Captive rodents are a high energy prey item, which means, its a very good food item. But and its a huge but, If your going to feed snakes high energy items, then you must provide the ability to utilize that amount of energy. Which means the keeper must also support higher temp ranges to utilize that amount of energy.
The problem occurs when animals consume high amounts of energy and are not allowed to utilize that energy(to low of temps) In those cases, energy is stored as fat. Again, its not A or Z, it can be just unsightly or it can be harmful. At the lower levels of metabolism, snakes lose the ability to properly store energy and start to place fat in the organs. Snakes place fat in two main areas, externally and internal fat bodies. both are normal with internal fat bodies being the primary storage area. After those cannot store any more energy, fat remains in the blood and is puts extreme stress on the kidneys and then the liver.

So, if your feeding high amounts, then they must be supported with the ability to utilize those amounts. A temp range with higher temps. like 95F or above. I have posted pics if hogs with temps as high as 106F So that 95F is well within their range.

So you have a choice, if your going to use middle to low temps. Then feed low energy foods, or do not feed often. And yes, this is common sense, but apparently not many use common sense. See I ended with a jab. Your right, I am a bad bad guy. an Old bad arse, how good is that!

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Hide Replies ]