Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was at the Hamburg PA show yesterday. I was looking for jumbo rats but came across a couple selling dead newborn pigs for $1 a pound. Since my female breeder eats 3 jumbo rats a week getting in condition this time of year for breeding, i thought the piglets would be a nice and somewhat less expensive alternative. They also had large pigs but the price per pound went up considerably.

Any concerns about the health effects, safety or stool habits etc. from feeding piglets vs Rodents? I am aware that they are bald and pinkie like ? nutritional value concerns etc.

Winslow

Piglets and adult pigs are a common food for Retics. I know a few other breeders that also use goats. Only twice have I fed pigs, one piglet at 10 pounds, and the other a 30lb. The 10lb pig was fed to a 16 foot female and the 30lb pig was fed to a 19 foot female. The 16 foot gal had no trouble getting the piglet down but it took the 19 foot gal 3.5 hours to get down the 30lb pig.
I have yet to hear of any health issues with feeding pigs. The only advice I can give is NEVER feed a live piglet AT ANY SIZE. I grew up on a farm and we had pigs. Even as a two week old, baby pigs can be ruthless!!!! Litter mates have had to be seperated because of their fighting. I'm sure (like any creature in fear of it's life) it'll kill the snake or maim it.

At any rate, you get my point.
There is a beauty (IMHO)to feeding pigs. Both females cycled, and ovulated and delivered good sized clutches. Oh yeah!

Hope this all helps.
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Christine
Tails With Scales Reptiles
www.tailswithscales.com
Looks, brains, and venom . . . . how do I stay single?