Every turtle owner will face this problem at some point, your turtle will stop eating for no apparent reason. I’ve also been faced with this problem multiple times with different turtles. So I decided to write this short guide to help other people that have this problem.
There are multiple reasons why a turtle will stop eating. Your turtle could be scared, stressed, pregnant, or something could be wrong with the temperature, you could be giving your turtle the wrong type of food, or your turtle might be sick.
In total there are 11 possible reasons why your turtle is not eating, and we will go over each one of them, starting with the temperature of the water.
Quick note: Turtles can survive without food for very long periods of time, so if your turtle hasn’t eaten in 3 or 4 days, while it’s not good, you should know that this had no effect on the health of your turtle.
Water Temperature
Turtles are cold-blooded animals, this means that they don’t produce any body heat, so they rely on the surrounding temperature to warm their bodies.
If the temperature of the water is not warm enough, your turtle will stop eating because they can’t properly digest the food, and they can get sick.
The exact water temperature varies from species to species. But in general, it’s between 75 and 80° Fahrenheit (24 and 27° Celsius). If you keep the water temperature between 75 and 80 degrees, then your turtles should start eating again in no time.
If the temperature of your water is too low you can solve this by simply turning up the water heater, and depending on how cold the water was your turtle will soon start eating in a few hours, or more if the water was very cold.
If the heater is already at maximum, you might consider upgrading to a more powerful version. But if you don’t have a water heater or a water thermometer, my recommendations are to get this water heater and this thermometer, both links are to Amazon, so they should arrive quickly.
Basking Area Temperature
There is one more area where you should check the temperature, and that is the basking area. While it’s essential for the water in the tank to be warm enough, so that turtles don’t get cold, the tank is not where they get most of their heat, that place is the basking area.
Depending on the turtle species that you have, the basking area temperature will also differ. But between 85 and 90° Fahrenheit (29 and 32° Celsius), is an all-around good temperature. But getting to those temperatures can be quite tricky. As you might have noticed a lot of heat bulbs don’t specify an exact temperature, instead, they tell you how powerful a bulb is.
Here is a quick illustrated guide that will tell you what temperatures you should expect a heat bulb to produce based on how far from the turtle it is.
If you want a more in-depth guide about heat bulbs and how to correctly use them, what’s the difference between the various types, you can check out this article: Guide for Lighting and Heating a Turtle Tank and Basking Area.
After you correct the temperature of the basking area your turtle should start eating again in a day or two.
UVB Light
Now, moving away from temperatures, but still at the basking area, we need to take a look at the UVB bulb.
The basking area has one more purpose besides providing heat for your turtle, and that is to Provide UVB light.
UVB light normally comes from the sun, but it can also be created artificially with the help of a special UVB bulb.
Without enough UVB light, a turtle won’t be able to properly absorb the nutrients of the food it has eaten, so, until it knows it can get the nutrients it needs from the food, it won’t really bother eating, since it doesn’t help at all. The lack of UVB light can also cause a lot of health problems that can stop a turtle from eating, this was just one example of how it could stop your turtle from eating its food.
The only way to solve this is by getting a UVB bulb and adding it to the basking area. If you already own one, you should know that UVB bulbs will stop producing UVB light way before the bulb itself stops producing light.
On average a UVB bulb will only produce UVB rays for half of its lifespan. So if on the box it says that the bulb will last 12 months, you should change it after 6.
Stressed
Despite their hardy appearance, turtles get stressed very easily. They can get stressed by excessive noises, by other pets, improper handling, and many other things.
If your turtle gets stressed out, it will stop eating until they calm down. And they will also act a little stranger than they usually do. Stressed turtles have been known to swim against the walls of the tank, try to dig through the basking area or substrate of the tank, hide in their shells for long periods of time, etc.
In this case, you have to eliminate all sources of stress. Let me give you a few examples of what could stress your turtle. A loud stereo system that is placed right near the tank can cause a lot of stress for a turtle. A cat or a dog that is always trying to get in the tank can also cause a lot of stress. Taking your turtle and trying to spin it on your finger like a basketball can cause a lot of stress. The best way to figure out if something is stressing the turtle is to try to put yourself in the turtle’s place. If you think that something would stress you, then it definitely stresses the turtle.
