NOT EATING

[ryan]

Help, Bart (mudpuppy) has eaten only one nightcrawler since I got him, which was 3 days ago, should I even worry or am i just paranoid. He doesn't even look at the worm, he just crawls away.

 

[john]

well, I personally wouldn't worry too much. It could be under a good deal of stress from the change in environment and merely need time. Keep the water temp in a good range (shouldn't be a problem this time of year) and give him some time.

 

[ryan]

Thanks but are there any signs that i should look out for that show that he does need to eat.

 

[garrison]

I have to agree with John. Your animal is probably stressed from transport. Caudates can go for weeks without eating without being affected too badly, and with this time of year, your mudpuppy probably doesn't have much of an appetite as it is. Honestly if you've gotten it to eat already that's a good sign.

If you're still concerned, characteristics of not eating are general skinniness(not sure what that looks like on this species). Sometimes long term lack of food can cause stress and make it more prone to diseases and parasites.

Ultimately I'd give it a week or two to let it settle and keep trying.

 

[ryan]

Thanks did you see my new feeding strategy under general discussion called "new strategy" because I believe he has eaten a small piece of nightcrawler that was placed in the tank on a small dish.