Shepherd/Collie mix {Shadoe}
0.0.2 RES turtles {Booger & Snot}
1.0.0 African Clawed Frog {Bingo}
0.0.2 Snail {Gary & Larry}