After you eliminate the stress sources your turtle should start to eat again soon.
Dirty Water
Just like we don’t like to eat at a table that is dirty, turtles also don’t like to eat in dirty water.
Dirty water is one of the biggest problems when it comes to turtles. The tank has to be cleaned every week, and if you don’t do it your turtle will stop eating, and can also develop a lot of other health problems.
The only solution to this is to clean the tank, there is no other way around it.
Even if there is no other solution, there are still a few things that you can like getting a more powerful water pump or feeding them food that they can eat only in one bite, or feeding them in a separate container.
I tried many things, and in my opinion, feeding your turtles in a different container is the best method. To do this just take one of your turtles and put it in a different container that is filled with water, and feed them in that container. After they eat, let them stay there for 10 more minutes, and then put them back in the tank. If you have more turtles, you should remember to take them one by one, never all at once, if you take them all at once they might end up fighting over food.
The only downside to this method is that you have to start doing it while your turtle is still young. Older turtles are already used to eating in the tank, and if you move them somewhere else they can get scared, and might not eat.
The second best method, and also the more passive one is getting a better water filter. Water filters are usually rated for 30 gallons, 40 gallons, 60 gallons, etc. The thing about turtle tanks and water filters is that you want one with double the power that you need. So if you have a 30-gallon tank you will need a water filter that is rated for 60 gallons. If you have a 40-gallon tank, you will need an 80-gallon water filter.
Filters are usually rated for those volumes with fishes in mind, but turtles are a lot messier. So you will need double the power. If you want to know my water filter recommendation, you should check the Recommended Gear Page. There you will find my recommendations, from personal experience, for water filters, different types of food, heat lamps, and many more.
The Age of the Turtle
One very important thing that a lot of people don’t mention is that young turtles don’t eat the same things as adult turtles.
Unlike adult turtles, baby turtles are still growing, so they need a slightly different diet. One that contains a lot more proteins.
At first, the younger turtles will try out the food that you give them, but if they consider that it doesn’t have enough proteins they will stop eating it, and search (even if they can’t actually leave the tank) for a better protein source.
If you have a young turtle you should get some pellets that have a higher content of proteins. And you should also consider giving it some dried crickets and maybe some live fish from time to time. Just be careful with which fish you choose, not all of them are safe for turtles, if you want to know which ones are good to eat, and which aren’t you can check out this article: Can Turtles Live With Fish? Will My Turtle Eat the Fish?.
And make sure that you don’t spoil your turtle with too many fish, as this will lead to other problems.
Feeding Your Turtle the Wrong Food
Turtles will eat a lot of different foods. But like every animal they prefer some foods over others.
From what I observed in my turtles they will always prefer live prey (feeder fish) over anything else, then comes meat, then pellets, then fruits and vegetables.
If you feed your turtle only live prey and meat for a couple of months, then you expect them to eat pellets, you are very wrong.
You should feed your turtle a mix of live prey, meat, pellets, fruits, and vegetables. If you only give them what they like the most they won’t eat anything else. And this can lead to health problems, fruits and vegetables have a very important role in the diet of a turtle, and they should eat them regularly.
If you feed your turtle only meat for a long period of time it will be hard to get them to eat anything else, but it can be done.
The best way you can solve this is by taking a tuna can and taking all the tuna out of it and leaving the oil, water, and juices from the fish inside the can. Then place some food pellets inside the can and leave them there for a while to soak up all the juices left in the can. After that, you should give them to your turtle. Due to the smells and oils from the fish, they will think that the pellets are meat. Keep doing this for a while and mix normal pellets that haven’t been in the tuna can with them. Occasionally try feeding your turtle only normal pellets, and see how it reacts. If your turtle eats them then you should be able to feed her a normal diet now. If she ignores them, keep repeating the thing with the tuna can until it works. It shouldn’t take more than a couple of weeks.
After your turtle successfully starts eating pellets again, you should start switching it to a more diversified diet and only give your turtle live prey as treats only once or twice a month.
Scared
If you just got your turtle then it’s very normal for them to not eat during their first days in their new home.
