Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Has anyone had any success feeding thawed lizards to Vine snakes (A. Prasina)? Mine eats live lizards with no problem, but I'm trying to be prepared for winter. I've tried switching it to rodents with no success at all. If thawed lizards are taken, I'll be in good shape.

I have had no luck getting them to take anything dead. Over the years it has turned out that most of the people who have told me that they got their snake to take mice were actually force-feeding or "assist-feeding."

The trouble seems to be that they are such visual hunters that they take no hint at all from the lizard or mouse on the tongs, but keep their eyes straight on my eyes (have you noticed that they maintain steady eye contact?). Even with the lizard scent and the jiggling on the tongs they see well enough to know that the thing to watch is me. I'm convinced now that the only way mine would take dead prey is if I hung it from the end of my nose. And I prefer not to.

To prepare for winter each year, all I do is stock up on anoles. They are not hard to keep. If you run out and your snakes are adult it won't do them any harm to wait a month or a month and a half in a pinch.

Henry

I appreciate the response. I have noticed that mine is very attentive as well. I'll just keep stocking up on anoles.

Thanks again,
FH