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Why is my red-eared slider turtle hiding and not growing or eating?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Reptile | Turtle | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 3 months old | 0 lbs

My red eared slider turtle is hiding constantly staying under the rock and filter and he’s not sunbathing I’ve had him for 2&1/2 years and he hasn’t grown a whole lot, I’ve only been feeding him 3-4 “floating reptile sticks” every day since then. I’m worried about the little guy should I be feeding him more or something else also I don’t know if his tank is ideal for his species I’ve never met anyone else with a turtle and I haven’t had anyone to get advice from. P1: Turtle P2: food P3: tank

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on November 1st, 2018

Thanks for reaching out about Sebastian and including pictures. Points of interest to investigate would be: (1) heat support in the water, (2) nutrition, and (3) water quality.
If the water temperature gets too low, turtles will slow and stop eating (acting as if hibernating). The water quality needs to be kept clean to decrease bacterial and algal overgrowth.
Regarding nutrition, the package of pellets needs to be changed every 3-4 months as vitamins degrade quickly. Offering diced vegetables and whole fish (goldfish, tetras) can provide exercise and nutrition.
If Sebastian remains quiet and lethargic, a visit to a reptilian veterinarian is recommended.
Good luck.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on May 27th, 2019
Check the water, basking and ambient temperatures. Low temps can affect activity and appetite in reptiles. You may need to add a water heater and heat lamp to get the tank to proper temperature. Squirt will also need UVB lighting.
Offer dark, leafy greens instead of fruit. Squirt will also need some animal protein (feeder fish, nightcrawlers, etc) as well as commercial pellets to balance out the diet. A multivitamin supplement and a calcium supplement are also needed to help him grow. You can review slider care at the link below.

http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on June 18th, 2020
The swollen legs and poor shell condition may be due to poor husbandry (diet and environment). Confirm proper environmental parameters, especially temperature. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. The stress of being in low temps can lead to illness or infection. A poor diet, especially one low in calcium, can lead to poor shell condition and MBD ( metabolic bone disease). This may account for the swollen legs.
Ideally, Dave should be physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. Supportive care and calcium supplementation may be indicated to get him on the road to recovery. In the meantime, maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water. Provide a balanced diet including protein (feeder fish, nightcrawlers, etc.) fresh greens and vegetables and commercial pellets. Provide a multivitamin and a calcium supplement along with adequate unfilterer sunlight or UVB lighting. You can review slider care at the links below.

http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/
12Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on February 18th, 2018
The tilted swimming may be an indicator of respiratory infection. This will need to be confirmed by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. Respiratory infection requires prescription antibiotics for treatment.
Increase water temperature to 82F - 85F to aid in recovery. Be sure ambient temp is above 75F and the basking spot in the high 80s F.
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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