Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well it's been a week since my 02 female got the cleaning of her life; I was pretty scared at first but, i'm happy to report that she is showing no ill effects from the bleaching!

I have a feeding question regarding her though. This is the same girl that has the stubby tail. She's growing very slowing lengthwise, being only about 3 1/2 feet long, about a ft. shorter than her sister who is a year younger. Weight wise, she's having no problems, weighing in at nearly 900grams and is very girthy!

She is feeding every 3-5 days on 50-60 gram rats and is beginning to show skin between the scales. I'm considering slowing her feeding down to only once every 7-10 days to avoid obesity since she is approaching 2 1/2 years old. Is this wise or should I continue the current feeding regimen?

Thanks!

Eric

I usually slow down a tad after 2 or 2 1/2 years....
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We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. Ralph Waldo Emerson

I agree; you might cut back a bit. Also, do you supplement your rat diet with quail and/or fish? I have found that those indigos who are given a varied diet tend to grow longer (fish is loaded with protein that is absorbed much more quickly than rats which tend to be much more fatty; same goes with quail); just something to consider. I wouldn't worry too much; she might just be a slow growing girl. I have one of her siblings who is currently at around 6' but is fed a great quantity of quail, fish (frozen thawed bait fish) and mice and rats.

That's interesting. I haven't really noticed any big differences in growth rate feeding supplemental fish and chicks, but I have noticed that they shed better.
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We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hello Eric,

I normally reduce the number of feedings to once every five days, once my Drys reach 2 years of age, and have yet to incur any ill effects from such.
By the way, I saw you got a kudos regarding the Missouri Herp Atlas. Congratulations! That's a great piece of work.

Jeff

Jeff,

Thanks for the advice and kind words!
Are you from Missouri? How is it that you're aware of the herp atlas?

Eric

You're very welcome, Eric,

I'm actually in Arkansas, but I know Richard Daniel, as I work within the same realm as he, for the university of Arkansas.

Jeff

Almost forgot, here's a link to it, incase anyone is interested in taking a peek at the great work Eric assisted with..

http://www.moherp.org/mha/pubs/atlas.pdf

Again, great job!!

Jeff

In the grand scheme of things, my contributions have been rather small but, i've enjoyed myself. I have a few more records to submit from this season.
Richard and Brian have done a great job!

Eric