Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am very interested in purchasing a asian vine snake, but their feeding habits could be expensive considering that they eat Anoles. I would like to know if the Lizard Maker product works on scenting pinkies.

Thank You,
Justin

I might be wrong on this, but from watching the vine snakes I've had in the past, they don't really go by scent, but by vision. It's not that pinkies or mice don't smell like lizards, they just don't really move around as much. I might be wrong though. I've never tried scenting a pinky to see what happens.

from my observations they do verify with scent when they do not readily recognise a food item. I've also had better luck trying to get them to eat something different when getting the substitute food animal to move more like the typical food animal, hop like a frog or crawl up the side like a lizard. A thin hard plastic tube with a loop of wire at one end is a good instrument for this purpose.

Forget the Lizard maker!!! It does not work on these visually based hunters. Even trying to get them to eat a dead gekko is a challange. You really need to trick them by moving the gekko invisably like a live one would do. Not easy. I have some CBB animals and they eat pinky's , but only by assist feeding. Once I place a pinky in the mouth they start to swallow by them selves. Anyway...my opinion....don't buy wildcaught vinesnakes if you cannot supply a constant 2 LIVE gekko's or anole a week per animal!!!! If you can...then they are sure a very rewarding and impressive species.

Good luck,

PJ

There's nothing wrong with trying alternative foods, but I definitely agree that you should be prepared with feeder lizards. I buy them in 50 or 100 lots they're cheaper that way. Even if you have only a couple of snakes it's worth it. By the way what the hell is a lizard maker?

Thanks for all your input.(By the way a lizard maker is a spray that supposed to smell like lizards.) We decided not to purchase the Vine Snake. They are a fascinating snake but right now I don't have the budget for anoles or geckos every week . Instead we purchased a Mexican Black Kingsnake. It's not as different but not as common as some other species. We got about a one foot female that I'm very pleased with. Thanks again for the input.

Justin

Justin,
I believe that you will enjoy your king. I have an adult male mexi black who is a joy--our classroom pet. Just be prepared to feed her many f/t mice or rat pups. Mine consumes 3 good sized pups every week.
regards,
althea