Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A while back I asked you why you dissagreed with some of the stuff on the NERD care sheet. I havent been here in awhile so it has moved down pretty far and I started this topic so you could see my reply. You said it was because they said something about feeding out of the cage to deal with feeding response. I agree terrible practice, but in the caresheet it is saying to just do it with young ones to convert them to frozen thawed so they feel more comfortable and secure. Also about feeding more than twice a week, I dont think they meant to say that because if you look through all their caresheets they have alot of the same info. I think they just copied and pasted some parts and change the name of the species and that part just slipped through. Sorry not trying to be offensive at all, I have nothing but respect for you and what you have done for green anacondas husbandry practice, I just thought you might have missinterpreted a few parts. Maybe if enough of us email them they would write up a new feeding section to their caresheet. Sorry for the long post.

Definitely no offense taken. I am always open to new ideas that can improve husbandry practices and the captive environment, and we are all on the learning curve in this area. Also, I have most assuredly been known to mis-read items. The error you pointed out in the part about the frequent feedings they had in the care sheet makes sense. I thought it odd that they were looking at twice weekly feedings with even young greens. On moving neonate greens to a separate feeding box, I think as shy as they are at this young age, moving them could in many cases cause them to be less likely to feed. Several small hides in their primary enclosure and/or crumpled paper placed over the hide entrance seem to satisfy their need for security. However, if things aren’t working, the separate feeding box is definitely worth a try. I know that it does seem to work with other species. Thanks for pointing out the above items as it did clarify things for me.

Kelly

Kelly, NERDS mostly Ball's, Retics, and Bloods. Retics have no problem with eating anything. Ball's depends on the ball but nothing serious like a green problem. Bloods easy enough when you know about them. Granted they have owned them and sold them before but don't work with nearly as many as you (Im assuming) and out of the 5 they own compared to the 50 you own the 5 they have may like being taken out of the cage for feeding.
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Pat
1.1 (100% het albino) Retics
1.1 Coastal Carpet Pythons

Yeah your way actually does sounds like it would put alot less stress on the animal. I will try that way next time I have a poor feeder instead of the cup trick, thanks for the info.

Retics especially and bloods once they get started are usually eating machines. Greens are one of the few boids that typically start feeding much later than the others. It would be very interesting to see if they start later like this in their natural environment.

Kelly

Greens seem to be pretty shy and hides would be more of a key factor.

Well, Im just glad to have shown a different opinion of it. Im not an anaconda person but I intend on getting some yellows later on or a calm male from you Kelly I just got a lot of learning to do and need a lot more space, rooms already filled with my carpets and my retics, and I think im getting some Bredli's soon so Any free space is already taken.
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Pat
1.1 (100% het albino) Retics
1.1 Coastal Carpet Pythons