Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Sorry for yet another question! I read somewhere that Rhino iguanas enjoy an occasional dead mouse. Lately, when my snake decides to go on a fast, I will drop the live mouse in and my Rhino "goes to town". He finishes the mouse in about 5 seconds. I think he has found his favorite meal and will stop at nothing to get inside the cage I have set up for my feeder mice.

Has anyone had experience with feeding Rhinos mice? I don't do it every day, but my Rhino sure loves the occassional treat!

I've never fed my rhinos mice. The don't eat mice in the wild. If you want to give a protein treat, try a piece of fish or raw shrimp. The would pick at dead fish washed on shore when they used to inhabit these areas before human habitation.

Never had the experience, but have heard of similar accounts feeding mice, dog and cat foods, which have been associated with premature deaths due to renal failure. Cornuta have addictive tendency toward high protiens. I will occassionally feed mine a few super worms which they aggresively devour. Aggressive behavior between the group seems to elevate after insect feeding. Rhinos are considered, "Opportunistic Feeders." A dove hunter claimed a lost kill was taken by a fat iguana sitting where it was thought to have landed. Ground nesting birds on the same island were never preyed upon. Scat analysis showed that cornuta eat leafy greens, insects, and fruits. Additional diet studies, including blood analysis are in progress. Maybe when published, opinions will vary. Although I have observed mine try to eat a tennis ball and a stuffed animal, I would be surprised if mice are ever considered a recommended food.