Jumping

[teresa]

Percy has recently developed a new habit that though it is kinda cute, I worry he could get hurt. When I open the lid to feed him, he jumps! He has not jumped high enough to get out of the tank, but you know that practice makes perfect.

What can I do to discourage this behavior?

I have tried feeding him first so that there is no anticipation for him while the others get fed, I have tried having the food ready and doing a sorta lift and dump thing with the lid and food, but he still jumps.
Any ideas would be apprieciated

[briggs]

i think hes just having fun, like most of em do. mine doesnt jump that much but he jumps when i have food on me finger.

i wouldnt bother trying to discourage it, unless he tries jumping out of his tank even when the cover is on.. even then i doubt you can do much.. lol.

but maybe when you feed him you can j ust lift the lid a tiny bit enough to push a few chunks of food in there.. instead of taking the lid off all the way.

[palepinkvase]

Giovanni was a jumper, and he got better at it as time went on. I started approaching his tank and just standing there while he did his happy-swimming. After a moment I would put my finger to the glass low and he would come to it and while he was occupied I would drop in his pellets. Once they were on the water surface I would draw my finger up to the top and he would get his food.
Another suggestion if the jumping persists at feeding time, you could put a wire strainer or screen, with mesh large enough to drop the food through, on top of his container.

[teresa]

Thanks for the suggestion. I will try the finger trick, cause he will follow my finger to flare at it

[winddancir]

My girl Beauty jumps for the fun of it. I was reading a book one night before bed and heard a splash. I watched her for a minute and she jumped a few more times. Now, she jumps less because I don't pay attention to her when she does. And she gets her food faster if she doesn't jump for it.

[ickyfishywishy]

my silly perywincklez would jump and bite my finger when i try to feed him i actualy kinda do that on purpose cuz he seems to like it! i duno why!? its cute i can say that i realy enjoy feeding him

[teresa]

I found my solution to Percy's jumping problem, I had to when 2 more started doing it lol. I lowered the water level and now don't worry about the jumping cause they are not getting out of the tanks