Many owners, faced with such a problem, wonder what to do if the turtle does not eat. The reasons for refusing food can be several, among them as natural and harmless, and those that are associated with a violation of the health of your pet.
Why does the red-bellied turtle eat nothing?
To regular and fairly safe reasons can include the following: the desire of the turtle to fall into hibernation and puberty. Turtle - a cold-blooded animal and with some changes in conditions of detention (lighting, water temperature), it can go into hibernation. This is quite a normal state. Another reason for not eating food is sexual maturation of the individual. In general, turtles can do without food for up to two months without compromising their own health.
More serious reasons why the red-bellied tortoise does not eat and opens its mouth can become constipation or an improper diet. Finally, the most dangerous diseases that deprive appetite turtles include various infections and the growth of the "beak", which prevents the animal from eating normally.
How to feed a tortoise if it does not eat?
If you are sure that your turtle is not going to fall asleep, then you should carefully analyze the conditions of detention. The water in the aquarium should be warm enough, and the presence of a UV lamp is mandatory. Perhaps the tortoise does not have enough light, it can happen in the autumn or winter. Then you need to add another lama to illuminate the aquarium. Analyze the diet of your pet. Turtles are predators, therefore, in addition to dry food, fish and seafood should be included there. As a vegetable additive, a cucumber, algae or lettuce leaves are suitable. If you suspect a turtle constipation, then arrange her a warm bath. It will also solve the problem with thirst. "Beak" is removed only after consultation with the veterinarian, and to prevent its formation in the future, turtles add a little chalk to the food. But most importantly, if you have any suspicions that the turtle is ill, immediately show it to the veterinarian and then proceed according to his instructions.