Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What do you guys feed your larger female breeders. Are rabbits and guini pigs better then feeding rats to 7, 8, and 9footers. What do you think?

the thing to keep in mind is high fat content can be bad for boas. Mature muscle mass is what you want to aim for.

When it comes to feeding, quality is first. Cost is the last consideration, if it even makes the list.

jb
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Jonathan Brady

Deviant Constrictors picturetrail

jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

What would be the acceptable % of fat? Domestic rats and mice are over 30% and what I feed to my non-breeders.
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4.4 BCI
1.3 BCC
2.1 Eastern Indigo
1.3 Western Hognose (Het Albino)
2.2 Ball Python (Het Pied/Spider/Pastel)
1.1 Chondro (Mixer/Sorong)
1.1 Retic (Possible Het Calico)
1.3.6 Crested Gecko
0.1 California Kingsnake (Striped)
0.0.1 Florida Softshell Turtle
0.0.1 African Long Neck Turtle
1.0 Pitbull
0.1 Bull Terrier
1.2 Kids
0.1 Ball and Chain

I wouldn't venture a guess about what's acceptable and what's not, but my guess is that the wild prey of wild boas probably have much less fat than your average feeder item. So for myself, I go with as little fat in the prey item as possible. My schedule goes mice until adult mice aren't enough, then weaned rats (I start with weaned rats based on the fact that animals that are still nursing have higher fat %'s in their bodies as well as stomachs full of mommas fattening milk). From there I go up until xl rats, then switch to weaned rabbits if needed.

That's just how I do it. I'm sure others have different methods that work great for them and their boas.

jb
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Jonathan Brady

Deviant Constrictors picturetrail

Makes sense. I have been raising my own rats and feed them Pedigree large breed dog food. Any suggestion on what the best food item for keeping the fat low on feeding rats? Also, does anyone have a suggestion for a quality rabbit breeder?
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4.4 BCI
1.3 BCC
2.1 Eastern Indigo
1.3 Western Hognose (Het Albino)
2.2 Ball Python (Het Pied/Spider/Pastel)
1.1 Chondro (Mixer/Sorong)
1.1 Retic (Possible Het Calico)
1.3.6 Crested Gecko
0.1 California Kingsnake (Striped)
0.0.1 Florida Softshell Turtle
0.0.1 African Long Neck Turtle
1.0 Pitbull
0.1 Bull Terrier
1.2 Kids
0.1 Ball and Chain

I wouldn't have a clue what to recommend to you. I'm a big fan of feeding a natural diet. As far as I know, wild rats eat pretty much anything, they're omnivorous scavengers. But they don't eat a lot of the added chemicals in dog food.

If you're stuck on feeding dog food, I'd find a high quality, no additive, natural food. I just found a brand named "Fromm" for my husky. It's under $80 for a 26 lb bag. It has a very natural ingredient list (meats, veggies, fruits) and no fillers, dies, or unknown chemicals. To me, that's what your valued snakes should be eating. And they are eating the food you feed your rats because we all know, you are what you eat. Garbage in, garbage out!

Again, just my opinion. jb
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Jonathan Brady

Deviant Constrictors picturetrail

I purchase my rat's from a selective rat breeder. He only feed's his rat's natural food! whole grain's real vegetable's and fruit!!!My snake's are very healthy and have bright color's. Prob just the blood but I think the rat's i feed them has something to do with it!!!

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All about the U!!!!