Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I have a 4 yr old RES who is not eating. He normally eats 10 pellets of Aquatic Turtle food each day. But he stopped eating. I cleaned out the tank, which I do every two weeks. I am using a water cleaner (Turtle Clean) to keep the water clean. I have a flu val filter which I keep clean as well. In addition, he has his light and rock which he normally basks on daily. He's been basking a lot, not going in the water. I changed the water now, but it did not appear dirty. I recently had a snail in the tank which didn't make it. Any suggestions? He won't even eat the shrimp snack that I give him. The water temp. is about 78. Thx.

i was goibg to say he might be trying to hibernate, but thet usually stay in the water to do that. they may try to hibernate at this time of year even if their habitat stays warm enough. that still could be the reason. if you have a digital scale i would weigh him and continue to do so regularly, as long as he isnt losing weight it shouldnt be a problem. it may also be a good idea to take him to the vet.

I've had my 5 inch RES for a year now, and I noticed he'll be more active and suddenly eat more the hotter the temp. Last weekend when I left my fireplace on near him he finally went after the feeder fish that have been living with him for 6 months. Ate 4 in one night. So you could try heating him up a little more.

What is you basking area temperature? How many hours a day is the basking light on?

Any other abnormal things. (eyes closed or swollen, gasping for air or bubbles from the nose?)