Posted by:
althea
at Sun Mar 16 01:31:37 2008 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by althea ]
Hello--
Having kept both Leioheterodon modestus and geayi, I can only share my experience. Once established, they will accept f/t rodents. They tend to like multiple smaller food items, rather than one or two larger items. I've had quicker success offering rat pinks or fuzzies rather than mice. When offered on tongs/forceps, they tend to be cautious--tasting the air before approaching the food item. The most interesting aspect of feeding I've found is that they seem to like me keeping the rodent steady in the forceps until a firm grasp has been established. The animal pushes against the rodent with the rostral scale, then opens it's mouth to grab it in one motion.
If your animal is an import that has not had a fecal exam, I urge you to get one done since they can be heavily parasitized; may be a reason for non-feeding.
Patience is the key to establishing them. Tending to be shy by nature, feeling comfortable in the enclosure is an important first step. Then trusting you. It just takes time.
Best of luck--they are neat captives!
rgds,
althea
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RE: Madagascar feeding issue - althea, Sun Mar 16 01:31:37 2008 