Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have had this baby painter for 4 months now. Up until about 4 days ago he was eating very good: pellets, fish food, mealworms mostly. I have a heater and a basking lamp and a UV light also. He is in a 125 gallon setup and the temp in the tank is about 80 degrees.

About 4 days ago he stopped eating and is basically basking under the light all the time I have in on. He is responsive, as when I try to pick him up he goes in the water.

Should I crank the water temp up any higher or should I just hope he gets hungry in the next couple of days?

Thanks

First I would try to rule out health problems. Is he sounding raspy? does his nose make bubbles (when on land)? Are his eyes swollen, red or pussy? If none of these then I would start trying new foods.
Try shrimp (dried, cooked, or live), feeder fish (rosies, guppies), crickets, plants, other types of worms, romain lettuce, dandilion greens, and flies (dried or live) just to name a few. Try some of these and see if he eats. Since he's still a baby he might not like the greens that much right now, but they are worth a shot. If he eats these things I would suggest the shrimp on occasion as it is fatty. Then the other meats every 2-3 days and greens everyday when he gets to be an adult (4 inches I believe, but could be wrong).

LB,

As far as any symtoms, that is a negative. Just got back from the Vet with him and he suggested it may be Stress from being with Bigger turtles in the tank.

He has been in the 125 gallon tank with these two other red eared sliders (6 1/2 inches and 5 inches) for 4 months and has had no problem eating up until 5 days ago. So, I am not sure this is the issue, but I will take my Vets advise and seperate them for awhile and see if this works.

I will also take your advice on different types of food.

Thanks