Moving to a new home can be very stressful for a turtle. They will go from a small cramped tank, that they share with multiple turtles, to a new spacious tank where they can live alone. And if they were sent through the mail, they will be even more scared.
If this is the case for your turtle, you just have to leave your turtle calm down a little. Normally it shouldn’t take more than one week, but every turtle is different. I’ve had turtles that didn’t need any time to get accustomed to their new home, and turtles that needed a week.
There is nothing you can do in this case, just make sure that you offer them food every day, in case they decide that it’s safe, and want to eat it.
Pregnant
A pregnant turtle will act very strange, she will stop eating, she will stop basking, she will try to dig everywhere, etc.
If your turtle is pregnant there is nothing that you can do to make it eat. Just provide food for her, and if she wants to eat she will eat.
The first thing you have to do if you want to know if your turtle is really pregnant is to find out if it’s a male or a female, so you should read this article that is going to tell you if that’s the case: How to Tell If Your Turtle Is Male or Female.
And if your turtle is a female, and you want to know if she is pregnant, then you should read this article where you will find all the info you need: How to Tell if Your Turtle Is Pregnant.
One important thing about turtles is that they can get pregnant even if there is no male around. The difference is that the eggs won’t be fertilized so no baby will come out of them. So even if you only have a female turtle she can still lay eggs.
Hibernation
When the temperature drops turtles will automatically start to get ready for hibernation.
Here is an article where I discuss hibernation more in-depth: Do Turtles Hibernate? (with Videos), if you want to know more. But the main thing that you need to know now is that turtles don’t suddenly start hibernating, it’s a process that takes time. And at the start turtles will drastically reduce their activity and stop eating.
If the temperature doesn’t get cold enough a turtle won’t necessarily hibernate but will stay in this in-between state where it doesn’t eat.
Pets don’t usually hibernate, but it can happen if there is a sudden drop in temperature, for example when the winter comes. The best way to get your turtle back to its normal behavior is to increase the temperature of the water and the basking area back to normal levels.
Sickness
If nothing seems to be out of order, the water is clean, the temperature is fine, no changes in the diet, nothing stressing the turtle, etc. you should go to the vet, as your turtle might be sick.
Even if there are no apparent causes for this, turtles from time to time can get sick. And the only proper way to know this and to treat it is to go to a vet.
If you don’t already have a vet, I would recommend you to search for one that specializes in exotic animals, like turtles. Not all vets know how to check and treat a turtle, vets just like doctors, are specialized in different fields. So do some research before.
Related Questions
What can turtles eat? I discuss this subject in another article, where I also give a list of things a turtle can eat, and things a turtle shouldn’t eat, you can find that article here: What do Turtles Eat?
How long can a turtle go without eating? A turtle can go without eating for at least a couple of weeks under normal conditions. While hibernating a turtle can go without food for 5 to 8 months.
How often should I feed my turtle? There are multiple ways you can feed your turtle, some include feeding your turtle two times a day, others feeding your turtle once every two or three days. How often you feed your turtle doesn’t really matter as long as you feed it the right amount.
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I have 2 red ear turtle and a yellow belly slider. I’ve had them since they were little and they are almost 6 years old. Every spring they will lay eggs. (I’ve only seen one egg so far). All three are female. They have stopped eating. I don’t know why. Everything is normal in the tank, basking light, etc… Their behavior isn’t abnormal. I’m looking for guidance
If your turtles will soon lay eggs everything is perfectly normal. But if you think this is not the case, you should take them to the vet and make sure they don’t have any health problems.
If the vet says that your turtles are healthy and that something else is stopping them from eating, let me know and we will figure this out.
My boyfriend just found me a box turtle not to long ago and I brought him home and he is not eating the box turtle food I had when I had my other pet turtle! Why won’t he eat the box turtle food?
Maybe he is still adjusting to his new home. Turtles can go for quite a while without food so 2 weeks without food won’t create any long lasting health problems. But if this geos on for any longer you should go to a vet, maybe the lack of appetite is due to a health problem.
