New betta feeding problems.

[kent1992]

Hey,

I got a new betta yesterday and he's really beautiful. But Im having problems feeding him. Ive tried betta flakes and freeze dried bloodworms. He tries to gobble them up like my other betta, but always ends up spitting them out. I dont know what to do because he never gets a complete piece. He always swallows than spits it out. What should I do?

[bcroft]

Betta's are very picky eaters, just give it time and he will just HAVE to eat the food you give him. Keep going back and forth between a few foods though, so you know which foods he actually likes.

[bettons]

make sure the food isn't too dry nor too big for him to eat.

[abm]

Most likely your new guy is just getting settled in. Once he's comfortable with his new home he'll probably begin eating normally. It can take over a week for a new betta to become fully acclimated to new accommodations.

My suggestion is to feed the same food at the same times each day, and remove anything uneaten/spit out after 5-10 minutes to be sure it doesn't dissolve and dirty the water. Resist the temptation to become a "betta cafeteria" serving a variety of foods....if you stick with one food type until he's settled in, he'll understand the concept pretty readily. He'll get the idea and when he's ready, he'll eat .

Have fun with your new guy, and post pics if you can.