Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I purchased a group of Candoia, and like I expected none will eat pinkies. I am ordering some frogs to get them started eating, but I am worried they wont switch over very fast and don't want to keep ordering expensive frogs every few weeks (though I will if I have to). Anyway my real question is does anyone know any toad or frog species native to ga that are safe as feeders? This would save me a ton of money if anyone could answer this for me. thanks.

Well, get some frogs like you are already doing, put them individually into a tiny bit of water and freeze them individually in it to keep them nice and fresh. Wash the rodent scent off the pinkie very well in plain water or even add just a bit of Ivory "un-scented" soap to do this. Then generously rub the frog all over the pinky(especially the face) to entice a feeding response from the Candoia when you offer it to the snake on a long thin pair of tongs head-first. You can do this many times with frozen items. Then simply gradually cut back on the amount of frog you scent them with over time. You can even stick a small piece of frog toe. or any small piece of limb that will fit into the pinkies mouth.

I would go over to the "Candoia (Ground Boa) forum" and ask those guys too. They deal with lots of reluctant feeders when they produce youngsters.

Anyway, when you scent prey items well, it usually works just as good as the actual prey item would. Heck, the snakes only care about what it smells like anyway..LOL! I do this alot with king and corn hatchlings with lizard scenting, etc...

good luck!

~Doug
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"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

my website -Serpentine Specialties

I'll reiterate what Doug said.

For scenting in general, you do not need a constant supply of live prey. One frozen prey item used over and over will work for scenting.

I found a roadkill fence lizard once, squashed. I took it home, froze it and used it for scenting. Worked great. I did not have to have a supply of live lizards.

'Course that was for montane kingsnakes. I know nothing about Candoia. I'm guessing that the theory still applies.
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Mark

I've known several Candoia breeders in the past that started neonates on f/t guppies from the local pet store. Start with straight guppies initially, and when they are feeding well on them, switch to guppy scented pinks as outlined in the two previous posts.

Kelly

thanks for all the input. I have dealt with having to scent before. But these are just a little more reluctant to switch over. Ill definitely try what you guys suggested.