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My red eared slider turtle won't eat. What's wrong or how to fix?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Why my red eared slider turtle don't want to eat?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on May 1st, 2017

One of the most common reasons is that the temperature, either water or ambient, is too low. Reptiles need warmth to eat and digest food properly. Check and adjust temps if necessary. Confirm good water quality as well since turtles eat in the water and dirty water may affect the appetite. Offer a variety of foods including commercial turtle sticks or pellets, fresh vegetables diced small and crickets or small feeder fish. If your turtle is lethargic, has difficulty breathing, is swimming crooked or has discharge from the eyes/nose/mouth then see your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating turtles. Follow the link for more information: http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

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3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on December 25th, 2018

    Check the water, ambient and basking temperatures. Low temps can affect appetite and activity in turtles. In addition to commercial pellets, you can offer love prey (feeder fish, nightcrawlers, etc) and fresh greens and vegetables. Remove any uneaten food promptly to prevent fouling the water. Bits of raw beef heart can be used to stimulate the appetite. You can review slider care at the link below. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on December 21st, 2018

    Bump the water temp up about five degrees. 75 F is the coldest it should be. Check the basking and ambient temps as well. Low temps can affect appetite in turtles. Offer a commercial pellet as well as live prey such as feeder fish or nightcrawlers. Fresh greens and vegetables are always a good idea. make sure all food is appropriately sized. Feed her in a separate bowl or tank in case Leonardo is bullying her off the food. Bits of raw beef heart can always be used to stimulate the appetite. Review slider care at the link below. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on March 31st, 2019

    Check the water temperature and ambient temperature in the tank. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. Be sure to feed appropriately sized bits if food to Tuk Tuk. If it it too big, it may be difficult bite at and eat. Make sure you are feeding him or her in the water. Sliders are omnivorous. You can offer fresh chopped greens and vegetables, feeder fish, nightcrawlers and commercial pellets. Try offering bits of faw beef heart just to stimulate the appetite. You can review slider care at the link below. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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