New feedings?

[MeganL3985]

I thought i'd start a seperate thread since this is sort of a different issue. I got a new betta tonight and gave it some time to settle into the tank (a few hours). I threw in a couple small pieces of flake and 2 hikari pellets (since they're small)....I didnt know what kind the fish would prefer if any. I left it in there for about 15 minutes and went back in the room. The food was still there. so I took it out. I'm going to try one more time before I go to bed.
I'm just a little confused b/c I've never had a problem feeding puffin. I fed him immediately when I put him in the bowl...and he ate it within a few minutes. Is it normal for them not to eat like this? I know he's probably scared still and getting adjusted, but I just didnt have this problem with puffin...so I wasn't sure.

[CAF]

Sometimes it can take a couple of days for them to settle in and begin to eat properly.

[MeganL3985]

Ok thanks Chris :)

[gm72]

Yes, agreed that it is just the acclimation period. He'll calm down and eat over the next few days, guaranteed.

[MeganL3985]

Should I still offer once or twice a day? Drop a bit in and then take out after 15 minutes if its not eaten?

[gm72]

I would just offer once a day. He'll eat when he's hungry enough and/or comfortable.

[MeganL3985]

ok, sounds good :) thanx for ur always great advice to my never ending panicky questions. hahahaha :)

[gm72]

No problem! Just remember that fish, just like people, can go for quite a while without eating without great detriment. I'm not suggesting that you actually TRY that, but don't panic if he doesn't eat for a few days.

[MeganL3985]

I'm trying the "don't panic" suggestion...lol I always feel stressed or panic about things and then pretty much immediately after i'm like "Whoa...calm down...really not that big of a deal..." lol Ugh.....

[blu]

You could always try bloodworms or brine shrimp to help him get used to eating in your tank. When I get new ones that dont eat for a few days I take a BW or BS and pick up one end with a tooth pick(the rounded ones)and drag the other end across the surface of the water. Havent yet had a betta that didnt get excited for this.

[MeganL3985]

Wow thanks, i'll try that :)