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I adopted a red eared slider turtle from my shelter who was abandoned. Everything I’ve read says I need to feed him leafy greens and pellets. He won’t touch them. I’ve even tried soaking them in tuna before giving them to him. The only thing I can get him to eat is shrimp. I’m worried he’s going to get sick from lack of greens/pellets. Any suggestions on how to get him to eat these? Or any types he might find more desirable? I’ve had him for a month.

I adopted a red eared slider turtle from my shelter who was abandoned. Everything I’ve read says I need to feed him leafy greens and pellets. He won’t touch them. I’ve even tried soaking them in tuna before giving them to him. The only thing I can get him to eat is shrimp. I’m worried he’s going to get sick from lack of greens/pellets. Any suggestions on how to get him to eat these? Or any types he might find more desirable? I’ve had him for a month.

Updated On October 2nd, 2017

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

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My recommendations are as follows. Really, though most issues related to turtles not eating are due to improper husbandry so please review all the husbandry and make sure everything is spot on (temperature, lighting, etc). 1. Try a different brand of pellets. I would suggest Mazuri - I think it is the best and most balanced. http://www.mazuri.com/mazurifreshwaterturtlediet-2-1.aspx 2. Check the temperature of the water.. Turtles are cold blooded reptiles and will not eat if the temperature is too cold. For aquatic turtles, the water temperature should be about 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The basking area should be between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. 3. Provide more light. Your turtle also needs adequate light to have a healthy appetite. Aquatic turtles need both UVA and UVB light in their tank. Provide your turtle with 12 to 14 hours of light followed by 10 to 12 hours of darkness. 4. Give your turtle live food. Your turtle is attracted to movement and may prefer to eat live food such as crickets, mealworms, waxworms, earthworms, snails, slugs, or small pinky mice. Live food also has a strong odor that is attractive to your turtle. Be careful with digging up earthworms and giving them to your turtle. If the lawn has been treated with chemicals, do not give the earthworms to your turtle. It is best to buy earthworms from a bait store. Your turtle may also enjoy eating grubs, beetles, pill bugs, crayfish, flies, grasshoppers, bloodworms, and spiders. 5. Switch up the diet and learn your turtle's preferences. For example, you may finely chop vegetables and pellets and dip them in bloodworm juice one day and then provide mangoes and pellets in tuna water the next day. It may be helpful to keep a diary of feedings and how your turtle responds. This will help you learn what your turtle likes. 6. Feed your turtle early in the morning. Turtles tend to be active early in the morning and prefer to eat then. Many turtles will refuse to eat if given food at other times of the day. Try giving your turtle food as close to dawn as possible. Take your turtle to the veterinarian. If your turtle is not responding to any of he food you offer and the environmental changes, see your veterinarian. Not only could your turtle be fighting an illness, but its health is also at risk when it refuses to eat. Receiving a professional analysis increases the chances of discovering the problem, and a quicker solution eliminates the possibility of your turtle's condition worsening. Here is a care sheet with items you can try to feed: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=17+1797&aid=2613 DON'T FORGET THE VITAMIN/CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT!! Hope this helps. Best wishes!

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