Should I fast?

[Saphira101]

Hey guys, I just got a new Betta!!


I was wondering if I should fast him for a day or two?

He ate a pellet when offered, but I asked the staff at Petco what they feed their Bettas, and they said freeze-dried bloodworms, a whole pinch!

Would it be a good idea, just to clear out his system? He doesn't look bloated..

Thanks! ~Saphira

[aokashi]

if he's healthy and all, you really dont need to fast :) just switching him to a mych healthier diet is good enough :D

[cnbufford]

Bettas should have a good appetite if they're healthy. Petsmart reportedly feeds bettas once a week, so why wouldn't they want "a pinch"? Mine acts like he's starving to death every day, so I feed him. I don't get the whole fasting thing...what's the point on an ordinary basis? Unless I were going in for a surgery or something extreme that required it, I'd certainly be cranky if someone with held my food. Lol

[BettaGurl79]

I would give him food stuffs if his belly isn't over extended . Your lucky your new betta has an appetite mine wouldn't eat for days. I spent a small fortune on various foods untilI found something he loves

[Saphira101]

Originally Posted by cnbufford

Bettas should have a good appetite if they're healthy. Petsmart reportedly feeds bettas once a week, so why wouldn't they want "a pinch"?

Once a week? That's cruel.

I got this guy from Petco though, and that's a lot of freeze-dried bloodworms regardless. A lot of the other Bettas that were there looked bloated. Whenever I give my fishies bloodworms, I only give them one per feeding, and I don't even feed them those things often! (maybe once every few months or on holidays)

[Hadoken Kitty]

The fasting is more about making sure that the bowels have time to clear, as a preventative measure for any sickness, bloating, or constipation that may occur otherwise.

[cnbufford]

I have a feeling petco wouldn't be much better with their feeding regimen than petsmart from the posts I've seen on here about them. Anywho, he'd clear out his system if you feed him on a regular basis. An irregular feeding schedule seems like it would more likely cause problems like bloating and constipation?

[Saphira101]

Okay. I've decided to feed him like normal, as he's a ravenous eater. He's also coloring up since I've last fed him.

Thanks! ~Saphira