What should I do if my red-eared slider turtle doesn’t eat?

The red-eared slider, also known as the red-eared turtle and the Brazilian painted turtle, is a very popular pet turtle, famous for its cute appearance, easy to raise and strong interactivity. However, during the maintenance process, the red-eared slider may stop eating. What should we do? Let’s learn more about it below.

1. Environmental issues

Red-eared sliders need a warm, dry and quiet environment. If its habitat is not suitable, it may feel uncomfortable and not want to eat. So check that its habitat is suitable and make sure its temperature, water quality and lighting are correct.

2. Problems during the adaptation period

The main reason why a newly arrived red-eared slider turtle doesn't eat is that it is not used to the new environment. After a week or a little longer, it will naturally adapt and then start eating. If you are afraid that it will starve, you can add glucose to the water to supplement its nutrition, or manually pry open its mouth and feed it.

3. Improper feeding

If you only feed a single food for a long time, the red-eared slider will lose interest in this food and may stop eating. Generally speaking, red-eared sliders need to eat a variety of different foods, including vegetables , fruits , insects and fish. At the same time, pay attention to establishing regular feeding habits to ensure that the food is fresh and nutritionally balanced.

4. Hibernation problem

Red-eared sliders hibernate or remain dormant during the winter, during which time their appetite decreases or stops. It is recommended that protein and fat-rich foods should be provided a few months before hibernation to help red-eared sliders store enough energy. In addition, you should ensure that your red-eared slider has consumed enough water before hibernation to prevent dehydration.

5. Causes of disease

If a red-eared slider refuses to eat, disease is a factor that should be considered. If your red-eared slider shows any signs of illness, such as a runny nose, vomiting, lethargy, coughing, etc., you should take it to the veterinarian immediately. Through veterinary examination, the cause of the disease can be discovered in time, the cause can be treated, and the problem can be solved in time.

In general, if your red-eared slider has not eaten or refuses to eat for a long time, you need to find the cause in time and give appropriate treatment. At the same time, creating a comfortable and healthy living environment for red-eared sliders is also conducive to improving their appetite.