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Why is my baby red eared slider not eating and looks exhausted?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Reptile | Aquatic Turtle | Male | unneutered

I have two baby red eared sliders about two inches long. Both we’re doing great, however the male one won’t eat. He has no mucus, isn’t wheezing or coughing, and doesn’t swim lopsided. He just doesn’t eat, and looks exhausted. His eyes are not swollen either. I don’t know what’s happening, what could it be? His sister is thriving

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on January 11th, 2020

Without an exam, it can be difficult to determine what may be wrong. Confirm proper environmental parameters, especially temperature. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. You can offer bits of raw beef heart to stimulate the appetite. Be sure to offer a balanced diet including protein (feeder fish, nightcrawlers, etc.) fresh greens and vegetables and a small amount of commercial pellets. A calcium supplement and a powdered multivitamin should also be used. You can review slider care at the links below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/ http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

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Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on June 1st, 2019

    You can try offering bits of raw beef heart to stimulate the appetite. Check environmental parameters, since low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. Other items to offer include feeder fish and nightcrawlers. Chopped greens can also be offered. 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 April 1st, 2019

    That looks like a baby red eared slider. You can review slider care at the link below. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html You will need a water filter, water heater, heat lamp, UVB lighting and a dry dock for basking at the very least. Check water and ambient temperature. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. Offer bits of raw beef heart to stimulate the appetite. Sliders are omnivorous and will eat fresh greens and vegetables,animal protein (feeder fish, nightcrawlers, etc) and commercial pellets. Make sure anything offered is small enough to be swallowed.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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