So... Feeding Time...

[Clarke]

How do I get this betta to eat? I just got him today so he might not be hungry but he won't look at the pellets. The zebra danios get to them before he does. Will he be a little more ferocious to eat when he gets hungrier?

Thanks!

[dramaqueen]

He may not eat for a few days while he's getting settled in his new home. I have no idea how you can keep the danios from stealing his food.

[crowntail lover]

Try feeding him a tasty bloodworm to get his taste buds a working! lol. I am sure he will go for it quick, as my 4 LOVE them!!!! : ]

[dramaqueen]

Yeah, but the danios may grab it first. Danios are very fast movers and bettas are slow due to their long fins.

[crowntail lover]

True true! Well you can always try

[Nataku]

You may have to separate them to prevent the danios from constantly outmaneuvering him to food. I'd just cup the little suckers and let them sit out if they're going to be a problem for the betta. Well, really, I wouldn't keep them together to begin with, but that's just me.
It's entirely likely that your betta isn't interested in food the first day he comes home anyhow. Many of them couldn't care less about food after the jostling ride and new environment they've already been through, and they generally respond better after having a day or more to become acclimated. I've had some bettas that have refused food for over a week when first coming home from a store, but in time they will eventually get over it and get hungry enough to eat.

[Indefinitive]

Originally Posted by crowntail lover

Try feeding him a tasty bloodworm to get his taste buds a working! lol. I am sure he will go for it quick, as my 4 LOVE them!!!! : ]

I've gotten all of my bettas after Gregory to eat on their first days with bloodworms. Gregory didn't eat for two days after I brought him home.

I'm sure your betta will get a little more pushy for his food in a few days. It sometimes takes a little while for them to eat.

[dramaqueen]

I've never had a problem with fish not eating the first day. The only problem I've had is with my new female not being able to eat pellets. She keeps spitting them out. I don't know if she just doesn't like them or if they are too big for her mouth. I'm feeding her micro pellets and BettaMin flakes.