Posted by:
Phil Peak
at Mon Jul 28 00:41:47 2008 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by Phil Peak ]
I guess the whole power feeding discussion is difficult to address unless it is defined in some way. My take at least is power feeding implies over feeding to the point that the snake in question becomes obese. There are obvious negatives to an obese snake including lessened activity, low reproductive potential and ultimitely a shortened life span. A well fed snake on the otherhand which is given ample room to move around and a variety of thermal gradients is all together different. I believe there is a misconception that wild snakes are generally thin and unhealthy. This is simply not the case and those that fit into this category are by far in the minority from my observations. I am more likely to see a wild snake that is stuffed with a large meal than I am to see one that I would consider emaciated.
My adult males usually take one or two meals post cooling and then fast through the breeding season. For two to three months they spend most of their time roaming their cages and breeding. Once this is through thet have lost weight and have ravenous appetites. At this point I will give them a good sized meal once a week through the duration of the summer. By the time they slow down again in the early fall they have regained their weight and are ready for winter cooling again. I feed my sexually active females generous sized meals until they have regained the weight that they have lost through the egg laying process.
Phil
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RE: power feeding questions...... - Phil Peak, Mon Jul 28 00:41:47 2008