Bettas And Going To The Bathroom

[eutoria26]

Hey, this is my first post here. I have owned a betta before, but he died about 2 and half years ago. A week ago I was given another one as a gift. Everything seems good, he's eating, he's making bubbles etc. However, I have not noticed him going to the bathroom. With my other betta, Andy, I noticed that he would take a while to actually go to the bathroom. It's gross, but it would kind of trail behind him. However, Mr. Bubbles, my current betta has not gone yet. Is this normal? If not, what can I do to help him, if anything? I just hope he's not uncomfortable. Any help is appreciated!!

 

[afireinside]

I personally have never seen my bettas "go" before. If you just got him, this should be normal.

 

[wendywc]

Come to think of it, I've never seen my guy go either.

 

[SPLiSH]

Congrats on your new guy! I have never seen my bettas 'go', but I have had them for a year so I assume I have just missed. Stir up the gravel a bit - any poo should appear as reddish brown blobs.

What size tank is he in?

 

[Miss Wiggle]

i've seen mine go, and I was really surprised how far forward they do it! was expecting it to come out at the back between teh fins somewhere but it's prasctically under they're chin!

 

[SPLiSH]

Miss Wiggles - yeah, that kinda freaked me out when I first got bettas! I thought Jerry must have had a hole in his stomach.

 

[guineapigqueen]

Betta's bodies are so squished up.
When my chap Mr.B eats far to many bloodworms his tummy bloats up and you can see his little and compact there organs are.
Mr.B poops regular I see him nearly every other day, but his tank is right next to the computer so I am around him alot.

Emma x

 

[eutoria26]

Hmmm, maybe Mr. Bubbles is just a little more shy about going poop in front of me, hehe. Hopefully he's ok. Oh, and Splish, he's in a 1 gallon tank.

 

[-Deano-]

Ive Never Seen Mine #### Either

 

[K.J.]

I never see the betta poop, but I can see the poop when I clean his tank.

 

[cutecotton]

also just to let you know if you dont' notice the betta going for a long time and you see his stomach bloated up he might be constipated. I believe green peas act as a laxative so if you cook a pea (just boil it in hot water, don't cook it with other stuff that might have oil), peel off the shell and cut it into little pieces with a tweezer and give it to the betta it will help clear up the system and encourage him to go to the bathroom.

Usually it'll resolve and is nothign to worry about, when i got my betta he ddint' really go at all for a week but now he's okay.

Peas are a good variety in their diet anyway

HTH

 

[wuvmybetta]

i've seen mine go, and I was really surprised how far forward they do it! was expecting it to come out at the back between teh fins somewhere but it's prasctically under they're chin!

ha ha, right?!

Some go quicker than others, so yours must be neat and discreet! But, also what cutecotton said about constipation! ^

 

[SPLiSH]

Hmmm, maybe Mr. Bubbles is just a little more shy about going poop in front of me, hehe. Hopefully he's ok. Oh, and Splish, he's in a 1 gallon tank.

Cool. Lol, he is just polite!

 

[eutoria26]

So, he finally went and the only reason I know this is because I had to put him in a smaller bowl for two days when I had to leave town ( I brought him with me). It didn't have any gravel so I could clearly see his poop in the bowl. This was Saturday I believe. He has not gone since, and I've even inspected some of the gravel to make sure. I'm gonna try the pea tomorrow. He does seem to have a bump somewhere along his body, so maybe that is constipation. I may be back if the pea doesn't work.
Also, I've realized that he's hiding behind the plant in his tank. And he stays there for 20 minutes at a time. Is this normal? He just sits there, not moving his fins or tail or anything.

 

[wuvmybetta]

sitting around for twenty minutes or so is normal. who can resist a nap in a plant? But not going since Saturday could be a problem. If the pea doesn't work try some frozen foods, or live brine. Those seem to go right through them. Also- this is a longshot but showing him a small mirror might make him go. I've had fish who were carded (blocked from seeing each other with a card) and had them poo as soon as they see another betta and start flaring, so it might get his bowels moving.