Turtle won't eat

by Anonymous
(Anonymous)

Hi, I recently purchased two baby red ear slider, one of them seemed to be suffering from a vitamin A deficit and have not been eating for about two weeks at home and since I don't know when at the pet shop.

I gave him capsules of cod liver oil (put it on its eyes and pour it in its mouth every time he would open it), I also made him swim in carrot juice before trying the cod liver oil and put him in the sun everyday since about 4 days. Now, his eyes are barely swollen, yet he won't open them or rarely open them and still does not eat, even when he has his eyes open and food in front of him. His water is clean as I change it everyday, but still won't eat and keep basking on a rock in the dry. He rarely goes in water. What should I do to get him eat? I am afraid that it will die of starvation as it has been a long time since he has not eaten anything.

Comments for Turtle won't eat

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Mar 28, 2011

Red eared slider with eye and eating problems
by: Shelly

At this point, you may need to see a vet. This is a long time for an animal to be without food.

I think you problem may be partially related to light. If you are putting your turtle in sunlight -- I hope that's outside, because through the window doesn't count -- for 4 hours, I think it's not getting enough UVB. You need a UVB light to be on for about 12 hours per day. Turtles need UVB to get their digestive tracts working properly.

A visit to a vet can tell you if there are other issues as well. You've already done a lot to help, but I think it's time to bring in a professional to be sure you haven't done all this for nothing.

Keep it slow and steady.

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