I have had a long neck turtle about 20 yrs old and she hasn’t eaten for 8 months. 4 times i have been to the vet and i’ve done everything they suggest . And even got blood tests which said she was fine. they said she had gained a little weight and to not worry . Each time i feel stupid and i say she is floating on the top of not moving and she is dying and now she is so weak now her head wont even curl back under her shell when she’s scared.
I’m truly sorry to hear about your long-neck turtle’s condition. It’s clear that you care deeply for her well-being. Despite the efforts you’ve made, her persistent refusal to eat and deteriorating condition are concerning.
In cases like this, when a turtle’s health is declining despite veterinary visits and care, it can be particularly challenging. When blood tests show no apparent health issues, there may be underlying problems that are difficult to diagnose.
At this point, it’s essential to continue monitoring her closely and maintain her living environment in optimal conditions, including water quality, temperature, and basking areas. If her condition continues to deteriorate and she shows signs of distress, it may be necessary to consult with the veterinarian again to reevaluate her condition and explore further options for diagnosis and treatment.
I understand how distressing this situation is, and it’s not your fault. You’ve done your best to provide care and seek professional guidance. Continue to advocate for your turtle’s well-being, and work closely with your veterinarian to address her specific needs and concerns.
My tank is clean, the filter is working and the temperature is fine so I don’t know why my red eared slider stopped eating the pellets I give her
If your red-eared slider has stopped eating pellets, there could be several reasons for this change in behavior. Turtles can be finicky eaters at times, and various factors may influence their appetite. Here are some additional considerations:
Variety in Diet: Turtles benefit from a diverse diet. In addition to pellets, try offering a mix of fresh, leafy greens (like kale, collard greens, or dandelion greens), aquatic plants, and occasional treats such as live or frozen aquatic insects (like crickets or mealworms) or small fish. Offering different types of food can stimulate their appetite.
Food Presentation: Turtles may be enticed to eat if the food is presented in a way that mimics their natural hunting behavior. You can try moving the food around in the water to encourage their interest.
Environmental Factors: Ensure that the tank environment, including water temperature and lighting, is suitable for your turtle’s species. Proper basking and UVB lighting are essential for their overall health and appetite.
Stress: Changes in the environment or other stressors can impact a turtle’s appetite. Ensure the turtle has a secure and comfortable living space.
Routine Changes: Consider if there have been any recent changes in the turtle’s routine, such as noise, handling, or changes in feeding times, that might be affecting its appetite.
Health Check: If the turtle continues to refuse food for an extended period, exhibits other signs of illness (such as lethargy, unusual swimming patterns, swelling, or changes in shell or skin condition), or if you have concerns about its overall health, consult a veterinarian with expertise in reptile care for a thorough evaluation.
In some cases, a temporary loss of appetite may not be a cause for alarm, and the turtle may resume eating as its preferences change. However, if the refusal to eat persists, it’s essential to monitor your turtle’s health and, if necessary, seek professional advice from a reptile veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
Hello.
I changed the water in my turtle tank 3 days ago and is now refusing to eat, when usually he cannot eat his food quickly enough. Everything is exactly the same, I am still using the same food, the water and filter are clean and he is as active as normal.
Sudden changes in a turtle’s eating habits can be concerning, but there can be various reasons for such behavior. Since you’ve mentioned that your turtle’s environment and activity level are consistent, it’s possible that the change in behavior is temporary and not necessarily a cause for alarm. Here are a few factors to consider:
Temporary Adjustment: Sometimes, turtles may go through short periods of reduced appetite due to temporary factors like stress, changes in their environment, or natural fluctuations in their hunger. If the turtle’s behavior is otherwise normal and it doesn’t show other signs of illness, it may start eating normally again in a few days.
Seasonal Changes: Turtles can be influenced by seasonal changes in their behavior, including appetite. Some species, like red-eared sliders, may eat less or go off food during certain times of the year, such as winter. However, this depends on the species and environmental conditions.
Temperature: Ensure that the water temperature in the tank remains in the appropriate range for your turtle’s species. Temperature can affect a turtle’s metabolism and appetite. Check that the basking area temperature is also suitable.
