Betta feeding question?

Question

I just brought home a betta (male) last night...I started feeding him pellets earlier today and it seems that he wouldn't really touch them, though he occasionally ate one (he's probably eaten two). What he'll do is put them in his mouth but eventually just spit them out. Is this normal feeding habits?

Also, when feeding should i just drop several into the bowl and wait for him to get them?

Answer 1

Don't worry if he doesn't eat within the first few days. You should try to not feed him in at least a couple of days after buying him. He needs to get used to his surroundings first. Then just sprinkle about 3-5 pellets on top of the water, he should eat them all. If he doesn't, remove any that he doesn't eat after a few minutes. You can also try feeding him live, frozen, or dried bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Answer 2

Bettas naturally eat blood worms.  Buy some frozen or dehydrated blood worms from your local pet store. WalMart also carries the dehydrated worms.  Also get some dehydrated brine shrimp.  Feeding a variety helps the digestive tract and can help prevent bloating and constipation.

Answer 3

did you get him from a petstore or someone else? If a petstore may just be stressed, also a betta doesn't really need more food than like a few pellets a day. If you got him from someone, you need to find out what they fed him. Bettas are known to suddenly become picky about what they eat. Maybe try another type of food, he really could just be really picky. if all else fails and if after like 5 days he doesn't eat like a normal betta should, try getting something like bloodworms or frozen brine shrimp. Something more natural, and see if that sparks his interest. Bettas have quite a personality, especially when it comes to food, they can become very finicky.

Answer 4

As others have said, he's stressed and probably won't eat for the first few days. After that, if he seems perfectly healthy, but keeps spitting pellets out, try to find a better quality pellet. Most of the pellets in the stores are "yucky"; they have bad ingredients and I don't doubt that they taste bad. Try Omega One Betta Buffet or Atison's betta food (pro is better).

Answer 5

My betta did this too until he figured out i was giving him food .  Now he sees my hand (or the movement of it) go up and he swims like mad to get the food.  He definitely prefers to dive after them when they start to sink.  I just make sure he eats at least three in my presence and sometimes it takes a while.  But lots of times he won't eat in the morning for me, but when i come home he practically jumps outta the water.  I think perhaps time and patience will be your best bet!  Hope this helps.