Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Welcome to kingsnake.com's message board system. Here you may share and discuss information with others about your favorite reptile and amphibian related topics such as care and feeding, caging requirements, permits and licenses, and more. Launched in 1997, the kingsnake.com message board system is one of the oldest and largest systems on the internet.

Click for 65% off Shipping with Reptiles 2 You
Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research
Click here to visit Classifieds

Fattening up

shuggie728 Nov 05, 2006 12:02 PM

I recently rescued a mali that is nothing but skin and bones.
He was only offered kale his entire life.. and hes about a year and a half old.
I'm giving him collared greens, squash, raspberries, grapes, carrots, & millet seed daily and hes eating.
but is there anything else that I could offer give to help pack on the weight????
any help would be appreciated.

Replies (5)

el_toro Nov 05, 2006 03:09 PM

I would widen the variety of greens you offer - add in dandelion, bok choy, endive and escarole. You can offer a dry mix as well, including lentils, crushed beans (not kidney), wheat berries, seeds, bee pollen, etc.

Often the things that will fatten them up (like green peas) aren't very good for them. Time will do you best, I think. Also, have you had it checked for parasites? If it's eating and not gaining any weight, that might be the problem.
-----
Torey
Eugene, Oregon, USA
1.1 Saharan Uros (Joe and Arthur)
3.1 Mali Uros (Spike, Turtle, Tank, and Lilly)
1.1 Ornate Uros (Scuttlebutt and Shazzbot)
0.1 Collared Lizard (Rorschach)
2.1 Green Anoles (Bowser, Sprocket, Leeloo)
1.1 Chubby Housecats (Roscolux and Jenny)

UroTamer Nov 06, 2006 08:51 AM

I agree with el_toro on the possibility of parasites. If it's eating and not gaining weight an overabundance of nematodes or tapeworms could well be the cause. I personally had this problem with two of mine that turned out to be WC instead of CB as advertised.
A fresh fecal sample taken to the vet to be checked is advisable.
-----
**Kenn**
The Uros at home:
http://www.arabianwildlife.com/current/dubh.html
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/uromastyx.html
http://www.fortunecity.com/greenfield/runningbrook/729/id19.htm

PHEve Nov 07, 2006 07:56 AM

Hey girl, don't I know you, hehehhee

Glad to have you here too. I agree with the other buddies, check for parasites, and offer many good greens, I always leave a saucer of split peas and lentils, (right out of the bag) as a treat they can munch whenever they want.

Keep us updated on your new scaly kid , sure hope he does well.
-----
PHEve / Eve

Contact PHEve

jeune18 Nov 07, 2006 11:15 AM

i think i know you too

when i rescued helga, it was told to me to offer soybeans, either fresh or in their "peanut" form to help her gain weight, just make sure they are saltless
-----
vonnie

***I have learnt silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet strange, I am ungrateful to these teachers. Kahlil Gibran***

shuggie728 Nov 07, 2006 02:12 PM

Thanks everyone for the help!

I've been around him for the past year or so as I know his past owner...
and he has ALWAYS been a dull brown color
and now his head is durning grayish/blackish and he's getting his yellow on his body...
very quick distinct change in just a couple days...
Is that normal or just from stress???
I know that some are suposed to be that color but It happened so quickly it made me wonder.

Site Tools