Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i have a new baby florida snapping turtle, and im worried about him, he hasnt shown interest in food that ive offered him (pellets, hatchling pellets, meat, and dried shrimp)

he has a basking rock, but cant fully climb on top of it, a 50w basking light, a uv light, and heater, that keeps water at 78 degrees

what should i do to get him to eat? put another turtle in there so it can show him whats food? if so i have a red ear slider or miss. map turtle i can put with him, thank you for your time and please help =[

No do not put any other turtles in there if they are close in size they will out compete it for food. Plus when they get close in size the may become food for the snapper. How deep is the water he should have a basking spot that he can climb out on completely. Try live fish for awhile also if you are living in a cool area it may be preparing for brumation(hibernation). generaly though if you place the food near it ie. meat or frozen bloodworms it will take a few bites of it. They usually don't eat pellets while young or any age really at least the ones I've seen/worked with.