Quote Originally Posted by Husky_mom
he has flakes, bloodworms and brine shrimps so iŽll just skip teh flakes and get some pellets or just give them teh bw or bsh?? also how do you know when a betta is not sick, since they seem so sad at pet stores but how to really tell and about age too..........sorry to ask so much, but youŽve got me into it
No worries! I love helping out other betta addicts!

My babies LOVE baby brine shrimp! I've heard adults like brine shrimp too but I've never tried it with mine. You should be okay with BW and BS. My adults get BWs 90% of the time and they're all in tip-top shape! I have the pellets here more for convenience sake. When I'm too lazy to thaw on BWs, I just throw in a couple pellets.

Pet store bettas are generally 6 months+ when you get them. Go with your instincts. Generally, a happy, healthy betta will flare, not be lethargic, have clear eyes and not have an suspicious looking spots on them (I'm talking about things like white, salt-like looking spots.. not their coloring =P). A bubblenest is usually a good indicator of a happy betta.