I purchased a cb wood turtle in Feb. of this year. After an initial acclimation period of about two weeks he/she took off and ate almost anything offered...from pinkies, worms and crickets to prepared aquatic turtle sticks. Now for some reason it has significantly reduced feeding and refuses anything other than turtle sticks...and it will only take a few of them at a time. Nothing in its' environment has changed really and I am puzzled as to why it has slowed down so much...is there a summer aestivation or perhaps since it skipped hibernation last season, could there be some seasonal confusion...any advice?
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Wood turtle fasting
ramonesfan
May 20, 2007 05:59 AM
Replies (4)
kensopher
May 25, 2007 10:47 PM
I have a few questions. How old is it and what species(NA or SA)? Are you feeding it mostly in, or out of, water? What are your temperatures like? Full spectrum lighting, bulb type? What day/night cycle are you currently running? Has the turtle grown? Is the turtle hiding excessively, basking, trying to escape?
Both Neotropical and North American Wood turtles typically have ravenous appetites. It is rare for them to fast, but they may for various reasons. In my experience(only with NA Woods), it is never a good thing unless it is associated with a seasonal change.
It has been a while since you posted. Any improvement?
ramonesfan
May 26, 2007 07:48 AM
Thanks...sorry I didn't post back so soon, I have a crazy work schedule with long hours. He/She is a North American Wood it was approx. 1.5" when I perchased it, it is now nearly 3." Though it is active, alert and eating some food still (by some I mean approx 10-15 reptomin sticks per every other day feeding)...it has just lost interest in any other food item and is definately a lot less ravenous than it used to be.
ramonesfan
May 26, 2007 07:49 AM
Oh sorry, the temps are mid 70's and it is and has always only eaten in the water
Buslady
May 27, 2007 03:19 PM
as long as he is eating something thats okay. dont worry. cos my CA woods will go off formerly favorite things and just eat pellet, or forget pellet and want something else...so if he's eating pellet, that'll keep the nutrients getting in him...thats good.
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Buslady of SoCal
Breeder of Ornate Wood Turtles
Rhinoclemmys Pulcherrima Manni
Mom: Jessie; Dad: Donatello
Kids: Steve, Leo, Bender, Herbie, And baby 5
