Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi

I was interested in Ackies, I have read several caresheets and seen lots of pics. It seems that enclosure wise, their needs are very similar to bearded dragons. Diet, however, seems completely different. I've read some caresheets that recommend insects being the staple and staying away from pinkies as they are high in fat, I have seen others that recommend feeding mice on a regular basis. The biggest hurdle for me would be feeding mice. I would prefer not to touch any rodents dead or alive. I've heard that there's a product that's meant as a substitute to mice and it is marketed towards snakes. Is this a good treat once in a while?

Also, my last question is regarding handling. Would you need to wear leather gloves to handle them?

Thanks in advance for your guys' help.

Hy,

I keep my ackies stricktly on roaches and grasshoppers. This works perfectly well for me. Add vitamines and calcium each time you feed them and they'll stay healthy. There is no real need to feed mice.
Another point is my ackies avoid dead or non moving food. So dead mice won't work with my two ackies. But this maybe depent on each animal.
It is the same with handling those monitos. Some may bite and hurt you some won't. I have no problem handling my female but will never touch the male without protection.

Hope I helped you,

Nakor

Thanks.

What kind of roaches do you use? Are hissers not prolific enough to start a decent colony? Also, most set up information doesn't say anything about uvb lighting. Is this not necessary for ackies?

Thanks again!

Hi,

Not feeding mice to your ackies is not an issue at all - I feed mine mostly crickets, lightly dusted with mineral powder once in a while, and some roaches. You can also feed them raw ground turkey, which most of mine eat with no problems.

You can get the orange death's head roaches, lobster roaches, or I use the blaberus disciodales (not sure of the common name). You can order them from several guys on the web and start your own colony - they breed like crazy and are very easy to keep in a 10-gallon aquarium. I personally don't like the hissers because they are not as soft-bodied as some of the others.

Keep in mind that ackies eat mostly insects in the wild, so an insect diet in captivity is fine. I only mix in the roaches to give them a little variation. To me the three most important things are 1/deep substrate (I use 12-inches deep coconut bark) and 2/plenty of heat - I give them a basking spot of 120-130 degrees F and 3/An area where they can burrow and get cool/wet.

Good luck,
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Phil Black
www.VaranusWeb.com