my friend bought a betta last week. She says that he is very picky when it comes to food, they have tried 3 different types. He will put them in its mouth then spit them out. Could it be that he is sick, or just a picky eater. by the way he is in a bowl.

When i first got my betta, it was recommended to me to pick one food and stick with it for a week. I think that Bettas can be slow to eat when they are settling into their new home, and it may take a few days before they eat anything at all. So pick one food and keep at it for at least a week.
Dana.

Mine was the same when I got him and he got use to what I fed him eventually, though he still doesnt eat very much (one or two pellets each feeding which I beleive is normal). One thing you must make sure is that she is feeding a FLOATING pellet as once food sinks, they have problems picking it up because of the shape of their mouths. Also, make sure that the pellet isn't too big for his mouth as that could be an issue as well... if the pellet food won't fit into his mouth he can't very well eat it can he? LOL!

Another issue that was cited to me is water temperature. Many people who get bettas (myself included) simply plop them into bowls with a little water conditioner and completely forget that they need heat b/c they're tropical. Could it be that he is stressed because the water is cold? If that is the case, it's easy to fix. If she can't afford a filter a simple light over the water might do the trick... they even sell clip-on aquarium lights for bowls at several of the major pet stores.

Anyway, that's just my opinion... feel free to disregard it as you see fit.

ok thanks! =] I'll tell her

Althought that is a good point about it being difficult for bettas to pick food up from the bottom of the tank due to their mouth shape, it is important to remember that bettas are very susceptible to swimbladder disorder, so their food must be soaked before giving it to them, even 'sinking' pellets may contain some air unless soaked for at least one minute. I have found that, because of the pellets sinking as a reuslt of pre-soaking', it is easier to feed one pellet at a time so the betta can 'catch' it in his mouth as it falls, and you can monitor how much he gets per feeding.

Good point about the pellet size too, 'micro' pellets are best as they are very small and easy for the betta to eat

How's your friends Betta doing now Cisco? What did you guys figure out for food?

She stuck to one food, and now hes eating well =]

That is great to hear. I am glad that the betta is eating now. Best of luck with him/her!

My Ginseng did that when I first got him too. Mr.Bumblebee suggested that I just try one food for a week and put it in and see if he eats it. If he does not eat it in a few minutes, then remove the uneaten food and don't feed him again till the next feeding time. Ginseng would not eat for five days after I first got him despite all the foods I tried. I tried what Mr.B suggested and he ate the next day. Thanks Mr. B