Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I have a painted, approximately 5 or 6 months old. Recently, she hasn't been interested in her blood worms that she used to love. I got some shrimp and she liked that for a day or 2 but then would nibble and leave the rest. I always add some freeze dried crickets and she's been eating that but not much at all. What I am getting at is her appetite has diminished greatly. Is this because hybrinating seasonis approaching and it is natural? Thanks for your help.

What temperature is your water? Maybe you need to raise it. Also that is a lot of protein. Do you have any water plants in there. I usually put a lot of duckweed. My Painted's love it.

Thanks for replying. I just recently got her a water heater and am slowly getting her acclimated to the warmer water-I didn't want to shock her from being in the unheated cooler water. Currently it is at 75 degrees F. I haven't tried duck weed. Would I find this at a local pet store? I have tried giving her romaine lettuce and some other veggies but she is not interested. I have left some floating in her water hoping she'd nibble but she doesn't touch it. I have Baby Reptomin pellets that I give her as a treat in between feedings (only a few)and she LOVES those. She will never pass those up and will beg for more. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Baby Reptomin pellets , are the best thing you can give her. I know many people who only feed their water turtles Reptomin. My son is one of them. Ocassionaly he will give her a worm for protein. There are lots of people who tell you to give them a veriety of foods, but there are also a lot of people who only feed their water turtles Reptomin. As long as she eats that don't worry. I scoop up duckweed from a local pond. You can send away for water plants on the net. I usually order from WilliamTricker.com My turtles nibble on the roots, but that's it. The duckweed the eat. Believe me as long as she is eating the reptomin she will be fine. I have a little Southern Painted that will eat nothing else but pellets. She is just starting to eat a little dried shrimp. One thing they all love is worms.

Thanks again. I tried giving her just the Reptomin in her feeding tub and she didn't eat much. Interesting how she begs for it from her tank and eats them like she hasn't eaten in ages but when she has a bunch in her feeding tub,she hardy touches them...