Hi Mike and Shawn,



What Mike says of V. rudicollis and other native Varanus there (i.e. V. bengalensis) is correct and appropriate for all Varanus species = a varied diet. A varied diet offers more minerals and proteins richer in some materials (calcium, phosphates, salt, etc.) than in others....V. rudicollis eat decapods (crabs), fish, and frogs (Rana sp.) = all this is within a paper in forth-coming publication. When an animal intakes sufficient Kcal (calories), metabolic functions in conjunction with proper temps and humidity kick into gear, and the animal is considered healthy. Poor health is when these factors do not work in sinc for the animal, when parasites, disease inundate the animal and may cause its demise.



Yes, Dragoon has had good success with her V. rudicollis - as a matter of fact, her animals' breeding are the best reported to me -



There is a middle ground here that people should move too - not a polarized one as this Country is currently in - vary the diet, enrich their diet with more natural - based food! A captive animal can only eat what you feed it - offer it variety, and for the experienced or even lay-keeper, one can easily note what makes the Varanus excited in its feeding venues... and yes, I too have noticed how crazy they get when Calotes is offered as a food source - like hookers at Mardi-gras!



cheers,

markb

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