Picky eater -- How can I ensure he is getting adequate nutrition?

[brunof]

So, I have a picky betta that just won't seem to eat Bio-Gold Pellets. So I have purchased frozen bloodworms which he just loves. I'm thinking about trying out frozen brine shrimp as well, or I may try my hand at raising my own tank full. Would be interesting. I may also try raising some Zebra Danios or feeder guppies to feed him as well, although I've never done this, as I fear it will lead to cross-contamination. What are your thoughts on this?

I'm also thinking about trying crab, shrimp, or whitefish meat, like haddock. I also have some uncooked tuna I could try. Perhaps we can share some sashimi! :P Yummy. I just don't want to make a huge batch for one fish though.

How can I make sure he is getting adequate nutrition?

[mousey]

picky little devil!
My 2 new bettas are picky too. They get live worms I raise for them . I offer pellets every morning and the live food 2times a week. If they get the worms they are adequately fed. mine prefer flake for some reason too. maybe the breeder fed it-- i know the store did not.
Too many worms will lead to constipation!
Fish can go on very little food so I would feed him the pellets every day (1-2) and then once a week give him a frozen worm or 2.
if he gets hungry the pellet will start looking good.

[ikermalli]

try some live foods, just wondering: Would a mealworm be okay to feed?

[brunof]

Thanks for the reply.

Mealworms I think would be too big. They are like the size of the betta itself! Maybe I will just starve him for a few days, and see if he takes to the pellets...I highly doubt it -- he totally ignores them. I noticed at Walmart too, he had floating pellets as well. I'm going to experiment I guess.

[brunof]

BTW, Mousey, what worms do you raise? Whiteworms?

[ikermalli]

What common live worms can you feed (so I know...and brunof of course)

[mousey]

white worms-- easy to grow in a tupperware container with a supply of crackers.
Big problem is getting overrun with them, altho since it is so cold in our basement they are not breeding as fast just now.

[ikermalli]

Just white worms?

[mousey]

what do you mean just white worms?

They are a special treat for fish amd are quite small. The fish go nuts for them. I got mine from Ontario betta- the girl at Petcetera in Newmarket who breeds bettas==her name is AShley. She sells them.