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Snakesitter
Rainbow Master
USA
2718 Posts |
 Posted - 15/09/2011 : 20:30:52
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Kimberley, there are many theories on "best" feeding practices. Practically every keeper has their own philosophy. Unfortunately, as an industry, we tend to overfeed our reptiles, partly through the bad example set by dealers whose motivation is quick growth for faster breeding size. I try and keep a more natural perspective: snakes are opportunistic predators with highly efficient metabolisms designed to operate and survive low-prey environments, in which they rarely enjoy the captive benefit of weekly meals -- especially as they get older and larger.
At Living Gems, we use the following schedule:
Baby (00-12 months): feed once per week
(transition)
Juvenile (18-30 months): feed every other week
(transition)
Adult (36+ months): feed every third week
In all cases, the offered prey is as close as I can get to the snake's widest point. Practically speaking, that means either rat pinkies or mouse hoppers for at least the first six to twelve months.
Note I do make some exceptions. For example, females recovering from birth need more frequent meals to replenish their energy.
I hope this helps, |
Cliff Earle
Living Gems Reptiles
Premium Brazilian Rainbow Boas from a disease-tested facility
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Edited by - Snakesitter on 15/09/2011 20:31:23 |
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Feeding