Health: Monitor your turtle for any other signs of illness, such as lethargy, abnormal swimming, swelling, or changes in shell or skin appearance. If you notice any concerning symptoms, consult a veterinarian experienced with reptiles for a health assessment.
Diet Variety: Offer a variety of foods to stimulate the turtle’s interest in eating. Along with their regular turtle pellets, you can provide live or frozen aquatic insects, aquatic plants, and the occasional treat like earthworms.
Continue to monitor your turtle closely and ensure the tank conditions remain optimal. If the turtle’s appetite doesn’t improve within a few days or if it exhibits other concerning symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a reptile veterinarian for a professional evaluation to rule out any underlying health issues.
My slider is about 10 years old. She always lays an egg every spring. She stops eating during the time she is preparing to drop the egg. She has a sandy area which I provide for her. This time however, she has gone to long in this process. She has not eaten for 2 months. I am very worried that maybe the egg is stuck. Have you heard this? She has always been a great eater. Thanks for any insight!
It’s concerning when a female red-eared slider goes an extended period without eating, especially during the egg-laying process. Stopping eating during egg preparation is a normal behavior, but if it has been two months and she has not laid the egg or resumed eating, there could be some underlying issues to consider.
Possible Egg Binding: Prolonged inactivity or lack of eating during the egg-laying process could be a sign of egg binding, a condition where a turtle has difficulty laying her eggs. This can be a serious and potentially life-threatening issue.
Inadequate Nesting Site: Ensure that the sandy area you provide is suitable for her to dig a nest. If it’s too shallow or not the right consistency, she might struggle to lay her eggs.
Environmental Factors: Check that the nesting area’s temperature and humidity levels are appropriate for egg-laying. The environment should mimic natural conditions.
Health Assessment: If you suspect egg binding or any other health issue, it’s crucial to consult a veterinarian with experience in reptile care as soon as possible. They can conduct a physical examination and may perform diagnostic tests to determine the cause and provide the necessary treatment.
In the meantime, keep an eye on her behavior, offer her a quiet and stress-free environment, and ensure that she has access to clean water and a basking area. Continue to provide the nesting site, but if she doesn’t lay the eggs or if her condition worsens, do not delay in seeking professional veterinary care. Egg binding and related issues should be addressed promptly to ensure your turtle’s well-being.
My 4 year old turtle (Red Eared slider) was moved to a 55 gallon tank. He was in a 20 gallon tank. He has stopped eating. What can I do to relieve his stress?
It’s great that you’ve upgraded your turtle’s habitat to a larger tank, as this provides more space and comfort. However, changes in a turtle’s environment can sometimes cause stress and affect their eating habits. Here are some steps you can take to help relieve your red-eared slider’s stress and encourage it to eat:
Monitor Water Conditions: Ensure that the water quality in the new tank is optimal. Check and maintain appropriate water temperature, water quality, and filtration. A larger tank can require more powerful filtration to keep the water clean.
Basking Area: Make sure your turtle has access to a suitable basking area with the proper temperature and a UVB lamp. Basking is essential for their health and helps alleviate stress.
Provide Hiding Spots: Offer hiding spots and aquatic plants in the tank to give your turtle a sense of security and privacy. Turtles can become stressed if they feel exposed.
Gradual Transition: If you recently moved your turtle to the larger tank, give it time to adjust. Turtles may take some time to explore their new environment and become comfortable.
Consistent Routine: Maintain a consistent feeding routine. Try offering a variety of foods, including turtle pellets, aquatic plants, and live or frozen aquatic insects. Your turtle may prefer different foods, so experimenting with its diet can be beneficial.
Reduce Handling: Minimize handling your turtle, as this can cause stress. Allow it to acclimate to its new environment without frequent disturbances.
Veterinary Check: If your turtle’s appetite does not improve or if it displays other concerning symptoms, consult a veterinarian experienced with reptiles to rule out any health issues.
Turtles can take some time to adapt to changes, and stress may temporarily affect their appetite. By providing a comfortable environment, maintaining water quality, and offering a variety of appropriate foods, you can help alleviate your turtle’s stress and encourage it to start eating again. Patience is key in these situations, and if the issue persists, consulting a veterinarian is advisable to ensure your turtle’s well-being.