New betta not eating -- 2 weeks

[julia]

We've had this male for over 2 weeks. At the pet shop they fed him live brine shrimp. He's ignored 3 different types of food (flakes, pellets). He did eat one flake the 2nd day and spit the whole thing right out. It's been over 2 weeks. How is he living, and what should I do? Please help!!! Thank you. He is making a bunch of bubbles.

[Betta MVP]

hi Julia,
It sounds to me like you have a spoiled betta, LOL. Sometimes it can be tough to get a betta who is used to eating only live foods to take pellets. Most bettas won't eat flakes, even if they will eat pellets. What kind of pellets are you trying to feed him? Do you think they might be too big for him? If so, try crushing them first.

If he is otherwise healthy, then he will eat what you offer him eventually when he gets hungry enough. Bettas can go a surprisingly long time without eating, I've had some go for over a month before and not die. Why don't you go and see if your pet store has frozen foods, if you could find some frozen bloodworms, I'll bet he would eat that.

Good luck!

[julia]

I've offered Betta Bio Gold, and the BettaMin tropical medley, which are tiny flakes, and the regular biggish flakes which came with the bowl.

Are you suggesting I give him the bloodworms to determine if he'll eat and then don't give him more? Is that a treat food like the shrimp are?

Are the bubble nests a sign that he's somewhat healthy?

Thank you so much!!!

[Betta MVP]

Bloodworms are very high protein, so yes, I would only use them in moderation. But, if your betta is refusing to eat and you are worried, I suggested these because most bettas go crazy for them.

Once you get him to start eating, Bio-gold pellets are great, but they do swell up and can be a cause of constipation if fed too many or exclusively. It's always good to feed a variety of foods and not just dry pellets or flakes.

I also forgot to mention, but a lot of bettas will refuse to eat until they get settled in and feel at home, this is not that uncommon. Blowing bubblenests is definitely a good sign, he wouldn't be doing that if he was feeling bad.