Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have 2 Res, about 9 months old. They are in a 65 gal tank. I have a fluval 304 filter. UVA/UVB lights as well as a basking light. Water temp around 70-73. Basking area about 80. I have been feeding them zoo med low protien floating pellets..enough to fit in their heads , since I have had them. I give them a variety of greens, and shrimp as a treat. They have always been exicted to eat and have had great appetites. I was over feeding them in the begining, but have been feeding them less since I realized. My question is.. the past three days they have not been interested in their pellets, greens or shrimps. They seem to be acting normal other than that. They are basking and swimming and come to greet me when I enter the room. Is it normal for them to not be hungry sometimes? I am noticing although that my larger one, Bratwurst, seems more lethargic, sleeping a little more. I have looked at their eyes and noses and they seem fine. I am just worried because they have always had good appetites and I am seeing no waste either. I have a vet I can take them to on Monday, just wondering if anyone can tell me if sometimes they aren't hungry. If anyone knows, please let me know asap as I am a worried mom. Thanks- Laura

Well, I have had my guys for 5 years or so and they have never refused food as long as I have had them.

Any time a reptile has a loss of appetite and seems lethargic he should get checked out. Reptiles generally show no sign of illness until they are very sick.

The only other thing I would suggest is to raise the temp of the basking spot to 85 degrees, but that shouldnt cause them to not eat.
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A mans got to do what a mans got to do. A woman has to do what he can't.

Mom to:

1 little boy born 7/19/04
2 male RES, born 1999
1 ribbon snake, age unknown
3 FBT, ages unknown
1 female bearded dragon, born 5/2002
1 male lab mix, born 5/24/03
1 female calico cat, born 6/7/04

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sig file edited 1/29/05 [phw]

Thank-You for your quick response. I will take them in the AM to my vet. I haven't had to do this yet, how do I transport them ? Do I need to keep them in water?

I have never had to do this either, however it is probally a short trip so they would be OK out of water for a little while [they bask out of the water]. If it is a long way or you expect to be gone for hours I recommend some sort of plastic cassorole dish. It will hold enough water, and give them enough room for half the day, and is easily transportable and cleaned at the end of the day. You do not need to bring their whole setup to the vet, I just rescued a turtle from a tupperware bowl it had been living in for 2 years! they are pretty hardy for the most part.
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Joshua M Guillemette

1.1.0 Children [Deven 10 & Hailey due June 1]
2.1.0 Cats [Micah, Judo, & Elizabeth]
1.0.0 Bunny [Bugs]
1.0.1 Red Belly Sliders [Bernulli & Schrödinger]
2.0.0 Yellow Belly Sliders [Maxwell & LaPlace]
0.0.2 Cumberlands [Pascal & Joule]
1.2.1 Red Ear Sliders [Kepler, Napier, Gauss, & Kelvin]

Thanks . Now I am just hoping that the stress of the trip doesn't harm them. It is not far, but they were only in the car once, when I brought them home. Also, they ate some shrimps tonight, I am starting to think they are just bored with thier pellets.