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Unpolished rice as a substrte?

Flavia Guimaraes Oct 16, 2003 07:49 AM

I was wondering whether i can use unpolished rice as a substrate for UROs.It is full of vitamins and nutrients and it is not easy to become mold!

Replies (13)

fruitionx Oct 16, 2003 09:01 AM

Hummm, i have never heard of it done...does not mean it is not ok however. I would be concerned abotu sharp edges of rice. At least the dry rice that i have seen has sharp edges and that might be troublesome to their insides. just a thought...also i would just stick to birdseed, sand or paper towels since you have had some issues with him eating his greens in the past. Maybe some one can give you a better idea but that is just my thoughts...
Good luck, it sounds good other than the sharp edges.
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Lauren
Leos and Uros

kanuck Oct 16, 2003 10:22 AM

I'd be hesitant about doing that. Rice can become moldy if it is defecated on. Sand is a much better substrate and has been proven over time by many keepers. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

zelda Oct 16, 2003 11:21 AM

People used to throw rice at weddings but it kills birds because they eat it and it swells up and binds them....wouldnt that be the same with Uros? Now it is customary to throw bird seeds or flower petals for the bride and groom....just my thoughts....Lyn

veronicag Oct 16, 2003 01:53 PM

I wouldn't use it. I use millet just as Dr. Dix of Deer Fern Farms uses. Its proven and safe.

Veronica
Link

Flavia Guimaraes Oct 17, 2003 06:45 AM

Look what i found in Kingsnake Birds Forum:

"Some hard cheese is not bad for your bird. they can also drink milk(preferably with cream of wheat) yogurt, a little ice cream. Remember, moderation in everything! Birds should eat lots of fresh fruit, veggies, brown rice,whole wheat breads and cereals, dog and cat kibbles,and some meat(chicken, tuna, beef). try sweet patotoes and beets, they love um! Good luck, Bobbi"

Brown rice is unpolished rice, correct?

Sunfox Oct 17, 2003 06:30 PM

n/p

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1 Mali Uromastyx named Ra

Flavia Guimaraes Oct 19, 2003 08:13 AM

http://www.snopes.com/weddings/horrors/birdrice.htm

Sunfox Oct 16, 2003 06:19 PM

Scientists just recently have proved that this isn't true. The rice doesn't swell in birds' stomachs and it doesn't kill them. Rice is perfectly safe for birds but seeds are still a better food item for them.
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1 Mali Uromastyx named Ra

Flavia Guimaraes Oct 16, 2003 08:21 PM

The problem with seeds is they are too much rich in phosphorus!Do you know the lentil's calcium/ phosphorus rate? Or millet?Unpolished rice has many vitamins and nutrients and (i think) not so much phosphorus!

Sunfox Oct 16, 2003 08:42 PM

Many people feed their uros millet seeds and have no problem at all. In fact, Doug Dix at Deer Fern Farms keeps his uros on millet seed substrate. If you're not sure about unpolished rice, try emailing him about it to see if he knows if it's good for uros or not. I've gotten several questions answered thanks to him. His email is douglasdix@deerfernfarms.com

Hope this helps

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1 Mali Uromastyx named Ra

Flavia Guimaraes Oct 17, 2003 06:32 AM

Are you renting rooms?lol!

Sunfox Oct 17, 2003 06:33 PM

I'd love to rent your large outdoors and beautiful hot weather so Ra could run around outside
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1 Mali Uromastyx named Ra

jimbo Oct 18, 2003 10:54 AM

>>I was wondering whether i can use unpolished rice as a substrate for UROs.It is full of vitamins and nutrients and it is not easy to become mold!
>>

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